Linguini with Tuna and Tomato Sauce

Linguini with Tuna and Tomato Sauce Recipe - Italian Cuisine

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Linguini with Tuna and Tomato Sauce is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines the richness of tuna with the tanginess of tomato sauce. This recipe is perfect for a special dinner or a weeknight meal that will impress your family and friends.

History

This recipe is a modern twist on traditional Italian pasta dishes that typically feature seafood and tomato-based sauces. The combination of tuna and tomato sauce is a popular choice in Italian cuisine, as it provides a unique and savory flavor profile.

Ingredients

2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp olive oil
0.5 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
0.5 green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
1 tbsp minced jalapeno chile
2 garlic cloves, minced
1.5 cups drained canned diced tomatoes
0.5 cup bottled clam juice
0.33 cup chopped fresh cilantro
0.5 cup dry white wine
0.25 cup water
3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
0.25 tsp crushed dried red pepper
0.5 cup all-purpose flour
0.5 tsp garlic powder
4 fresh tuna steaks
12 oz (340 g) package linguini pasta
0.25 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

How to prepare

Melt 1 tbsp of butter with 1 tbsp of oil in a heavy large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add bell peppers, jalapeno, and minced garlic, then sauté for 5 minutes.
Add tomatoes, clam juice, 0.33 cup of cilantro, wine, water, lemon juice, and dried red pepper.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until flavors blend, about 5 minutes.
Season with salt and pepper.
Mix flour and garlic powder in a shallow bowl.
Season tuna with salt and pepper.
Coat tuna with flour mixture, shaking off excess.
Melt the remaining butter with 1 tbsp of oil in another heavy large skillet over high heat.
Add tuna to the skillet and sauté until just opaque on the outside, about 2 minutes per side.
Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat, then add tuna and cook for 2 minutes.
Meanwhile, cook pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water until just tender but still firm to bite.
Drain pasta well, then divide among 4 plates.
Place tuna on top of pasta, then spoon sauce over the top.
Sprinkle with Parmesan and cilantro, and serve.

Variations

Substitute shrimp or salmon for the tuna for a different flavor profile.
Add capers or olives for an extra burst of flavor.
Use whole wheat pasta for a healthier option.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the tuna just until it is opaque on the outside to prevent it from becoming tough and dry.

- Use fresh ingredients whenever possible for the best flavor.

- Adjust the amount of jalapeno chile to suit your spice preference.

- Don't overcook the pasta - it should be cooked until just tender but still firm to the bite.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this dish with a side salad and a glass of white wine for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Sauté the vegetables until they are tender but still slightly crisp for the best texture.

- Cook the tuna just until it is opaque on the outside to prevent it from becoming dry.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use canned tomatoes instead of fresh tomatoes if they are not in season.

- Substitute chicken broth for the clam juice if desired.

Make Ahead Tips

The sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

- Cook the pasta and tuna just before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the dish with fresh herbs, such as parsley or basil, for a pop of color. - Serve the pasta and tuna in a shallow bowl for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve this dish with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.

- A side of garlic bread or bruschetta would complement the flavors of the dish.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

- Reheat the dish in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Linguini with Tuna and Tomato Sauce contains approximately 500 calories.

Carbohydrates

The linguini pasta in this recipe provides a good source of carbohydrates, which are essential for energy production and overall health. Each serving contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

The butter and olive oil used in this recipe provide healthy fats that are important for brain function and overall health. Each serving contains approximately 15 grams of fat.

Proteins

Tuna is a rich source of protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair. Each serving of this dish contains approximately 30 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin A, iron, and potassium. These nutrients are important for immune function, vision, and overall health.

Alergens

This recipe contains gluten from the pasta and dairy from the Parmesan cheese. It may also contain shellfish allergens from the clam juice.

Summary

Overall, this dish is a well-rounded meal that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

Summary

Linguini with Tuna and Tomato Sauce is a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for a special occasion or a weeknight meal. With a balance of flavors and nutrients, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the joy I felt when I first stumbled upon this recipe for Linguini with Tuna and Tomato Sauce. It was many years ago, in a quaint little village in Italy, where I had the opportunity to learn the art of Italian cooking from a kind old woman named Nonna Maria.

Nonna Maria was a master in the kitchen, and she was more than willing to share her knowledge and recipes with me. She taught me the importance of using fresh, quality ingredients and how to combine them in just the right way to create delicious dishes that would delight the senses.

One day, while we were preparing lunch together, Nonna Maria pulled out a can of tuna and a jar of tomatoes from her pantry. She explained that she was going to make Linguini with Tuna and Tomato Sauce, a simple yet flavorful dish that was a favorite in her family for generations.

As we cooked together, Nonna Maria shared the story of how she learned to make this dish from her own grandmother, who had passed down the recipe to her. She explained that the secret to a great tomato sauce was to let it simmer slowly, allowing the flavors to meld together and develop into a rich and savory sauce.

I watched in awe as Nonna Maria effortlessly combined the tuna, tomatoes, garlic, and herbs in a large pot, letting them simmer and bubble away on the stove. The aroma that filled the kitchen was intoxicating, and I couldn't wait to taste the finished dish.

Once the sauce had reached the perfect consistency, Nonna Maria cooked the linguini until it was al dente, then tossed it with the sauce, coating each strand with the delicious tomato and tuna mixture. She finished the dish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a drizzle of olive oil, then served it piping hot on a large platter.

As I took my first bite of Linguini with Tuna and Tomato Sauce, I was transported to a world of flavor and comfort. The combination of the tender linguini, the rich tomato sauce, and the subtle hint of tuna was simply divine. I couldn't believe that such a delicious dish could be so easy to make.

From that day on, Linguini with Tuna and Tomato Sauce became a staple in my own kitchen. I made it for my family and friends, sharing Nonna Maria's recipe and the story behind it with everyone who sat down at my table. The dish always received rave reviews, and I knew that I had stumbled upon a true gem of a recipe.

Over the years, I have made Linguini with Tuna and Tomato Sauce countless times, each time remembering the day I learned to make it from Nonna Maria. The dish has become a symbol of the love and passion I have for cooking, and it never fails to bring a smile to my face and warmth to my heart.

So, whenever I cook Linguini with Tuna and Tomato Sauce, I am reminded of that special day in Italy when I discovered this wonderful recipe. And I am grateful to Nonna Maria for sharing her knowledge and her love of cooking with me, allowing me to pass on this delicious dish to future generations.