Imagine transporting yourself to the sun-drenched coastlines of Sicily with a single forkful of pasta - no passport required! This Easy Sicilian Style Tuna Pasta is your culinary ticket to a Mediterranean flavor adventure that's incredibly simple to create. Perfect for busy home cooks who crave restaurant-quality meals without spending hours in the kitchen, this recipe transforms humble ingredients into a vibrant, mouth-watering dish that will have your family and friends begging for seconds.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Sicilian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Pasta
- Canned tuna
- Cherry tomatoes
- Garlic
- Olive oil
- Parsley
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Choose a pasta shape like penne or spaghetti that will hold the sauce well.
- While the water is heating, drain the canned tuna and set aside. Rinse the tuna if it's packed in oil to reduce excess fat.
- Wash and halve the cherry tomatoes. Finely mince the garlic cloves and chop fresh parsley.
- Add pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Add halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until they start to soften and release their juices.
- Gently break the tuna into chunks and add to the skillet. Stir carefully to combine with tomatoes.
- Drain the pasta, reserving a small cup of pasta water. Add the pasta directly to the skillet with tuna and tomatoes.
- Toss everything together, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to create a light sauce.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top.
- Serve immediately, garnishing with additional parsley if desired. Best enjoyed hot and fresh.
Tips
- Choose high-quality canned tuna for the best flavor - preferably packed in olive oil for authentic Italian taste.
- Don't overcook the pasta - aim for al dente to maintain the perfect texture.
- Reserve some pasta water before draining, as its starchy consistency helps create a silky sauce.
- Use fresh cherry tomatoes for maximum flavor and brightness.
- Sauté garlic carefully to prevent burning, which can make it taste bitter.
- Fresh parsley is key - it adds a burst of color and fresh herbaceous notes.
- For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the pasta at its most flavorful and texturally perfect moment.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 25mg
