Ingredients and Weight:
- 250 grams of dried pasta (such as spaghetti or penne)
- 200 grams of canned tuna in water
- 1 jar of tomato sauce (about 200 grams)
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper (optional)
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Preparation Time:
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Difficulty Level:
Level 2: Moderate - requires basic cooking skills and following instructions.
Preparation Method Steps:
- Bring a pot of water to a boil and add salt.
- Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions, until tender.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a saucepan.
- Add the chopped onions and cook until softened.
- Stir in the tomato sauce and let it simmer for a few minutes.
- Drain the water from the tuna and add it to the tomato sauce.
- Season with salt and pepper, and let the sauce heat through.
- When the pasta is done, drain it and add it to the sauce along with the tuna.
- Toss well to combine and ensure the pasta is coated with the sauce.
- Garnish with freshly ground black pepper and chopped fresh basil or parsley (if using).
- Serve immediately in warmed plates.
Nutritional Information: (per serving)
Calories: Approx. 450 calories (depending on the type of pasta used)
Carbohydrates: 65g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 14g (includes saturated fat)
(Note: This is a rough estimate, exact nutrition facts may vary based on ingredients used.)
Dish Characteristics:
- Easy to make with basic cooking skills.
- Uses readily available ingredients in supermarkets in the United States.
- Tuna and tomato sauce combination is popular in American cuisine.
- Can be customized with additional ingredients like olives, capers, or chili flakes for a more robust flavor.
User Comments:
- "This is a great weeknight dinner! Easy to make and my family loved it." - John Doe
- "The combination of tuna and tomato sauce was unexpected but really good." - Jane Smith
- "I added some chili flakes for a kick of heat, it really brought this dish to the next level." - Bob Johnson
Special Precautions and Tips:
- Make sure to use canned tuna in water, not oil, for a lighter dish.
- Adjust seasoning according to taste, adding more salt or pepper if needed.
- Cooking pasta is straightforward but be sure not to overcook it; it should be tender but still have a bit of bite to it.
