Linguine with Tuna Puttanesca is a quick and flavorful pasta dish that combines the briny tang of olives, capers, and tomatoes with tender tuna. With a touch of crushed red pepper for spice and fresh basil for garnish, this dish is perfect for a simple yet satisfying meal. It’s a great option for a healthy and delicious weeknight dinner or a light lunch.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

• Kosher salt

• 12 ounces linguine

• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

• 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced

• ¼ to ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper

• 2 tablespoons capers, drained

• ½ cup roughly chopped kalamata olives

• 1 (28-ounce) can San Marzano tomatoes

• 4 basil leaves, torn, plus more for garnish

• 1 (5-ounce) can albacore tuna packed in olive oil

• Freshly ground black pepper

Directions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook until al dente.

2. Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and crushed red pepper and cook, stirring, until slightly toasted, about 1 to 2 minutes.

3. Add the capers and olives, and cook for 2 more minutes.

4. Crush the tomatoes into the skillet with your hands and reserve the juices. Cook until the tomatoes are slightly dry, about 2 minutes.

5. Add the reserved tomato juices, basil, and salt to taste, and cook until the sauce thickens, about 1 to 2 minutes.

6. Add the tuna with its oil, breaking it up with a fork, and season with salt.

7. Drain the pasta, reserving ½ cup of the cooking water. Return the pasta to the pot and add the sauce and reserved cooking water. Toss well.

8. Season with black pepper and garnish with more basil before serving.

Nutrients (per serving, approx. for 4 servings)

• Calories: ~400

• Total Fat: ~20g

• Saturated Fat: ~3g

• Cholesterol: ~20mg

• Sodium: ~600mg

• Total Carbohydrates: ~38g

• Sugars: ~6g

• Protein: ~22g

The Origins of Puttanesca Sauce

The name “Puttanesca” is often linked to Italy’s rich culinary history. It’s believed that the sauce was created by the ladies of the night in Naples who needed a quick, flavorful dish to prepare between clients. The word “puttanesca” is derived from the Italian word for prostitute, reflecting the dish’s quick and accessible nature. Though its origins may be linked to a certain kind of fast-paced lifestyle, the flavor profile it offers is timeless and has made it a favorite in Italian kitchens worldwide.

The signature components of a traditional puttanesca sauce include garlic, olives, capers, anchovies, and tomatoes. These ingredients combine to create a tangy, briny base that pairs perfectly with pasta. By adding tuna to this sauce, the dish transforms into a more hearty and satisfying meal, making it suitable for a broader range of tastes and dietary needs.

Why Tuna Makes the Perfect Addition

Tuna, especially the high-quality albacore variety packed in olive oil, adds a rich and savory component to the classic puttanesca sauce. Its firm texture holds up well in the sauce, providing an additional layer of flavor without overwhelming the other ingredients. Tuna is also an excellent source of protein, making the dish more filling and substantial without being heavy.

Using tuna packed in olive oil enhances the richness of the sauce, as the oil from the tuna blends beautifully with the other ingredients. It provides an added depth of flavor, ensuring that each bite is satisfying and balanced. The oil also contributes a silky texture to the sauce, which clings wonderfully to the linguine and gives the dish a luxurious mouthfeel.

The Power of Mediterranean Ingredients

The flavor of this dish relies heavily on Mediterranean staples—capers, olives, tomatoes, and garlic—that are known for their bold and tangy profiles. Kalamata olives, with their intense brininess, add a sharp and fruity note that complements the sweetness of the tomatoes and the subtle heat from the crushed red pepper. Capers, with their tangy and briny taste, contribute an additional layer of flavor that enhances the overall depth of the sauce.

San Marzano tomatoes, known for their natural sweetness and lower acidity compared to other varieties, are the ideal base for the sauce. Crushing the tomatoes by hand preserves their freshness and allows them to break down into a chunky, rustic sauce that blends perfectly with the olives and capers. The fresh basil, added towards the end of cooking, adds a fragrant, herbal note that brightens the entire dish.

The Perfect Pasta: Linguine

Linguine, a long, flat pasta that is slightly wider than spaghetti, is an ideal choice for this dish because its texture allows it to hold the sauce beautifully. The flat shape ensures that each strand of pasta is coated with the flavorful puttanesca sauce, and its thickness allows it to stand up to the robust flavors of the olives, capers, and tuna. Linguine’s versatility makes it a favorite for many pasta dishes, and it pairs especially well with the chunky, rustic sauces like the one in this recipe.

Cooking the pasta to al dente perfection ensures that the linguine maintains its structure when tossed with the sauce, allowing each bite to be satisfying and not overly soft. The starchy cooking water from the pasta helps to thicken the sauce slightly, creating a perfect consistency that clings to the pasta without being too heavy.

A Quick and Easy Meal

One of the standout features of Linguine with Tuna Puttanesca is how quickly it comes together. In less than 30 minutes, you can have a flavorful, wholesome meal that feels like it came from a restaurant but was made in your own kitchen. The simplicity of the ingredients and the short cooking time make it ideal for busy nights when you want something that’s both satisfying and healthy.

The recipe calls for a few essential pantry staples like canned tuna, olives, capers, and canned tomatoes. These items can be stored in your kitchen and pulled out whenever you need a quick meal. With just a handful of fresh ingredients—garlic, basil, and a bit of crushed red pepper for spice—you can create a dish that’s bursting with flavor without spending hours prepping.

The Health Benefits of This Dish

Linguine with Tuna Puttanesca is not only delicious but also a healthy option. Tuna, especially when packed in olive oil, is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are known for their heart-healthy benefits. These fatty acids can help reduce inflammation, lower blood pressure, and support overall cardiovascular health.

The combination of capers, olives, and tomatoes provides a wealth of antioxidants, which help combat oxidative stress in the body. Tomatoes are a particularly rich source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to a reduced risk of certain cancers and heart disease. Basil, another key ingredient, adds anti-inflammatory properties and is also a good source of vitamins and minerals.

The dish is naturally low in saturated fat and is a great option for those looking to maintain a balanced diet without sacrificing flavor. The tuna adds a significant amount of protein, making this dish a filling, complete meal that won’t leave you feeling sluggish.

Perfect for Meal Prep and Leftovers

This dish is also an excellent candidate for meal prepping. The ingredients hold up well, and the flavors continue to develop over time. You can easily make a larger batch and store it in the refrigerator for up to two days. When reheating, the sauce remains flavorful, and the tuna continues to add richness to the dish.

For those looking to prepare meals in advance, this pasta can be made the night before and stored in an airtight container. Simply reheat it on the stove with a splash of water or broth to bring the sauce back to life.

Conclusion

Linguine with Tuna Puttanesca is a delicious, quick, and healthy pasta dish that combines bold Mediterranean flavors in a satisfying and easy-to-make meal. The combination of olives, capers, tuna, and tomatoes creates a rich, briny sauce that pairs perfectly with the tender linguine. It’s a dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or light lunches, offering both comfort and nutrition without the hassle.

The simplicity of the ingredients and the speed at which it comes together make it a go-to recipe for those who want a flavorful, satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a family, this dish offers a wonderful balance of flavors and textures that everyone will enjoy. Plus, with its health benefits and the option to make it ahead of time, Linguine with Tuna Puttanesca is a meal that you can feel good about serving—and eating.