Baked Tuna Tomato Pasta Alla Siciliana
Table of Contents
Recipe Introduction: Baked Tuna & Tomato Pasta alla Siciliana
Fancy a bit of sunshine on your plate, even when it's raining cats and dogs outside? Ever wondered what things to do with canned tuna besides a boring sandwich? Honestly, this Baked Tuna & Tomato Pasta alla Siciliana will change your mind forever.
Trust me, it's dead easy and tastes amazing!.
Quick Hook: Taste of Sicily at Home
This recipe brings a taste of the Mediterranean right to your kitchen. It's a proper Italian tuna pasta bake , packed with flavor and surprisingly simple to make.
The key is good quality tuna and ripe, juicy tomatoes.
Brief Overview: From Sicily with Love
This dish is inspired by the vibrant flavors of Sicily. It's Mediterranean tuna recipes at their best. It's proper comfort food, but with a sophisticated twist.
This recipe falls into medium difficulty and takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes to make, and it feeds about 6 hungry mouths.
Main Benefits: Healthy Comfort Food
This bake is packed with protein from the tuna. Tomatoes are rich in vitamins. It is perfect for a family dinner or a casual get-together.
This recipe is special because it elevates the humble canned tuna to something truly spectacular, proper tuna tomato pasta , and is one of the easy italian tuna recipes .
Forget those bland tuna pasta dishes you had as a kid; this is a proper glow-up!
Time to Gather the Goods: Ingredients & Equipment
Right then, let's talk about what you'll need. This Italian tuna pasta bake is all about simple ingredients, done right.
It's not fussy. Easy Italian tuna recipes are my go-to on busy weeknights. I find canned tuna in olive oil is the secret.
Main Ingredients for Our Sicilian Tuna Pasta
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons (30 ml) . Good quality makes a difference!
- Onion: 1 medium (150g) , finely chopped. Yellow or white will do.
- Garlic: 2 cloves (6g) , minced. Don't be shy.
- Red Pepper Flakes: 1/2 teaspoon (1g) . Adjust to your taste. I like it spicy!
- Crushed Tomatoes: 1 (28 ounce) can (794g) . San Marzano if you're feeling fancy!
- Dry White Wine: 1/2 cup (120 ml) . Something you'd drink.
- Tomato Paste: 1 tablespoon (15g) . For richness.
- Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon (2g) . A must for Italian flavours.
- Kalamata Olives: 1/4 cup (40g) , pitted and chopped.
- Capers: 2 tablespoons (30g) , drained. Adds a salty pop.
- Rigatoni Pasta: 1 pound (454g) . Penne works too!
- Italian Tuna : 2 (5 ounce) cans (142g each) , in olive oil. Drained.
- Pecorino Romano Cheese: 1/2 cup (50g) , grated. Plus extra for topping. This is the key to this recipe being so delicious.
- Fresh Parsley: 1/4 cup (10g) , chopped. For freshness.
Quality Italian tuna is key here. Look for solid fillets in olive oil. It tastes so much better, honestly.
Seasoning is Crucial for Tuna and Veggie Recipes
Oregano and red pepper flakes are your base. They give that classic Italian flavour. A touch of white wine adds depth.
Capers and olives provide a salty, briny kick. Things to do with canned tuna? Season it well. It really makes the flavour of this tuna rigatoni recipe pop.
You know, tuna tomato pasta done right.
Need a sub? Use Parmesan instead of Pecorino.
Equipment Needed
- Large Pot: For boiling pasta. Obvious, really.
- Large Skillet: For the sauce.
- 9x13 inch Baking Dish: To bake the pasta.
No fancy gadgets needed. Most people have these already. This recipe aims to please so you will find that it works well using what you have! Tuna bean salad recipe uses basic equipment too.
Baked Tuna & Tomato Pasta alla Siciliana: Mamma Mia, That’s Good!
Right then, let's get cracking on a hearty pasta bake that'll transport you straight to the sun-kissed shores of Sicily.
Forget that bland tuna mayo sandwich. We're talking Italian tuna at its finest! Seriously, this isn't just any pasta bake.
It's a proper hug in a bowl, packed with flavor and perfect for a family dinner or a casual get-together.
Think comfort food meets Mediterranean zing, right? You will be surprised how many things to do with canned tuna there are!
Prep Steps: Get Your Ducks in a Row
First things first, let's get our mise en place sorted. Chop the onion, mince the garlic. Measure out those spices.
It's a little bit of chopping, honestly, but it's worth it. It’ll save you time later when you're in the middle of cooking.
Remember, safety first: watch those fingers when chopping!
step-by-step to Pasta Perfection
- Cook your rigatoni ( 454g ) according to the packet, but take it off the boil about 2 minutes early. We want it al dente as it will cook more in the oven.
- Make that sauce sing! Sauté your onion and garlic in olive oil. Then, add the red pepper flakes for a little kick. Next, chuck in the crushed tomatoes ( 794g ), white wine ( 120 ml ), tomato paste ( 15g ), and oregano ( 2g ). Let that simmer until it thickens slightly, oh it smells amazing!
- Combine with love. Gently mix the pasta, flaked Italian tuna ( 142g per can), Pecorino Romano cheese ( 50g ), parsley, and the sauce.
- Transfer to a baking dish, sprinkle with extra Pecorino Romano.
- Bake for 40 minutes at 375° F ( 190° C) until it's all bubbly and golden brown.
- Let it rest for 10 minutes before diving in.
Pro Tips: Secrets from Nonna's Kitchen
Always, always use good quality Italian tuna . It's the star of the show, so don't skimp. Also, don't overcook the pasta.
Undercooking is crucial for the perfect texture in the bake. If you want to get ahead you can make the sauce a day in advance and keep it in the fridge, just be sure to store it in air tight container.
Honestly, this Italian tuna pasta bake is such a crowd pleaser. The combination of the rich tomato sauce, the salty tuna, and the tangy Pecorino is just divine.
Serve it with a crisp green salad and some crusty bread. You'll get the Tuna Tomato Pasta experience that will keep you asking for more.
Buon appetito!
Recipe Notes for Your Italian Tuna Masterpiece
Right then, let's chat about some helpful hints for our italian tuna pasta bake. Think of these as your secret weapons for baking perfection.
Honestly, I wish someone had told me these before I made my first tuna casserole. Oh my gosh, the memories!
Serving Suggestions: Plating and Presentation Ideas
Okay, so presentation does matter, even if it's just for yourself! For plating, a simple sprinkle of fresh parsley goes a long way.
And for complementary sides, I'm thinking a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette. You could also serve it with crusty bread.
And don't forget a chilled glass of Pinot Grigio or dry Rosé! Because you deserve it.
Storage Tips for Your Baked Tuna Pasta Casserole
If you have any leftovers (doubtful!), let the bake cool completely. Then, cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap.
It'll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days . You can also freeze individual portions for easy weeknight meals.
Just make sure to wrap them well! For reheating, either microwave until heated through, or pop it back in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) until bubbly.
Variations on This Tuna Rigatoni Recipe
Fancy a tweak? You know I do! Try this for a Tuna and Veggie Recipes : Swap out the tuna with roasted eggplant or mushrooms for a vegetarian option.
Or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce for extra heat! Cheese lovers can add mozzarella cheese. Experiment with seasonal veggies for a Mediterranean tuna recipes feel!.
Nutrition Basics: Simplified Information
So, one serving (about 1/6 of the bake) has around 550 calories. You're getting a hefty 35g of protein and 50g of carbs.
Plus, the tuna tomato pasta gives you a good dose of healthy fats. This dish offers protein, fiber and a whole lot of comfort.
Honestly, making this Baked tuna pasta casserole is like giving yourself a big hug. And Things To Do With Canned Tuna you have many.
If you follow these recipe notes, Easy Italian tuna recipes can make your Italian tuna pasta bake one to remember! Enjoy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this Italian tuna pasta bake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the entire bake (up to the point of baking) and store it, covered, in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time to ensure it's heated through. Think of it like a culinary 'set it and forget it' perfect for busy bees!
What's the best way to store leftover baked Italian tuna pasta?
Store any leftover tuna pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, you can microwave individual portions or reheat it in a low oven (around 300°F/150°C) with a splash of water or broth to prevent it from drying out.
It's almost as good the second time around, like a classic episode of Only Fools and Horses!
I'm not a huge fan of capers and olives. Can I leave them out of the Italian tuna bake?
Of course! The capers and olives add a distinctive Mediterranean flavor, but feel free to omit them if they're not your cup of tea. You could substitute with other veggies like chopped bell peppers or zucchini for added texture and flavor. Think of the recipe as a starting point make it your own masterpiece!
Is there a healthier way to make this baked Italian tuna dish?
You can definitely lighten this dish up! Consider using whole wheat pasta for extra fibre. Also, reduce the amount of cheese and opt for low-fat mozzarella, or substitute half the cheese with nutritional yeast. These small tweaks can make a big difference, without sacrificing too much on the flavor.
It's about balance, innit?
What kind of tuna works best for this baked pasta recipe?
For the best flavour, use good quality tuna packed in olive oil. Draining the tuna well is important to avoid a soggy bake. If you only have tuna in brine or water, that will work fine, just be sure to add a drizzle of good olive oil to the pasta mixture to compensate for the missing oil from the tuna.
It's like choosing the right tea it makes all the difference!
Baked Tuna Tomato Pasta Alla Siciliana
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 550 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 25g |
| Fiber | 5g |