This Easy Tuna & Olive Tapenade Pasta is proof that simple ingredients and a few pantry staples can create something seriously special. Pasta noodles tossed with savory canned tuna, sautéed garlic and onions, briny homemade olive tapenade (featuring a blend of Mediterranean olives), and a handful of tangy capers. Topped off with a sprinkle of shaved Parmesan, it’s an easy meal that feels restaurant worthy- the kind of pasta you whip up when you’re short on time but still want something delicious and impressive. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or even a casual date night. Minimal effort, maximum flavor.

Why You Will Love this recipe:

Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in no time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving a delicious meal without much effort. The pantry staples like canned tuna and olive tapenade make it a breeze.
Bold Flavors: The combination of savory tuna, tangy capers, and the rich, briny olive tapenade brings a depth of flavor that makes this dish feel gourmet, all while being easy to prepare.
Customizable: You can adapt this recipe by swapping out the pasta or adding extra veggies, herbs, or spices based on what you have on hand, making it versatile for a variety of tastes and dietary needs.
Perfect for Meal Prep: This dish holds up well in the fridge, making it an ideal option for meal prepping. It’s just as delicious the next day, so you can enjoy it for lunch or dinner without any extra cooking.

Ingredient Notes:

Spaghetti noodles: A classic pasta choice that pairs well with the bold flavors in this dish, creating a comforting and hearty base. You can also swap for gluten-free pasta if needed.
Canned tuna: A quick, protein-packed addition. It’s a great pantry staple that adds savory flavor and texture without requiring any extra prep.
Garlic: A key aromatic that adds depth and richness to the dish. It pairs perfectly with the briny olive tapenade and enhances the overall flavor.
Onions: Adds sweet undertones that balance out the sharpness of the tapenade. Sautéing them until soft helps mellow their flavor.
Olive tapenade: Made with a blend of Mediterranean olives, capers, lemon juice, oil, garlic, and parsley, this tapenade brings a zesty, briny burst of flavor to the dish.
Capers: Provide a tangy, salty kick that pairs wonderfully with the olives, rounding out the tapenade’s flavor profile.
Shaved Parmesan: A finishing touch that adds a creamy, nutty note, perfectly complementing the bold, savory flavors of the pasta.

Dietary Restriction & Allergy Friendly Substitutions:

To make gluten-free: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta (like rice or corn-based spaghetti) to make this dish safe for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
To make dairy-free: Skip the shaved Parmesan or substitute with a dairy-free Parmesan alternative or nutritional yeast for a similar umami flavor.
To make low-FODMAP: For those with sensitive stomachs, substitute garlic with garlic-infused oil and opt for a small portion of onions, as they can be high in FODMAPs. You can also try using a low-FODMAP pasta.
To make soy-free: This recipe is naturally soy-free. Just ensure your olive tapenade ingredients (like the olives or capers) don’t contain soy derivatives, which can sometimes appear in processed products.
To make nut-free: This recipe doesn’t contain any nuts, so it’s already safe for nut allergies. Just double-check any added toppings or variations to ensure no cross-contamination.

Expert Tips & Recipe Notes:

Make the tapenade ahead: If you’re short on time, you can make the olive tapenade in advance and store it in the fridge for up to a week. This makes the whole dish even quicker when you’re ready to cook.
Adjust the tapenade to taste: Feel free to adjust the ratio of olives, capers, and garlic in the tapenade to suit your taste. If you love extra tang, add more capers, or for a richer flavor, use a variety of olives.
Adding protein: If you’d like to increase the protein content, feel free to add more canned tuna or even grilled chicken or chickpeas for a vegetarian option.
Pasta cooking tip: Be sure to reserve a bit of the pasta water before draining it—this starchy water can be added to the sauce to help it cling to the noodles better and create a smoother finish.
Serving suggestion: For extra freshness, top the dish with a few fresh basil leaves, parsley leaves or a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving to brighten the flavors.

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