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Homemade Mediterranean Angel Hair Pasta photo

Mediterranean Angel Hair Pasta

A light, bright Mediterranean-style angel hair pasta with tuna, tomatoes, olives, and capers.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon anchovy paste
  • 2 cloves garlic finely chopped
  • 1 chili coarsely chopped
  • 6 ounces canned tuna drained and lightly mashed with a fork
  • 1 pound canned tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons coarse sea salt
  • 1/3 cup pitted olives halved
  • 1/4 cup capers rinsed and drained
  • 1/4 teaspoon fine salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground pepper
  • 1 pound dry angel hair pasta
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley finely chopped

Equipment

  • Large saucepan
  • Large Pot
  • Colander
  • Wooden Spoon
  • Knife
  • Cutting Board

Method
 

  1. Heat half of the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
  2. Add the anchovy paste, finely chopped garlic, and chopped chili to the pan and sauté 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Add the drained, lightly mashed tuna and sauté for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. Stir in the canned tomatoes, then simmer the sauce over medium-low heat for 30 minutes.
  5. About halfway through the sauce cooking, add the rinsed capers and halved pitted olives and continue cooking until the sauce is done.
  6. While the sauce simmers (around the halfway point), bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add 2 tablespoons of coarse sea salt.
  7. Add the angel hair pasta to the boiling water and cook about 3 minutes until al dente, then drain well.
  8. Toss the cooked pasta with the sauce, drizzle with the remaining olive oil, and sprinkle with finely chopped parsley.
  9. Adjust seasoning with the 1/4 teaspoon fine salt and 1/8 teaspoon ground pepper as needed, then serve immediately.

Notes

  • Use the faster-cooking angel hair pasta to time with the sauce.
  • Drain and gently mash the tuna for better sauce integration.
  • Rinse capers to reduce excess brininess.
  • Reserve olive oil to finish the dish for extra flavor.