Tuna, caper, and chilli spaghetti recipe for quick weeknight meals
This Tuna, Caper, and chilli spaghetti is a super easy and tasty summer recipe. With pasta, tuna, capers, and a hint of chilli spice, it’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Plus, it’s packed with bold flavours and takes just minutes to prepare. Ideal for busy nights when you want something satisfying yet effortless, this dish delivers on both taste and convenience.
For more quick and easy meals, try Tuna Patties for a tasty snack or appetizer, Cabbage Pasta for a comforting twist, or Pesto Shrimp Gnocchi for a flavorful, hassle-free dinner. Give these recipes a try for meals that are both delicious and simple to make!
I love quick, restaurant-quality dishes that taste amazing and are easy to make. In just 30 minutes, I can make a delicious meal for my family with ingredients I control. Sharing homemade meals creates special memories that last.
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Why you’ll love it
You’ll love this Tuna, Caper, and chilli spaghetti because it’s a quick and flavorful recipe that combines pantry staples into a delicious meal. The recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, offering a satisfying dish with just a few ingredients.
With its bold combination of tuna, capers, and a hint of chilli, it’s an easy-to-make option that delivers on taste and convenience. Ideal for those looking for a simple yet impressive dinner that doesn’t compromise on flavour.
Expert Tips
Choose Good Tuna: Use high-quality tuna, preferably in olive oil, for the best taste and texture.
Control the Spice: Start with a small amount of chilli and add more if needed. This lets you adjust the heat to your liking.
Cook Pasta Firm: Cook the pasta until it’s firm but not hard. This helps it hold up well in the dish and prevents it from getting mushy.
Ingredients and Substitutions
- Canned tuna in oil (Rio Mare brand): Substitute with any high-quality canned tuna in olive oil.
- Garlic cloves, sliced: Replace with garlic powder if fresh garlic isn’t available.
- Capers: Use chopped green olives as an alternative.
- Chili pepper, diced (optional): Omit for a milder dish or use a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
- Cherry tomatoes: Replace with regular tomatoes, diced, if needed.
- Tomato paste: Use canned tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes instead.
- Fresh basil: Swap for dried basil or parsley if fresh basil is unavailable.
- Salt and pepper: Adjust seasoning to your taste.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Substitute with any hard cheese like Pecorino, or skip for a dairy-free option.
- Spaghetti: Use any pasta shape you have on hand.
Instructions
Check out our detailed guide with step-by-step photos to help you create this delicious dish with ease!
Heat a skillet, add tuna with its oil, and cook for 2-3 minutes. Add garlic, capers, and chili pepper; cook for another 2 minutes. Add cherry tomatoes and cook until softened.
Stir in the tomato paste and mix well. Cook for another 2 minutes to blend everything together.
Add the drained spaghetti to the pan with the tuna mixture. Toss everything together gently, ensuring that the spaghetti is coated evenly with the sauce.
Serve the tuna spaghetti immediately, garnished with a few fresh basil leaves and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired.
Variations
Thai-style Tuna Spaghetti: Heat coconut milk with Thai red curry paste, then add tuna, capers, and red chilies. Simmer, toss with spaghetti, and garnish with cilantro and lime wedges.
Lemon Garlic Tuna Spaghetti: Sauté minced garlic in olive oil, then add tuna, capers, and red chili flakes. Toss with lemon juice and cooked spaghetti. Garnish with parsley and lemon zest.
Tomato and Basil Tuna Spaghetti: Sauté onions and garlic, then add tuna, capers, red chili flakes, and diced tomatoes. Simmer into a sauce, toss with spaghetti, and garnish with basil.
Creamy Tuna Spaghetti: Mix softened cream cheese with milk or cream. Sauté onions and garlic, then add tuna, capers, and chili flakes. Stir in the creamy sauce and toss with spaghetti. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
Mediterranean Tuna Spaghetti: Sauté bell peppers, black olives, and red onions. Add tuna, capers, and chili flakes. Toss with spaghetti, drizzle with olive oil, and top with feta and oregano.
Drinks that go well with Tuna Pasta
For pairing drinks with Tuna, Caper, and Chilli Spaghetti, consider these options:
- White Wine: A light, crisp white like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the rich tuna and spicy chilli.
- Rosé Wine: A dry, acidic rosé from Provence or made with Grenache or Syrah grapes pairs well with the dish.
- Light Beer: A pilsner or wheat beer can cleanse your palate between bites.
- Sparkling Water: Add a squeeze of lemon or lime for a refreshing, non-alcoholic option.
- Iced Tea: Unsweetened or lightly sweetened iced tea offers a cooling effect and complements the dish.
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh tuna instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh tuna. Simply sear it until cooked through, then flake and add it to the dish.
2. What if I don’t like spicy food?
Omit the chili pepper or red chili flakes. You can still enjoy the dish without the heat.
3. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Feel free to use any pasta shape you prefer or have on hand.
4. How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta to make the dish gluten-free.
5. Can I substitute capers with something else?
Yes, you can use chopped green olives or pickles as an alternative to capers.
6. How can I make this dish dairy-free?
Simply omit the Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.
Storage
Tuna and pasta are best enjoyed immediately after cooking. For optimal taste and texture, consume the dish straight away.
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Tuna, caper & chilli spaghetti recipe
Equipment
- Large pot: For boiling the spaghetti.
- Colander: To drain the cooked spaghetti.
- Large skillet or frying pan: For cooking the sauce and combining it with the spaghetti.
- Wooden spoon or spatula: To stir the sauce and spaghetti.
- Kitchen tongs: To toss and combine the spaghetti with the sauce.
- Grater or zester: If you want to add some zest from a lemon or grate some Parmesan cheese on top.
- Can opener: If you are using canned tuna.
- Cutting board: For chopping the ingredients, such as the capers and chillies.
- Chef’s knife: To chop the capers and chillies.
- Garlic press or knife: To mince the garlic cloves.
Ingredients
- 2 x 80g canned tuna in oil Rio Mare brand
- 3 garlic cloves sliced
- 1 heaped spoon capers
- 1 chili pepper diced (optional)
- 150 g cherry tomatoes
- 50 g tomato paste
- Fresh basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 100 g grated Parmesan cheese
- 300 g spaghetti
Instructions
- Start by boiling water in a large pot. Add salt to the boiling water and cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until it reaches the desired doneness. Drain the spaghetti and set it aside.300 g spaghetti
- Heat a large skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Add the canned tuna (including the oil) to the pan and break it up into smaller chunks using a spatula or fork. Sauté the tuna for about 2-3 minutes until it’s slightly browned.2 x 80g canned tuna in oil
- Add the sliced garlic, capers, and diced chili pepper (if using) to the pan. Sauté everything together for another 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.3 garlic cloves, 1 heaped spoon capers, 1 chili pepper
- Cut the cherry tomatoes in half and add them to the pan. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until the tomatoes start to soften and release their juices.150 g cherry tomatoes
- Stir in the tomato paste and mix well to combine it with the other ingredients. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.50 g tomato paste
- Tear a few fresh basil leaves into smaller pieces and add them to the pan. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together and cook for another minute.Fresh basil, Salt and pepper to taste
- Add the drained spaghetti to the pan with the tuna mixture. Toss everything together gently, ensuring that the spaghetti is coated evenly with the sauce.
- Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the spaghetti and toss it once again to incorporate the cheese.100 g grated Parmesan cheese
- Serve the tuna spaghetti immediately, garnished with a few fresh basil leaves and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, if desired.
