Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in 30 Minutes
- Packed with Bright, Fresh Flavor
- Uses High-Quality Spanish Tuna in Olive Oil
- Crunchy Panko Breadcrumb Topping for Texture
- Elevated, Yet Easy Weeknight Meal
Ingredients for Lemon Pasta with Spanish Tuna
Pasta Base
- 1 lb durum wheat semolina pasta (bonus points if it’s lemon-flavored!)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of ½ lemon
- 1 small yellow onion or 3 small spring onions, chopped
- ½ bunch of asparagus, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- ½ jar of high-quality Spanish white tuna in olive oil (keep some oil for cooking)
- 1 Tbsp capers, drained
Toasted Breadcrumb Topping
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 1–2 Tbsp olive oil
- ¼ tsp salt
Garnish
- 1 tsp fresh lemon zest
- 1 tsp fresh chopped Italian flat-leaf parsley
Directions:
1. Make the Toasted Breadcrumbs
In a small skillet over medium heat, add olive oil, Panko breadcrumbs, and salt. Stir frequently until golden brown and crisp. Set aside.
2. Boil the Pasta
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Salt it generously—it should taste like the sea. Cook pasta until al dente. Reserve 1–2 cups of pasta water before draining.
3. Sauté the Base
In a large skillet over medium heat, add a little olive oil (use some from the tuna jar). Add chopped onions and sauté until soft. Splash in some reserved pasta water to help create a sauce.
4. Add the Tuna and Veggies
Stir in the Spanish tuna (with a bit of oil), asparagus, and capers. Sauté for 2–3 minutes. Add more pasta water as needed, swirling the skillet to create a silky sauce.
5. Combine with Pasta
Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet. Add lemon zest and a touch more pasta water, continuing to swirl the pan to emulsify everything. Finish with lemon juice for that fresh, zesty kick.
To Serve
Transfer the pasta to a serving bowl. Top with crispy breadcrumbs, chopped parsley, and extra lemon zest. Serve immediately and enjoy every bite of this bright, briny, and satisfying dish.
Tips & Variations
- Tuna Upgrade: Spanish white tuna in olive oil is key here—don’t skimp on quality!
- Add Garlic: Sauté minced garlic with the onions for extra flavor.
- Go Green: Sub in broccolini or peas if asparagus is out of season.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
Why Spanish Tuna?
Unlike standard canned tuna, Spanish white tuna (Bonito del Norte) is packed in high-quality olive oil and has a rich, buttery flavor. It turns this simple pasta into something special and elegant. Look for it at specialty food stores or online.
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This recipe is perfect for those who love bright, citrus-forward flavors and crave a quick, sophisticated pasta dinner.
