Who doesn’t love a practical and delicious recipe that transforms simple ingredients into a surprising meal? Tuna pasta with white wine sauce is the perfect choice for a light and sophisticated lunch or dinner, with a touch of freshness brought by lemon and wine. This classic flavor combination is easy to prepare, making it ideal for both busy days and special occasions when you want to impress with minimal effort. Here, each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating a balanced, creamy, and flavorful dish
Begin by heating 500 ml of water in a large pot until it reaches a rolling boil. This process ensures that the spaghetti cooks evenly, absorbing just the right amount of water
Add 1 teaspoon of salt to the boiling water. The salt not only enhances the pasta’s flavor but also helps prevent it from sticking together
Add the spaghetti to the pot and let it cook until “al dente” (firm to the bite), following the cooking time on the package for best results
While the spaghetti cooks, heat a skillet over medium heat and melt 1 tablespoon of butter. The butter will add creaminess and flavor to the sauce, as well as help sauté the ingredients
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until golden and fragrant. Garlic is a key component that will give the sauce its unmistakable flavor
Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour over the sautéed garlic. Stir constantly to create a “roux” (a butter and flour mixture), which will serve as the thickening base for the sauce
Keep stirring well to avoid burning the flour or having it stick to the skillet. This process ensures the sauce will be smooth and free of lumps
Gradually add 200 ml of milk, stirring continuously to incorporate the roux into the liquid. The milk provides the necessary creaminess for the sauce
Add 1/2 cup of white wine and keep stirring. The wine introduces a mild acidity and a sophisticated aroma to the sauce, perfectly balancing the other ingredients
Season with 1 tablespoon of salt and 1 teaspoon of pepper, adjusting the amounts to your personal taste
Add the chopped parsley to taste. It brings freshness to the dish, balancing the richer flavors of the tuna and white wine
Grate the zest of 1 lemon and add it to the sauce. The lemon zest gives a citrusy note that will highlight the tuna and white wine flavors
Open a can of tuna, drain the liquid, and add the fish to the sauce. Stir well to distribute the tuna evenly throughout the sauce
Now, add 200 ml of the pasta cooking water to the sauce, stirring well to adjust the sauce’s consistency and ensure it lightly coats the spaghetti
Once the spaghetti is ready, drain it and add it directly to the skillet with the tuna sauce. Mix well, making sure each strand of pasta is coated in the creamy sauce
To finish, sprinkle grated cheese to taste over the pasta. The grated cheese will add a final creamy and slightly salty touch to the dish
Serve immediately and savor every bite of this delicious combination of flavors
Bonus Tip:
If you want to take this dish to the next level, try lightly toasting the tuna before adding it to the sauce. Simply place it in a hot skillet with a drizzle of olive oil until it becomes slightly golden. This will enhance the flavor and add an extra texture to the dish. Another suggestion is to include capers or chopped black olives in the sauce, adding an additional layer of flavor.
Conclusion:
Tuna pasta with white wine sauce is one of those recipes that show you can create a sophisticated dish with simple ingredients. The combination of flavors is harmonious, with the freshness of lemon and wine perfectly complementing the mild flavor of tuna. The creaminess of the sauce envelops each strand of spaghetti, ensuring a delicious and comforting meal. Ideal for days when you want a practical meal without compromising on flavor!