Serve with:

Directions

  • garlic cloves, minced
  • ½ loosely packed cup (10 grams) fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon (about 6 large leaves) thinly sliced fresh basil
  • ¼ cup plus 2 tablespoons (90 ml) extra-virgin olive oil, divided
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 2 tablespoons (40 grams) tomato paste
  • 2 (5-ounce/142-gram) cans tuna in olive oil, drained
  • ½ cup (120 ml) dry red wine like Sangiovese or Chianti
  • 1 (28-ounce/794-gram) can peeled whole or crushed tomatoes or 1 (24-ounce/680-gram) jar tomato purée (passata)
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Directions

  1. Mix the garlic and herbs together in a small bowl.
  2. In a large sauté pan or Dutch oven, warm ¼ cup (60 ml) of the oil over medium heat. Stir in half of the garlic-herb mixture and the red pepper flakes. Cook, stirring frequently, until sizzling and fragrant, 1 to 2 minutes.
  3. Add the tomato paste and cook, stirring, until caramelized, 1 to 2 minutes. Add the tuna and use a spatula or wooden spoon to break it up in the pan. Cook for another minute, stirring often.
  4. Increase the heat to high. Pour in the wine and simmer until it reduces by half, about 2 minutes. Add the tomatoes and a large pinch of salt, then swish some water into the empty container to catch the residual juices and add that to the pan, too. If using whole tomatoes, use a wooden spoon or potato masher to break them up.
  5. Reduce the heat to a low simmer. Cook the sauce until slightly thickened, stirring occasionally, about 25 minutes. Season to taste.
  6. Cook your pasta of choice to your liking. Transfer the pasta directly to the sauce (or drain it first and reserve 1 cup (240 ml) of cooking water), along with the remaining garlic-herb mixture. Toss to combine and cook until the pasta is well coated, 1 to 2 minutes, loosening the sauce with more pasta water as needed. Divide the pasta among bowls and serve.