Tuna, caper, and chilli spaghetti
This tuna, caper, and chilli spaghetti is a quick and tasty summer recipe. Ready in 15 minutes, it combines pasta, tuna, capers, and a hint of chilli—perfect for an easy weeknight meal!

Plus, it’s packed with bold flavours and takes just minutes to prepare. Ideal for busy nights when you want something satisfying yet effortless, this dish delivers both taste and convenience.
Looking for more quick and easy meals, try my Tuna Patties for a tasty snack or appetizer, my Cabbage Pasta for a comforting twist, or my Pesto Shrimp Gnocchi for a flavorful, hassle-free dinner. Give these recipes a try for meals that are both delicious and simple to make!
For more family-friendly Italian recipes (everybody loves Italian!), try my canned tuna pasta (ready in 15 minutes), my creamy shrimp gnocchi, my homemade pizza recipe or my preferred focaccia bread. Don’t forget to check out my spaghetti and meatballs and turkey meatballs too!
Craving something else? Enjoy a classic tiramisu, a comforting potato frittata, creamy risotto, or rich baked gorgonzola pears. These recipes are simple, tasty, and perfect for any occasion!
I love quick, restaurant-quality dishes that taste amazing and are easy to make. In just 30 minutes, I can make a delicious meal for my family with ingredients I control. Sharing homemade meals creates special memories that last.
Looking for more? Check out these Dinner Recipes!
Why you’ll love it
You’ll love this Tuna, Caper, and chilli spaghetti because it’s a quick and flavorful recipe that combines pantry staples into a delicious meal. The recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, offering a satisfying dish with just a few ingredients.
With its bold combination of tuna, capers, and a hint of chilli, it’s an easy-to-make option that delivers on taste and convenience. Ideal for those looking for a simple yet impressive dinner that doesn’t compromise on flavour.
Expert Tips
- Choose Good Tuna: Use high-quality tuna, preferably in olive oil, for the best taste and texture.
- Control the Spice: Start with a small amount of chilli and add more if needed. This lets you adjust the heat to your liking.
- Cook Pasta Firm: Cook the pasta until it’s firm but not hard. This helps it hold up well in the dish and prevents it from getting mushy.
Ingredients
Substitutions
- Canned tuna in oil (Rio Mare brand): Substitute any high-quality canned tuna in olive oil.
- Garlic cloves, sliced: Replace with garlic powder if fresh garlic isn’t available.
- Capers: Use chopped green olives as an alternative.
- Chilli pepper, diced (optional): Omit for a milder dish or use a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
- Cherry tomatoes: Replace with regular tomatoes, diced, if needed.
- Tomato paste: Use canned tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes instead.
- Fresh basil: Swap for dried basil or parsley if fresh basil is unavailable.
- Salt and pepper: Adjust seasoning to your taste.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Substitute with any hard cheese like Pecorino, or skip for a dairy-free option.
- Spaghetti: Use any pasta shape you have on hand.
Instructions
Check out our detailed guide with step-by-step photos to help you create this delicious dish with ease!
Heat a skillet, add tuna with its oil, and cook for 2-3 minutes. Add garlic, capers, and chilli pepper; cook for another 2 minutes. Add cherry tomatoes and cook until softened.
Stir in the tomato paste and mix well. Cook for another 2 minutes to blend everything.
Add the drained spaghetti to the pan with the tuna mixture. Toss everything together gently, ensuring that the spaghetti is coated evenly with the sauce.
Serve the tuna spaghetti immediately, garnished with a few fresh basil leaves and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired.
Variations
- Thai-style Tuna Spaghetti: Heat coconut milk with Thai red curry paste, then add tuna, capers, and red chillies. Simmer, toss with spaghetti, and garnish with cilantro and lime wedges.
- Lemon Garlic Tuna Spaghetti: Sauté minced garlic in olive oil, then add tuna, capers, and red chilli flakes. Toss with lemon juice and cooked spaghetti. Garnish with parsley and lemon zest.
- Tomato and Basil Tuna Spaghetti: Sauté onions and garlic, then add tuna, capers, red chilli flakes, and diced tomatoes. Simmer into a sauce, toss with spaghetti, and garnish with basil.
- Creamy Tuna Spaghetti: Mix softened cream cheese with milk or cream. Sauté onions and garlic, then add tuna, capers, and chilli flakes. Stir in the creamy sauce and toss with spaghetti. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
- Mediterranean Tuna Spaghetti: Sauté bell peppers, black olives, and red onions. Add tuna, capers, and chilli flakes. Toss with spaghetti, drizzle with olive oil, and top with feta and oregano.
Drinks that go well with Tuna Pasta
For pairing drinks with Tuna, Caper, and Chilli Spaghetti, consider these options:
- White Wine: A light, crisp white like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the rich tuna and spicy chilli.
- Rosé Wine: A dry, acidic rosé from Provence or made with Grenache or Syrah grapes pairs well with the dish.
- Light Beer: A pilsner or wheat beer can cleanse your palate between bites.
- Sparkling Water: Add a squeeze of lemon or lime for a refreshing, non-alcoholic option.
- Iced Tea: Unsweetened or lightly sweetened iced tea offers a cooling effect and complements the dish.
FAQs
Storage
Tuna and pasta are best enjoyed immediately after cooking. For optimal taste and texture, consume the dish straight away.
You might also like
- Italian Focaccia Bread
- Homemade Sweetcorn, Tuna Pizza
- Baked Gorgonzola Pears, a quick appetizer
- Couscous Salmon Salad
- Baked Gorgonzola Pears, a quick appetizer
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At first glance, you would think the ingredients don’t go together. But I assure you, they do. In fact they compliment each other wonderfully. Loved it.
Such a great pasta recipe that is full of flavor! Just delightful!
Seafood and capers are great together. This sounds like a great spaghetti dinner to me. Love the added chilli for some extra spice.
Delish! Love the combination of the tuna and capers in this spaghetti recipe – and the chili pepper adds a nice kick. It’s a great addition to the dinner recipe box!
This made such an easy, delicious dinner!! A winner that we’ll make again!
Pasta turned out great than I expected as it has tuna. Family loved it for dinner.
Love a nice and easy pasta recipe. Was a great recipe for a mid week dinner.
My whole family loved this spaghetti. It’s a great recipe.
This is such a great alternative to our traditional spaghetti dish! Tuna with a chili flavor is such an amazing combination that will be loved and enjoyed by many! Looking forward on making this at home! Loved it!
What a great pasta recipe! The tuna and capers add a unique savory essence to the dish!
Such a wonderful dinner for Lent! My family loved it!!! Way better than the tuna casserole my husband always requests 🙂
I love pasta with tuna for a quick and easy weeknight meal. This recipe was perfect. Full of Mediterranean flavors!
This turned out so good. Love the combo of tuna and pasta. Saving this recipe.
This pasta has a unique taste of slightly salty, savory and a bit of spice from the chili. It’s perfect for an afternoon lunch or a nice dinner!