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Homemade Mediterranean Angel Hair Pasta photo

Mediterranean Angel Hair Pasta

A bright, savory angel hair pasta with tuna, tomatoes, olives, capers, and parsley.
Print Recipe Save it
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings 4 servings

Equipment

  • Large saucepan or skillet
  • Large Pot
  • Colander
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula
  • Knife
  • Cutting Board

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 for pasta water and seasoning
  • 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

Instructions
 

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil: add 2 tablespoons coarse sea salt when boiling and keep boiling until pasta is ready to cook.
  • Heat half of the olive oil (about 2 tablespoons) in a medium-to-large saucepan over medium heat.
  • Add the anchovy paste, finely chopped garlic, and chopped chili to the warmed oil and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
  • Stir in the drained, lightly mashed tuna and sauté for about 10 minutes, breaking up any large pieces.
  • Add the canned tomatoes, bring to a gentle simmer, and cook uncovered for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • About halfway through the tomato cooking time, add the rinsed capers and halved olives to the sauce and continue simmering.
  • When the sauce is nearing completion, cook the angel hair pasta in the boiling water for about 3 minutes or according to package directions until al dente, then drain.
  • Toss the drained pasta with the sauce, the remaining olive oil, and adjust seasoning with the 1/4 teaspoon fine salt and 1/8 teaspoon ground pepper as needed.
  • Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the pasta and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Use pitted olives for ease of preparation.
  • Angel hair cooks quickly, so time pasta to finish when sauce is ready.
  • Rinse capers briefly to reduce brininess if desired.
  • Adjust chili amount to taste.