Nani's Zesty Tuna Pasta

Name: Nani's Zesty Tuna Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 12 ounces spaghetti; 2 cans tuna in olive oil, drained; 1/3 cup sun dried tomatoes, chopped; 2 tablespoons capers; 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped; Salt and black pepper to taste; Red pepper flakes, optional

A simple and bright pasta dish that turns humble pantry staples into a satisfying Italian inspired dinner.

By Recipes By Nani· 🌍 Italian· July 18, 2026

recipesbynani.com

Prep

10 minutes

Cook

15 minutes

Total

25 minutes

Serves

This tuna pasta is a regular favorite in my kitchen when I need something quick but tasty. It uses ingredients you likely already have on hand like spaghetti, sun dried tomatoes, and canned tuna, which makes it a perfect solution for busy weeknights when you do not want to go to the store.

I love how the lemony herb oil brings all the flavors together. My quick tip is to save a little bit of the pasta water before you drain it, as adding that starchy water to the sauce helps everything coat the noodles perfectly.

🧺 Ingredients

12 ounces spaghetti
2 cans tuna in olive oil, drained
1/3 cup sun dried tomatoes, chopped
2 tablespoons capers
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Salt and black pepper to taste
Red pepper flakes, optional

👩‍🍳Instructions

1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to the package directions until it is al dente.
2
While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
3
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about one minute until it is fragrant, being careful not to let it brown.
4
Stir in the sun dried tomatoes, capers, and the drained tuna, breaking the tuna apart gently with a wooden spoon.
5
Reserve a small splash of the pasta water, then drain the spaghetti.
6
Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the tuna mixture.
7
Drizzle in the lemon juice and add the fresh parsley, tossing everything well to combine.
8
If the pasta seems a little dry, add the reserved pasta water one tablespoon at a time until it reaches a nice consistency.
9
Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat, then serve warm.

💡 Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. This dish is great served warm, but it also tastes lovely at room temperature if you are taking it to work for lunch.

#pasta #seafood #dinner #quick meal #high protein

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