Simple Tuna and Scallion Pasta
How to Make Delicious Tuna Pasta with Just 2 Ingredients: Scallions and Canned Tuna
Craving pasta instead of rice, but want something quick and tasty? Tuna pasta is the perfect answer! You don’t need to make a separate sauce; you can create a flavorful pasta using just the ingredients and salt. It’s incredibly simple and satisfying!
Core Ingredients- 200g Pasta (Spaghetti or Linguine recommended)
- 1 can (150g) Tuna, drained
- 1 stalk Scallion (green onion), white and green parts separated
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare all your ingredients. You’ll need 200g of pasta, 1 can (150g) of tuna, and 1 stalk of scallion, with the white and green parts separated. Also, have 9 tablespoons of grapeseed oil, 6 dried red chilies (if using), 1 tablespoon of coarse salt, 1 teaspoon of salt, and some black pepper ready.
Step 2
Fill a large pot with plenty of water and bring it to a rolling boil over high heat. Once boiling, add 1 tablespoon of coarse salt to the water. This salt is crucial for seasoning the pasta as it cooks.
Step 3
Carefully add 200g of pasta to the boiling water. Check the pasta package for the recommended cooking time and cook accordingly. Most pasta takes about 8-10 minutes to reach al dente.
Step 4
If you don’t have a kitchen scale, 200g of pasta is roughly a single serving. You can estimate this by holding the pasta strands together in your hand; it should fill the space from your index finger to your pinky finger, up to the base of your thumb.
Step 5
While the pasta is cooking, heat a medium-sized skillet over medium-low heat. Add 9 tablespoons of grapeseed oil. This generous amount of oil will coat the pasta, making it smooth and flavorful.
Step 6
Add the chopped white parts of the scallion to the skillet and sauté until they become slightly fragrant and begin to turn golden. Then, add the 6 dried red chilies (if using) and stir-fry for about 30 seconds to release their aroma. Lower the heat if necessary to prevent burning. (Omit the chilies if you prefer less spice.)
Step 7
Now, add the chopped green parts of the scallion to the skillet and continue to stir-fry for another 30 seconds to 1 minute. This will infuse the oil with the fresh, oniony flavor of the scallion.
Step 8
At this stage, do not add any salt to the skillet. We will use the pasta cooking water (starchy water) to season and emulsify the sauce later, so it’s best to keep this step plain.
Step 9
Open the can of tuna (150g) and drain off the oil thoroughly. Removing the excess oil from the tuna prevents the pasta from becoming too greasy.
Step 10
Finely mince the drained tuna. Using a knife is ideal for mincing, but if you’re short on time, you can also use kitchen scissors to cut the tuna into very small pieces. This helps distribute the tuna flavor evenly throughout the pasta.
Step 11
Once the pasta is al dente, drain it lightly using a colander and transfer it directly into the skillet with the sautéed scallions. Immediately add about 1 ladle (approximately 1/2 cup) of the starchy pasta water. This water is key to creating a smooth, cohesive sauce.
Step 12
Turn the heat to medium and gently toss the pasta with the scallions and oil for 1-2 minutes. This step allows the pasta to absorb the flavors and for the oil and starchy water to begin forming a light sauce.
Step 13
Add the minced tuna to the skillet. Stir everything together gently for about 1 minute, ensuring the tuna is evenly distributed and heated through. Taste the pasta and adjust the seasoning with the 1 teaspoon of salt if needed. Add it gradually, as canned tuna can sometimes be salty. Turn off the heat. A little extra salt might be needed depending on your taste, so add cautiously.
Step 14
Transfer the finished tuna pasta to a beautiful serving plate. Finish with a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper for an aromatic touch. Enjoy your delicious and easy tuna and scallion pasta!
