Name: Spaghetti with Tuna and Capers Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 12 oz spaghetti; 3 cloves garlic, minced; ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional); Zest and juice of 1 lemon; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley; 1 can (5–6 oz) tuna in olive oil, drained and flaked; 2 tablespoons olive oil; ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); 2 tablespoons capers, rinsed and drained; Salt and black pepper to taste; Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Description

A quick and flavorful Italian-inspired pasta dish featuring spaghetti tossed with tuna, capers, garlic, and a bright touch of lemon. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this recipe combines pantry staples to create a satisfying main course with a balance of savory and tangy flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

12 oz spaghetti

Produce

3 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Canned Goods

1 can (5–6 oz) tuna in olive oil, drained and flaked

Pantry Items

2 tablespoons olive oil
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
2 tablespoons capers, rinsed and drained
Salt and black pepper to taste

Dairy (Optional)

Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

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Instructions

Cook the spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve half a cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the spaghetti.
Sauté aromatics: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, if using, sautéing for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
Add tuna, capers, and tomatoes: Stir in the flaked tuna, capers, and cherry tomatoes if included. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and tomatoes to soften slightly.
Toss pasta with sauce: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet. Stir in lemon zest and lemon juice, tossing everything together. Use reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce for a silky consistency.
Season and garnish: Adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper. Remove from heat, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the pasta, and toss gently to combine. Serve immediately with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

Use oil-packed tuna for a richer flavor, though water-packed tuna can be substituted.
Add olives or fresh spinach to vary the dish and add more layers of flavor.
This recipe comes together quickly, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknight meals.