Il Cucinologo
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Tuna, Herb, and Cherry Tomato Pasta

17/11/2023

Tuna, herb, and cherry tomato pasta is a simple but flavorful dish. Here is the recipe with a classic Italian touch.

Ingredients

  • 320 g of pasta (spaghetti, penne, or other pasta of your choice)
  • 200 g of tuna in oil
  • 150 g of cherry tomatoes
  • 1 bunch of fresh herbs (basil, parsley, chives)
  • 2 cloves of garlic
  • 4 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste
  • (optional) chili flakes to taste
  • (optional) Taggiasca or pitted black olives

Preparation

  1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil for the pasta. Once the water starts boiling, add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions for al dente texture.

  2. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat and add the peeled garlic cloves (which you can remove after they have browned, if you prefer a less intense aroma).

  3. Cut the cherry tomatoes in half or quarters according to your preference and add them to the skillet as soon as the garlic is golden.

  4. Drain the oil from the tuna and add it to the skillet with the tomatoes. If you prefer, you can leave some of the tuna oil to further enrich the sauce.

  5. Cook the sauce over low heat for a few minutes. If desired, add a pinch of chili for some heat to the dish and the Taggiasca or black olives cut into rounds.

  6. Drain the al dente pasta, reserving some cooking water, and add it to the skillet with the tuna and tomatoes. If the pasta seems too dry, you can add a bit of the reserved cooking water.

  7. While the pasta is absorbing flavors in the skillet, chop the fresh herbs and add them to the dish, mixing well to distribute them evenly.

  8. Plate the pasta, adjust salt and pepper, and garnish with some fresh herb leaves.

Trivia

Canned tuna is a very commonly used ingredient in Italian kitchens for its convenience and versatility. Paired with cherry tomatoes, it creates a light and tasty sauce that pairs perfectly with the freshness of aromatic herbs. This dish is ideal for a summer meal or when looking for a quick but delicious option.