Pasta al Tonno alla Calabrese Recipe Guide
Pasta al Tonno alla Calabrese
Equipment
- Equipment Needed
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Colander
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- Ingredients
- For the Pasta:
- 400 g 14 oz spaghetti or linguine
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic finely sliced
- 1-2 Calabrian chili peppers finely chopped (or 1 tsp chili flakes for milder heat)
- 200 g 7 oz canned tuna in olive oil, drained
- 6-8 pitted black olives sliced
- 1 tablespoon capers rinsed
- 400 g 14 oz canned diced tomatoes
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Method
- Step 1: Prepare the Pasta
- Fill a large pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt, and bring it to a boil.
- Add the spaghetti or linguine and cook until al dente, following the package instructions (usually 8-10 minutes).
- Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta in a colander.
- Step 2: Cook the Sauce
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the garlic and Calabrian chili, cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Stir in the tuna, breaking it into smaller chunks with a wooden spoon. Cook for another 2 minutes.
- Add the olives, capers, and canned tomatoes. Stir well and let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Step 3: Combine Pasta and Sauce
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce.
- Toss everything together, ensuring the pasta is well coated. If the sauce seems too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Step 4: Garnish and Serve
- Transfer the pasta to serving plates or a large serving dish.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
- Serve immediately and enjoy this Calabrian delight!
- Tips and Variations
- Substitutions for Dietary Needs:
- Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version.
- For a dairy-free option, ensure your canned tuna and ingredients are free from hidden dairy.
- Replace tuna with canned chickpeas or sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian twist.
- Additions:
- Sprinkle grated Pecorino Romano or Parmesan for an extra flavor boost.
- Incorporate anchovy fillets for a richer umami flavor.
- Mild Version:
- Reduce the chili or use sweet bell peppers instead for a milder taste.
Pasta al Tonno alla Calabrese is a delicious and quick pasta dish from the Calabria region in southern Italy. Known for its bold flavors and simplicity, this dish combines the richness of tuna with the spiciness of Calabrian chili, garlic, and olives. From my own personal experience, it’s a perfect meal for those busy evenings when you want something hearty yet easy to prepare. Let me show you how I make this flavorful recipe, step by step.
Notes on What to Expect When Making Pasta al Tonno alla Calabrese
- Simplicity in Preparation:
This recipe is straightforward and perfect for beginners. The ingredients are minimal yet flavorful, making it quick to put together with pantry staples like canned tuna, tomatoes, and pasta. - Fragrant Cooking Process:
As you sauté the garlic and chili in olive oil, the kitchen will fill with an irresistible aroma. This step sets the foundation for the bold flavors of the dish. - Rich and Balanced Flavors:
Expect a delightful balance of flavors: the richness of the tuna, the tanginess of the tomatoes, the briny bite of olives and capers, and a spicy kick from the Calabrian chili. - Customizable Heat:
You can adjust the spice level to your preference. If you’re sensitive to heat, use fewer chili peppers or substitute them with sweet bell peppers. For those who love spice, Calabrian chili peppers deliver a robust kick without overpowering the dish. - Quick Assembly:
Since the sauce comes together in just a few minutes, timing is crucial. Make sure your pasta is ready when the sauce is finished so you can toss them together while everything is hot and fresh. - Pasta Texture:
The key to success is cooking the pasta al dente. It should have a slight bite, as it will absorb some of the sauce’s flavors when tossed together. - Visual Appeal:
The dish is a feast for the eyes, with vibrant red tomatoes, golden olive oil, and fresh green parsley adding a pop of color. - Freshness in Garnish:
The parsley garnish adds a fresh and herbaceous finish to the dish, complementing the rich and spicy flavors. - Minimal Cleanup:
Since this recipe only requires a pot for the pasta and a skillet for the sauce, cleanup is relatively easy perfect for a quick meal with minimal hassle. - Hearty Yet Light:
The combination of tuna and pasta makes this dish satisfying without being overly heavy. It’s a wholesome option for both a casual lunch and a comforting dinner.
Details at a Glance
- Cuisine: Italian (Calabrian)
- Course: Main Course
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Time to Stand: None
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Ease of Cooking: Easy
- Servings: 4
- Calories per Serving: ~420
- Cost of Ingredients: Moderate
Equipment Needed
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Colander
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- > Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for creating a Savory #Pasta al Tonno alla Calabrese now.
Ingredients
- For the Pasta:
- 400g (14 oz) spaghetti or linguine
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, finely sliced
- 1-2 Calabrian chili peppers, finely chopped (or 1 tsp chili flakes for milder heat)
- 200g (7 oz) canned tuna in olive oil, drained
- 6-8 pitted black olives, sliced
- 1 tablespoon capers, rinsed
- 400g (14 oz) canned diced tomatoes
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- > Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for creating a Savory #Pasta al Tonno alla Calabrese now.
Method
Step 1: Prepare the Pasta
- Fill a large pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt, and bring it to a boil.
- Add the spaghetti or linguine and cook until al dente, following the package instructions (usually 8-10 minutes).
- Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta in a colander.
Step 2: Cook the Sauce
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the garlic and Calabrian chili, cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Stir in the tuna, breaking it into smaller chunks with a wooden spoon. Cook for another 2 minutes.
- Add the olives, capers, and canned tomatoes. Stir well and let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
Step 3: Combine Pasta and Sauce
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce.
- Toss everything together, ensuring the pasta is well coated. If the sauce seems too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
- Transfer the pasta to serving plates or a large serving dish.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
- Serve immediately and enjoy this Calabrian delight!
Tips and Variations
- Substitutions for Dietary Needs:
- Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version.
- For a dairy-free option, ensure your canned tuna and ingredients are free from hidden dairy.
- Replace tuna with canned chickpeas or sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian twist.
- Additions:
- Sprinkle grated Pecorino Romano or Parmesan for an extra flavor boost.
- Incorporate anchovy fillets for a richer umami flavor.
- Mild Version:
- Reduce the chili or use sweet bell peppers instead for a milder taste.
- > Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for creating a Savory #Pasta al Tonno alla Calabrese now.
Notes on What to Expect
This dish is bursting with the bold, hearty flavors of southern Italy. The tuna’s richness pairs perfectly with the tangy tomatoes, briny olives, and capers. Expect a slightly spicy kick from the chili, balanced by the sweetness of the tomatoes. It’s a light yet satisfying pasta that’s quick enough for weeknights but flavorful enough to impress guests.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 550mg
Closing
I hope this guide has made creating Pasta al Tonno alla Calabrese seem a little less daunting. Have you tried this recipe before, or do you plan to? Please, be honest, and let me know in the comments below. I love hearing feedback from a real person like you, so please, leave your honest comment.
Hello all,
Zio Leo here!
Cooking and sharing great food brings people together in the most authentic way, in my own personal experience, and with a lifelong passion for Italian cuisine, I’m here to share tips, recipes, and stories that celebrate the rich flavors of Italy. From classic dishes to modern twists, have my guides inspired you to bring a little bit of Italy into your kitchen? Please, be honest with me here. Leave your comments down below. I’d love to hear from real people like you. Read more about me here! =>>
