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Tuna Pasta Recipe, Mediterranean-style
4.8 from 107 votes

Tuna Pasta Recipe, Mediterranean-style

This Tuna Pasta Recipe features spaghetti tossed with frozen peas, red bell pepper, garlic, and canned albacore tuna. Lemon zest and juice brighten the Mediterranean flavors, complemented by kalamata olives, fresh parsley, oregano, and optional jalapenos. Creamy Parmesan cheese finishes the dish with savory depth.

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Servings: 5 people (up to)
Calories: 3743 kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mediterranean

Ingredients

  • ¾ lb spaghetti (or pasta of your choice)
  • kosher salt (I use Diamond Crystal)
  • 1 ½ cups peas frozen
  • extra virgin olive oil (I use Private Reserve Greek extra virgin olive oil)
  • 1 red bell pepper cored and cut into thin strips
  • 6 garlic minced, cloves
  • 2 5- oz solid albacore tuna drained, canned
  • lemon zest of 1
  • lemon more to your liking, juice of ½ lemon
  • parsley about 1 ounce, handful, chopped, fresh
  • 1 tsp oregano dried
  • black pepper to your liking
  • 6 to 8 kalamata olives sliced, pitted
  • 1 jalapeno pepper sliced, optional
  • Parmesan Cheese to your liking, grated

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Bring 3 quarts of water to a rolling boil and add 1 tbsp of kosher salt. Cook the pasta in the boiling water to al dante according to package (most spaghetti will cook in 9 to 11 minutes or so). After the pasta has been cooking for 5 minutes, add the frozen peas to cook with the pasta for the remainder of the time. When the pasta is ready, take ¾ cup of the cooking water and set it aside. Drain the pasta and peas in a colander.
  2. In a large, deep cooking pan, heat 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil over medium-high till shimmering but not smoking. Add the red bell peppers and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, tossing regularly. Add the garlic and cook, tossing frequently, for 30 seconds or so until fragrant.
  3. Now, add the cooked pasta and peas to the pan and toss to combine. Add the tuna, lemon zest, lemon juice, parsley, oregano, black pepper, kalamata olives, jalapeno if using, and a big sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Drizzle a bit of extra virgin olive oil and some of the pasta cooking water as needed. Give everything a toss. Taste and adjust seasoning to your liking.
  4. Transfer the tuna pasta to serving bowls. Enjoy!

Notes

  • Begin prepping ingredients while waiting for pasta water to boil to save time.
  • Add frozen peas to the pasta water midway through cooking; no need to thaw before adding.
  • Use canned tuna packed in quality extra virgin olive oil and do not drain to maximize flavor.
  • For a Mediterranean diet adaptation, substitute whole-grain pasta for regular pasta.

Nutrition Information

Calories 374.3kcal (19%) Carbohydrates 58g (19%) Protein 25.1g (50%) Saturated Fat 0.7g (4%) Potassium 456.9mg (10%) Fiber 5.1g (20%) Vitamin A 1119.5IU (22%) Vitamin C 52.2mg (58%) Calcium 42.8mg (4%) Iron 2.3mg (13%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 5 people (up to)

Amount Per Serving

Calories 3743

% Daily Value*

Calories 374.3kcal 19%
Carbohydrates 58g 19%
Protein 25.1g 50%
Saturated Fat 0.7g 4%
Potassium 456.9mg 10%
Fiber 5.1g 20%
Vitamin A 1119.5IU 22%
Vitamin C 52.2mg 58%
Calcium 42.8mg 4%
Iron 2.3mg 13%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.