Canned Tuna Pasta
This garlic tomato tuna pasta turns a handful of pantry staples into a simple, satisfying dinner. Canned tuna, tomatoes, garlic, and spaghetti come together in a light, flavorful sauce that's perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces spaghetti
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes plus more for serving
- 1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
- 2 5-ounce cans tuna, drained
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley plus more for serving
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to the package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water, then drain.
- Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes and cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, salt, and black pepper. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
- Add the tuna and lemon juice and gently stir to combine. Cook for 2-3 minutes, just until the tuna is warmed through.
- Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet along with a splash of the reserved pasta water. Toss until the pasta is evenly coated in the sauce, adding more pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
- Remove from the heat and stir in the parsley.
- Divide between bowls and garnish with additional parsley and a pinch of red pepper flakes before serving.