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Pantry puttanesca with tuna

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 people

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb spaghetti or linguini
  • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 cup capers, drained and patted dry
  • 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
  • 1 large shallot, minced
  • 2 oz tin anchovy fillets in olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp ground chili peppers in EVO (plus more for garnish)
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 28 oz can San Marzano diced tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup pitted Leccino olives, torn or sliced
  • 2 5 oz cans high-quality tuna in olive oil, drained
  • 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • salt and black pepper, to taste

Method
 

  1. Boil the Pasta: Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook for 1-2 minutes less than the package instructions (aiming for"al dente"). Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. Crisp the Capers: While the water heats, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the capers and fry for 2-3 minutes until they pop and get slightly crisp. Remove them with a slotted spoon and set aside for garnish.
  3. Build the Base: Lower the heat to medium and add the remaining olive oil to the same skillet. Add the sliced garlic, minced shallots, and anchovies (with their oil). Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring and breaking up the anchovies with a wooden spoon until they melt into a paste, and the aromatics are fragrant but not browned.
  4. Bloom the Spices & Paste: Stir in the ground chili peppers and EVO, then add the tomato paste. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the paste turns a deep brick red and the oil is stained orange.
  5. Simmer the Sauce: Pour in the San Marzano diced tomatoes and the Leccino olives. Season with a pinch of black pepper (be careful with salt, as the olives and anchovies are very salty). Simmer for 10-12 minutes to let the flavors meld and the sauce thicken slightly.
  6. The Finish: Add the drained pasta and the flaked tuna to the skillet. Toss gently to coat, adding a splash of the reserved pasta water if the sauce feels too thick.
  7. Serve: Stir in the fresh parsley. Divide into bowls and top with the reserved, crispy-fried capers and an extra dollop of ground chili if you want more heat.