Are you ready to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary journey? This Penne with Tuna, Tomato, and Olive Sauce is not just a meal—it's a vibrant, quick, and mouthwatering experience that brings the sun-kissed flavors of Italy straight to your dining table. In just 30 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-worthy dish that's both incredibly delicious and surprisingly simple to prepare.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 400g penne pasta
- 1 can (400g) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (200g) tuna in olive oil, drained
- 100g black olives, pitted and sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients. Make sure the penne pasta, diced tomatoes, tuna, black olives, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper are ready to use.
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually around 10-12 minutes.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, until fragrant but not browned.
- Next, add the can of diced tomatoes to the skillet. Stir well to combine with the garlic and olive oil. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.
- After the tomatoes have simmered, gently fold in the drained tuna and sliced black olives. Stir to combine, and let the sauce cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the tuna to warm through and the olives to infuse their flavor into the sauce.
- Once the penne is cooked to your liking, reserve about 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta in a colander.
- Add the drained penne directly to the skillet with the tuna, tomato, and olive sauce. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time if the sauce seems too thick. This will help to create a cohesive dish.
- Season the pasta with salt and pepper to taste. Continue to toss until the penne is well coated with the sauce.
- Remove the skillet from heat and transfer the penne to a serving dish or individual plates. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious Penne with Tuna, Tomato, and Olive Sauce!
Tips
- Always salt your pasta water generously—it should taste like the sea to ensure well-seasoned pasta.
- Use high-quality canned tuna in olive oil for richer flavor and better texture.
- Reserve some pasta water before draining; its starchy goodness helps create a silky, clingy sauce.
- Don't overcook the garlic—it should be fragrant, not burnt.
- For extra depth, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Fresh parsley is not just a garnish—it adds a bright, fresh note that elevates the entire dish.
- If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can briefly blend the tomatoes before cooking.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 25mg
