Tuna Pasta Recipe Mediterranean-style
This simple tuna pasta recipe comes together in 20 minutes or less! You’ll love the texture and bold Mediterranean flavors thanks to ingredients like garlic, bell peppers, parsley, lemon, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
This canned tuna pasta recipe is quick and uses pantry ingredients you may already have on hand. It’s not a fancy dinner by any means, but it is absolutey delicious and packed with bold Mediterranean flavors that will please adults and kids alike!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Servings: 5 people (up to)
Ingredients:
⭐¾ lb spaghetti (or pasta of your choice)
⭐Kosher salt (I use Diamond Crystal)
⭐1 ½ cups frozen peas
⭐Extra virgin olive oil (I use Private Reserve Greek extra virgin olive oil)
⭐1 red bell pepper, cored and cut into thin strips
⭐6 garlic cloves, minced
⭐2 5- oz cans solid albicore tuna, drained
⭐Zest of 1 lemon
⭐Juice of ½ lemon, more to your liking
⭐Handful chopped fresh parsley (about 1 ounce)
⭐1 teaspoon dried oregano
⭐Black pepper, to your liking
⭐6 to 8 pitted kalmata olives sliced
⭐1 jalapeno pepper (optional), sliced
⭐Grated Parmesan cheese to your liking
Instructions:
⭐Bring 3 quarts of water to a rolling boil and add 1 tablespoon of kosher salt. Cook the pasta in the boiling water to al dante according to package (most spaghetti will cook in 9 to 11 minutes or so). After the pasta has been cooking for 5 minutes, add the frozen peas to cook with the pasta for the remainder of the time. When the pasta is ready, take ¾ cup of the cooking water and set it aside. Drain the pasta and peas in a colander.
⭐In a large, deep cooking pan, heat 2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil over medium-high till shimmering but not smoking. Add the red bell peppers and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, tossing regularly. Add the garlic and cook, tossing frequently, for 30 seconds or so until fragrant.
⭐Now, add the cooked pasta and peas to the pan and toss to combine. Add the tuna, lemon zest, lemon juice, parsley, oregano, black pepper, kalamata olives, jalapeno if using, and a big sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Drizzle a bit of extra virgin olive oil and some of the pasta cooking water as needed. Give everything a toss. Taste and adjust seasoning to your liking.
⭐Transfer the tuna pasta to serving bowls. Enjoy!
Notes:
Time Saving Tip: Get the pasta water boiling and begin to prep the rest of the ingredients while the pasta cooks.
Cook’s Tip: Most spaghetti pasta will take anywhere from 9 to 12 minutes to cook in boiling water. After 5 minutes of cooking, that’s when you’ll add the frozen peas which will cook together with the spaghetti for the rest of the time. You do not need to thaw the frozen peas before using in this recipe.
Cook’s Tip: If you’re using quality canned tuna that’s packed in good extra virgin olive oil, you do not need to drain the tuna. The olive oil from the can will be highly flavored and will enhance this pasta dish.
For Mediterranean Diet friendly: use whole grain pasta
Nutritional Info:
Calories: 374.3kcal | Carbohydrates: 58g | Protein: 25.1g | Saturated Fat: 0.7g | Potassium: 456.9mg | Fiber: 5.1g | Vitamin A: 1119.5IU | Vitamin C: 52.2mg | Calcium: 42.8mg | Iron: 2.3mg