Gusto TV Tuna Puttanesca Recipe - Easy Mediterranean Linguine with Tuna

Tuna Puttanesca Recipe

This Tuna Puttanesca Recipe is a bold, briny, and satisfying Mediterranean pasta dish that comes together in just 30 minutes. Featured on A Is For Apple 2 and hosted by Theresa Visintin, this recipe offers a simple yet flavorful twist on the classic Italian puttanesca sauce.

Traditionally made with anchovies, olives, capers, and tomatoes, puttanesca is known for its salty, savory depth. In this variation, tender canned tuna replaces anchovies to create a hearty, protein-rich pasta that feels both comforting and refined. The combination of kalamata olives, green olives, capers, sundried tomatoes, and cherry tomatoes creates layers of flavor, while fresh basil and lemon juice brighten the final dish.

Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining, Tuna Puttanesca proves that pantry staples can transform into something truly delicious.

The Inspiration

Puttanesca sauce originates from Southern Italy, particularly Naples, where bold ingredients are staples of everyday cooking. Its name may be colorful, but its flavor is unmistakably vibrant and assertive.

In this version from A Is For Apple 2, Theresa Visintin simplifies the classic preparation while maintaining its signature briny character. Tuna adds heartiness and makes the dish more substantial, turning it into a complete meal rather than just a sauce.

The balance of salty olives, tangy capers, rich tomato sauce, and bright lemon juice reflects the Mediterranean philosophy of cooking — simple ingredients layered thoughtfully for maximum impact.

Ingredients

1 lb. (450g) linguine pasta
¼ cup (60ml) olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
½ cup (120ml) pitted and sliced kalamata olives
½ cup (120ml) pitted and sliced green olives
2 tablespoons (30ml) capers
4 sundried tomatoes, sliced
½ cup (120ml) red wine
1 cup (240ml) tomato sauce
2 small cans of tuna, drained
1 cup (240ml) halved cherry tomatoes
Salt and pepper
1 tablespoon (15ml) lemon juice
2 tablespoons (30ml) chopped basil
Parmesan flakes, for topping

Method

Cook pasta in lightly salted water until al dente. Reserve some of the water.
Meanwhile, heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add garlic, olives, capers and sundried tomatoes, and cook for 4-5 minutes.
Add red wine, and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until slightly reduced.
Add tomato sauce, and bring to a simmer.
Add tuna and cherry tomatoes, and simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring gently.
Season sauce with salt and pepper.
Add some of the pasta water to pan.
Add pasta to saucepan, and toss gently.
Add additional pasta water if necessary to adjust consistency of sauce.
Bring sauce to a simmer once again and remove from heat.
Add lemon juice and basil, and toss.
Serve equal portions and garnish with Parmesan flakes.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Tuna Puttanesca immediately while warm, allowing the sauce to cling beautifully to the linguine. This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple arugula salad dressed in olive oil and lemon to complement the briny flavors. Crusty Italian bread is perfect for soaking up any remaining sauce. For wine pairing, a medium-bodied red such as Chianti or a crisp Pinot Grigio enhances the Mediterranean profile. If serving for entertaining, finish with extra fresh basil and a drizzle of high-quality olive oil just before presenting at the table for added aroma and shine.

Final Thoughts

This Tuna Puttanesca recipe from A Is For Apple 2, hosted by Theresa Visintin, is a quick, satisfying pasta that captures the essence of Mediterranean cooking.

With its bold olives, tender tuna, and vibrant tomato sauce, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights yet impressive enough for guests. Simple ingredients, classic flavors, and effortless preparation make it a reliable favorite for any pasta lover.

Find more recipes from A is for Apple here!