Looking for a quick and delicious meal that packs a punch? Dive into the world of flavors with our Spicy Chili Tuna Pasta! This Italian-inspired dish combines the richness of tuna with the fiery kick of red chili flakes, all tossed with perfectly cooked pasta and vibrant cherry tomatoes. In just 25 minutes, you can whip up a satisfying meal that’s sure to impress your family and friends. Whether you're a busy professional or a cooking novice, this recipe is your ticket to a gourmet experience without the fuss. Ready to spice up your dinner routine? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 1 can tuna, drained
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon red chili flakes
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- While pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red chili flakes, sautéing for 30-45 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Add halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until they start to soften and release their juices.
- Drain the canned tuna and gently break it into chunks. Add to the skillet and stir carefully to combine with tomatoes.
- Drain the cooked pasta and immediately add it to the skillet. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water as needed to create a light sauce.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution of ingredients.
- Remove from heat and transfer to serving plates. Garnish with fresh torn basil leaves.
- Serve immediately while hot, optionally with a drizzle of extra olive oil and additional chili flakes for extra heat.
Tips
- Pasta Perfection: Make sure to salt the boiling water generously before adding the pasta. This step enhances the flavor of the pasta itself, making your dish even more delicious.
- Reserve Pasta Water: Don’t forget to reserve that 1/2 cup of pasta water! It’s a secret weapon for creating a silky sauce that clings to your pasta beautifully.
- Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of red chili flakes. Conversely, if you crave more heat, feel free to add extra flakes or even a dash of hot sauce.
- Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh basil for garnish; it adds a burst of flavor and a beautiful touch to your presentation. Consider adding other fresh herbs like parsley for a different twist.
- One-Pan Wonder: For easier cleanup, try cooking the pasta and sauce in the same large skillet after boiling the pasta. Just be sure to add the pasta to the skillet with the sauce while it’s still warm.
- Serve with Style: Drizzle a little extra olive oil and sprinkle some additional chili flakes on top before serving for that restaurant-quality finish.With these tips, your Spicy Chili Tuna Pasta will not only be easy to make but also a delightful dish that will keep everyone coming back for more!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 25mg
