Ingredients:
- Pasta: 1 pound dried pasta (spaghetti, linguine, penne, or your favorite shape).
- Olive Oil: 3-4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil.
Aromatics:
- 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
Flavor Enhancers (select one or more for variety):
- 4-5 anchovy fillets (optional, for deeper flavor)
- 1/4 cup capers, rinsed
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Tuna:
- 2 (5-ounce) cans of tuna packed in olive oil, drained
Tomato Base:
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes OR
- 2 (14.5-ounce) cans diced tomatoes, undrained, for a chunkier sauce
- Fresh Herbs: 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley or basil (or a mix)
- Salt and Pepper: To taste
- Optional Garnishes: Grated Parmesan cheese, extra chopped herbs
Instructions:
Prep and Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions for al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water before draining.
Make the Sauce:
- While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onions and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the garlic and any of the selected flavor enhancers (anchovies, capers, red pepper flakes). Sauté for 1 minute more, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add the tuna and break it up gently with a spoon.
- Pour in the crushed or diced tomatoes. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. You can simmer longer for a thicker sauce.
Combine Pasta & Sauce:
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to combine. If the sauce seems too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water a bit at a time to loosen it.
- Stir in most of the fresh herbs (reserve some for garnish). Taste and adjust with salt and pepper as needed.
Serve:
- Divide the pasta into bowls. Top with a sprinkle of the remaining fresh herbs and grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Tips:
- Quality Tuna: For the best flavor, use good-quality tuna packed in olive oil.
- Customize It: Add other vegetables like chopped bell peppers, olives, or spinach.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of chili flakes for a little kick.
- Make it Creamy: Stir in a splash of heavy cream at the end for extra richness.
