Save A vibrant, Mediterranean-inspired pasta dish featuring flaky canned tuna, briny olives, and tangy capers in a savory tomato sauce.
Whenever I'm craving a comforting meal that reminds me of summers in Italy, I whip up this pasta. Each bite takes me back to lively family dinners, everyone laughing around the table with bowls of fragrant, steaming pasta.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 400 g (14 oz) dried spaghetti or linguine
- Extra virgin olive oil: 2 tbsp
- Garlic: 3 cloves, finely sliced
- Red onion: 1 small, finely diced
- Canned crushed tomatoes: 400 g (14 oz)
- Canned tuna in olive oil: 160 g (5.5 oz), drained and flaked
- Pitted black olives: 80 g (1/2 cup), sliced
- Capers: 2 tbsp, rinsed and drained
- Dried oregano: 1/2 tsp
- Red pepper flakes: 1/4 tsp (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: To taste
- Fresh flat-leaf parsley: 2 tbsp, chopped
- Lemon zest: Zest of 1 lemon
Instructions
- Cook the pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain.
- Sauté aromatics:
- While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and red onion. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened.
- Simmer the sauce:
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce slightly thickens.
- Add tuna, olives, and capers:
- Add tuna, olives, and capers to the sauce. Gently heat through for 2–3 minutes, careful not to break up the tuna too much.
- Combine pasta and sauce:
- Toss the drained pasta into the sauce, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen. Mix in lemon zest and half the parsley.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately, garnished with remaining parsley and an extra drizzle of olive oil if desired.
Save 
Save This pasta quickly became a favorite in our household. The kids ask for extra lemon zest on top, and even picky eaters dig right in!
Best Pairings
Enjoy with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Vermentino. A simple arugula salad complements the briny flavors beautifully.
Ingredient Swaps
Try green olives instead of black for a slightly sweeter, milder profile. Gluten-free pasta works perfectly for those avoiding wheat.
Allergen Advice
Contains wheat (gluten) and fish. For strict dietary needs, read all canned ingredient labels.
Save 
Save This Mediterranean pasta comes together effortlessly for any night. Serve hot and enjoy every zesty, briny bite with loved ones!
Recipe FAQ
- → What type of pasta works best for this dish?
Spaghetti or linguine are ideal for this dish as they hold the sauce well and complement the Mediterranean flavors.
- → Can I substitute the tuna with fresh fish?
While canned tuna offers convenience and flavor, fresh fish can be used if gently cooked and flaked to maintain texture.
- → How do olives and capers affect the overall taste?
Olives add a briny richness, while capers contribute a tangy, slightly sharp note that balances the tomato sauce beautifully.
- → Is it necessary to reserve pasta water?
Reserving pasta water helps loosen the sauce and allows it to adhere better to the pasta for a cohesive texture.
- → Can this dish be made gluten-free?
Yes, by substituting regular pasta with gluten-free alternatives, this dish remains suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
- → What herbs enhance the flavor in this dish?
Fresh parsley and dried oregano provide herbal freshness and depth, complementing the tomato and seafood elements.