Savoring Italian Tuna Spaghetti with Capers
This delightful dish is inspired by a cherished family recipe from my girlfriend Lauren's father, who introduced me to the rich flavors of imported Italian tuna. This spaghetti features a savory red sauce enriched with succulent tuna and tangy capers, making it an ideal meatless meal full of depth and authenticity. Perfect for a casual dinner or a special gathering, this pasta dish infuses the nostalgic comfort of home cooking with the vibrant essence of Italian cuisine. Enjoy this recipe any day of the week, whether during Lent or as a delightful meal that captures the spirit of family gatherings.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
1 tablespoon (none)
onion
1/2 cup (chopped)
garlic cloves
2 (minced)
crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon (none)
anchovy fillet
1 (finely chopped (optional))
crushed tomatoes
28 ounces (canned)
capers
3 tablespoons (none)
Italian tuna in olive oil
12 ounces (2 (6-ounce) cans, drained from one can)
spaghetti
1 pound (none)
fresh parsley or basil
to garnish (chopped)
Instructions
1
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat until shimmering.
2
Add the chopped onion and optional anchovy fillet to the skillet, sautéing until the onion is soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
3
Stir in the crushed red pepper flakes and minced garlic, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.
4
Pour in the crushed tomatoes, stirring well and reducing the heat to low to let the sauce simmer and develop its flavors.
5
Add in the capers and the two cans of Italian tuna, draining the oil from one can and adding the tuna directly to the sauce. Use a fork to gently break up larger pieces of tuna, ensuring it's well-incorporated.
6
While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti until al dente, about 7 minutes. Drain the pasta.
7
Toss the cooked spaghetti with the tuna red sauce in a serving bowl until the pasta is evenly coated.
8
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil before serving hot.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is called Savoring Italian Tuna Spaghetti with Capers.
Who inspired this tuna spaghetti recipe?
This dish was inspired by a cherished family recipe from the creator's girlfriend Lauren's father.
Is this recipe suitable for a meatless meal?
Yes, it is an ideal meatless meal that is perfect for occasions like Lent.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
What type of tuna is recommended for this dish?
The recipe calls for 12 ounces of Italian tuna in olive oil, specifically two 6-ounce cans.
Should I drain the oil from the tuna cans?
You should drain the oil from one can and add the tuna from both cans to the sauce.
What kind of pasta is used in this recipe?
One pound of spaghetti is used for this recipe.
How long should the spaghetti be cooked?
The spaghetti should be cooked until al dente, which takes about 7 minutes.
Are anchovies required for the sauce?
No, the one finely chopped anchovy fillet is optional.
What provides the tangy flavor in the sauce?
Three tablespoons of capers provide the signature tangy flavor in this dish.
What kind of tomatoes are used?
The recipe uses 28 ounces of canned crushed tomatoes.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
The recipe requires 2 minced garlic cloves.
Is this dish spicy?
It has a slight kick from 1/2 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes.
What is the first step in making the sauce?
The first step is to heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
How long do you sauté the onions?
The chopped onions should be sautéed until soft and translucent, which takes about 5 minutes.
What should I use for a garnish?
You can garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley or basil.
How do you incorporate the tuna into the sauce?
Use a fork to gently break up larger pieces of tuna to ensure it is well-incorporated into the sauce.
Do you serve the sauce on top of the pasta?
No, the cooked spaghetti should be tossed with the tuna red sauce in a serving bowl until evenly coated.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 10 ingredients.
What heat setting is used to simmer the sauce?
The sauce should be simmered on low heat to allow the flavors to develop.
What is the category of this recipe?
The recipe is categorized under Tuna.
Can this be prepared as a quick dinner?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick dinner and a seafood pasta.
How much onion is needed?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of chopped onion.
Should the pasta water be salted?
Yes, the spaghetti should be cooked in a large pot of salted water.
When do you add the garlic and red pepper flakes?
Add them after the onions are soft, cooking for about one minute until fragrant.
What is the primary cooking oil used?
One tablespoon of olive oil is used for sautéing.
Does this recipe include nutritional information like calories?
No, the nutritional values like calories, fat, and protein are not specified in this record.
Is this considered an authentic Italian dish?
The description notes it captures the vibrant essence of Italian cuisine and uses imported Italian tuna.
How many tags are associated with this recipe?
There are 9 tags, including spaghetti, tuna, and family recipe.
What is the consistency of the tuna in the final sauce?
The tuna should be succulent and well-incorporated, with larger pieces gently broken up with a fork.