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–+ servings
quick and easy tuna olive pasta

Tuna Olive Pasta

A briny Mediterranean pasta recipe made with flaky tuna, olives, garlic, and capers. Quick, healthy, and ready in under 30 minutes.
5 from 1 vote
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Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course, Pasta
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 4
Calories 480 kcal

Ingredients
  

Pasta:

  • 8 oz whole wheat pasta
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil plus more for drizzling
  • 1 ½ cups diced yellow onion
  • 1 ½ tablespoons minced garlic
  • 2 cans tuna in olive oil drained
  • 2-4 tablespoons capers drained
  • ¼ cup reserved pasta water
  • Shaved Parmesan for serving optional
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Olive Tapenade:

  • 1 cup pitted Mediterranean olives
  • 2 tablespoons capers
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1-3 cloves garlic
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley

Instructions
 

  • Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ¼ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
  • Make the Tapenade: While pasta cooks, combine olives, capers, lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, and parsley in a food processor. Pulse until desired texture is reached (chunky or smooth).
  • Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and sauté 4–5 minutes until soft. Stir in garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes more.
  • Add Tuna: Stir in the drained tuna and sauté briefly until warmed through.
  • Combine: Add the cooked pasta to the pan with the tuna. Stir in olive tapenade and capers. Add reserved pasta water and a drizzle of olive oil. Toss to combine and cook for a few minutes until heated through.
  • Season & Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve with freshly cracked black pepper and a sprinkle of shaved Parmesan, if using.

Notes

  • Storage: Refrigerate leftovers up to 2 days and reheat gently with a splash of water or oil.
  • The olive tapenade can be made up to 3 days in advance.
  • To make gluten-free: Use certified gluten-free pasta and double-check any per-packaged ingredients.
  • To make dairy-free: Omit Parmesan or use a dairy-free alternative.
  • Nutrition information is an estimate only and will vary according to specific brands and amounts used. 

Nutrition

Calories: 480kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 26gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 620mgFiber: 6gSugar: 2g
Keyword tuna olive pasta
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