Pasta & rice main dishes

Thick spaghetti pasta with a tuna and bell pepper sauce

⏱ 20 min🍳 20 min👤 2 pp★★☆☆☆

This main course is rather rustic but certainly very tasty, and one can make it in just a few minutes because it takes a little 'short cut' ... in other words, we used a ready-made organic bell pepper sauce, and this allowed us to make something that was still largely fresh, containing lots of flavour, but with zero preservatives and insignificant financial outlay. This sauce is great when used on pasta alone or, as we did, in combination with tuna fillets. But it is also excellent for making risotto or on toast. You decide!

Ingredients

Nutritional values 520 kcal / serving

Protein
22g
Carbohydrates
72g
Fat
12g
Fiber
3g

* approximate values per serving

Information
20 minutes Preparation time
20 minutes Cooking time
Serves 2 persons
★★☆☆☆ Medium difficulty

Preparation

Sauté a clove of garlic in a frying pan with some extra virgin olive oil. Remove the garlic, then add the tuna fillets. Let them absorb the flavour, then add the jar of ready-made bell pepper sauce and mix well. Season with salt and add - if you like them - a handful of capers. Boil the spaghetti in salted water, then drain and toss with the sauce. If necessary, mix in a few tablespoons of the pasta cooking water. Finish with a sprinkling of fresh parsley.

Tips
Don't forget that the bell peppers are also excellent eaten raw, perhaps in a salad!
Trivia
Bell peppers are rich in vitamins, but also in the minerals magnesium and phosphorus: a real miracle cure for our body and soul!

Step by step

Ingredients
Ingredients
**Click on the photos to access full step by step!

Additional information

Spaghettoni with Pepper Sauce, Tuna, and Capers

A tasty variation of the traditional recipe is the addition of capers, which enhance the dish of spaghettoni with pepper sauce and tuna. This preparation highlights the flavor of the tuna and the pepper sauce, creating a perfect balance between sweetness and saltiness. To prepare this variation, simply follow the original recipe and add a handful of capers during the cooking phase. The capers, with their strong taste, pair wonderfully with the sauce, making the dish even more appetizing. Additionally, for those who enjoy more intense flavors, one can opt for salt-packed capers, which need to be rinsed to remove excess salt before use. Serve with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a final touch of color and freshness.

Spaghettoni with Pepper Sauce, Pugliese Style

The dish of spaghettoni with pepper sauce and tuna can also be prepared in a typical variant of Pugliese tradition. In this version, in addition to fresh peppers, roasted peppers can also be used, which impart a smoky and deep flavor. The preparation remains similar, but the use of roasted peppers enriches the sauce with more complex notes. To make this recipe, simply roast the peppers in the oven or on the grill, peel them, and then blend them to obtain a creamy sauce. This variant is perfect for those who love dishes with intense and rich flavors, typical of Pugliese cuisine, and can be served with a generous sprinkle of grated pecorino cheese for an additional touch of taste.

Spaghettoni with Pepper Sauce, Light Tuna Version

For those who wish to enjoy spaghettoni with pepper sauce and tuna in a lighter version, it is possible to prepare a light recipe that keeps the flavors intact without being heavy. In this variant, one can opt for a sauce made from steamed or grilled fresh peppers, avoiding the use of excess oil. Additionally, the amount of tuna can be reduced or one can choose natural tuna to limit calories. To flavor the dish without adding unnecessary calories, a generous dose of spices such as chili or oregano can be used. This preparation is ideal for those following a balanced diet and wanting a light yet flavorful meal without sacrificing taste.

Nutritional Benefits of Spaghettoni with Pepper Sauce and Tuna

Spaghettoni with pepper sauce and tuna is not only a delicious dish but also very nutritious. Peppers are rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber, which contribute to the well-being of the immune system and skin health. Tuna, a source of lean protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and B vitamins, is a valuable food for cardiovascular health. This recipe, when prepared with fresh and quality ingredients, provides about 450-500 calories per serving, depending on the quantities used. Consuming this dish can be an excellent way to incorporate essential nutrients into one's diet while maintaining a good balance of carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats.

Can Spaghettoni with Pepper Sauce and Tuna be Frozen?

The question of whether spaghettoni with pepper sauce and tuna can be frozen is common among those who love to prepare meals in advance. In general, it is recommended not to freeze cooked pasta, as the texture may change once thawed. However, the pepper sauce with tuna can be frozen without any issues. To do this, it is advisable to separate the sauce from the pasta before freezing. Once thawed, the sauce can be reused to dress freshly cooked pasta. If one wishes to freeze the entire dish, it is best to consume it within a couple of days of preparation to ensure the freshness and quality of the ingredients.