20-minute Lemony Mediterranean Pasta
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
15 mins
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Total Time
20 mins
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Servings
4 (3 to 4)
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Calories
269 kcal
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Cuisine
Mediterranean
20-minute Lemony Mediterranean Pasta
Description
20-minute Lemony Mediterranean Pasta blends canned cherry tomatoes, drained tuna, and aromatic spices to create a flavorful sauce that coats strands of spaghetti or similar pasta. The addition of ground cinnamon and Italian herbs provides complexity to the tomato base, while honey adds gentle sweetness balancing the acidity. Fresh lemon zest and juice brighten the dish and complement the salty cheeses.
The pasta is cooked until tender, then directly combined with the simmered sauce, allowing starch from the pasta water to help create a smooth consistency. Crumbled feta and grated Parmesan add creamy and salty depth, and fresh basil infuses fresh aromatic tones.
This pasta can be served with toasted bread brushed with olive oil and salt, and a green salad for a complete meal. The recipe suits home cooks looking for a meal that comes together quickly with easily sourced ingredients, showcasing Mediterranean flavors without complex techniques.
To ensure even cooking, prepare ingredients in advance and add cooked pasta directly to the sauce for a silky finish. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and optional chili flakes for personal preference.
Ingredients
- 5 ounces spaghetti (or linguine, tagliatelle, or any other pasta)
- 1 onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic crushed
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon mixed Italian herbs (or choose 1: thyme, oregano, basil)
- 1 can cherry tomato 14-ounce or 400-gram can) Ordinary canned chopped tomatoes are fine too
- 1 pinch chili flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 6.5 ounces tuna (1 can or 185 grams) Drained. I usually go for tuna in spring water or in olive oil
- 1 lemon zest and juice
- ¼ cup Parmesan Cheese grated
- ½ bunch basil plus a little extra to garnish (or parsley if basil isn't available, fresh
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
- ⅓ cup feta cheese crumbled or cubed (around 50 grams or 1.75 ounces)
to serve
- green salad optional, fresh green salad; toasted bread with olive oil and salt
- bread
- olive oil
- salt
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to the cooking instructions.
- Meanwhile, soften the onion in a little olive oil in a frying pan or large saucepan. After a few minutes, add the garlic and cook for a minute longer. Then add the cinnamon and dried herbs and cook for another few seconds.
- Add the tomatoes and around half a cup of water to the pan. Simmer for around 5 minutes or until the sauce has reduced slightly and the pasta is cooked. Stir in the honey.
- Now stir in the tuna, lemon zest and juice, parmesan cheese and fresh herbs. Grind in some salt and black pepper to taste.
- Use kitchen tongs (or a slotted spoon if not using long pasta) to lift the pasta straight out of the water and into the tomato sauce. Add the feta cheese. Stir well, adding a ladle or two of pasta cooking water if needed.
- Serve into bowls immediately. Sprinkle with extra parmesan and fresh herbs if you like.
Notes
- Prepare all ingredients before starting so the sauce can be cooked while pasta boils.
- Use kitchen tongs or a slotted spoon to transfer pasta from water to sauce to achieve a silky consistency.
- Feel free to substitute linguine, tagliatelle, or pappardelle for spaghetti.
- A pinch of chili flakes or finely chopped chili adds mild heat; omit if preferred.
- If fresh basil is unavailable, parsley with a teaspoon of dried basil works as a substitute.
- Serve with toasted bread and a fresh green salad to round out the meal.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4(3 to 4)
Amount Per Serving
Calories 269 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 269kcal | 13% |
| Carbohydrates | 38g | 13% |
| Protein | 18g | 36% |
| Fat | 5g | 8% |
| Saturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Cholesterol | 32mg | 11% |
| Sodium | 358mg | 15% |
| Potassium | 274mg | 6% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 8g | 16% |
| Vitamin A | 206IU | 4% |
| Vitamin C | 17mg | 19% |
| Calcium | 182mg | 18% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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