Penne With Tuna and Red Onion

Submitted by DesertRose15

"This is a modified version of a Martha Stewart recipe. It is a light and tasty dish. I don't recommend adding salt to the pasta water since you will be using some of it in the sauce. The tuna and anchovies make it salty enough. Fresh Italian parsley is a must in this recipe!"

 

• Ready In: 25mins
• Ingredients: 10
• Serves: 6

ingredients

• coarse salt and pepper
• 12 ounces penne pasta (I use whole wheat)
• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 1 large red onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup half-and-half
• 3 anchovy fillets, mashed (optional)
• 2 (6 ounce) cans tuna packed in oil, drained
• 3⁄4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
• 2 tablespoons capers, drained

directions

1. 1. In a large pot of boiling water cook pasta according to package instructions; drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water. Return pasta to pot.
2. 2. Meanwhile, in a large nonstick skillet, heat oil over medium-low heat. Add onion and garlic; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring often, until onion is very tender and starting to brown, about 8 minutes. Add half-and-half and if using, anchovies; raise heat to high, and boil 2 minutes.
3. 3. Pour mixture over pasta. Add tuna, parsley, capers, and reserved pasta water; toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper, as desired.

Reviews

[EmJoMay]

This is one of my favorite recipes. I just knew someone had to have posted it on Zaar. :) I only change a few things: double or triple the capers, omit the anchovies, and salt the pasta water (since there are no anchovies). I agree, the parsley is a must, and the salt and pepper can make a big difference in the taste. This is quick and easy to make after a hard day at work; it's definitely made its way into our regular rotation of meals. Thanks for posting this!