Tuna, caper, and chilli spaghetti

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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!

Tuna, caper & chilli spaghetti  in a pan ready to be served

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

Ingredient shot to make Tuna, caper and chilli spaghetti recipe.

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!

Pan with tuna chunks simmering in olive oil, garlic, chilli, and capers.

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.

Pan with tuna in olive oil, garlic, chili, and capers, simmering in tomato sauce.

Stir in the tomato paste and mix well. Cook for another 2 minutes to blend everything.

Pan with tuna in olive oil, garlic, chili, and capers in tomato sauce, with cooked spaghetti being added.

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.

Tuna, caper & chilli spaghetti in a pan ready to be served

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.
Tuna, caper & chilli bucatini  in a large pan garnished with fresh basil
Tuna, caper & chilli bucatini

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.
Tuna, caper & chilli bucatini in a large pan garnished with fresh basil
Tuna, caper & chilli bucatini recipe

FAQs

Yes, you can use fresh tuna. Simply sear it until cooked through, then flake and add it to the dish.

Absolutely! Feel free to use any pasta shape you prefer or have on hand.

Simply omit the Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.

Yes, you can use chopped green olives or pickles as an alternative to capers.

Storage

Tuna and pasta are best enjoyed immediately after cooking. For optimal taste and texture, consume the dish straight away.

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Tuna, caper & chilli spaghetti in a pan ready to be served.

Tuna, caper and chilli spaghetti

Claudia
This quick and easy tuna spaghetti combines tender pasta with flaky tuna, tangy capers, and a hint of chili. It's a flavoruful meal ready in minutes—great for busy weeknights or a casual dinner with friends.
5 from 14 votes
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Dinner, Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine Italian, Mediterranean
Servings 4
Calories 485 kcal

Equipment

  • Colander
  • Large skillet or frying pan
  • Kitchen tongs
  • Garlic press, grater or knife

Ingredients
 
 

  • 2 x 80g canned tuna in oil I used tuna from Rio Mare
  • 3 garlic cloves sliced
  • 1 heaped spoon capers
  • 1 chili pepper diced (optional)
  • 150 g cherry tomatoes
  • 50 g tomato paste
  • Fresh basil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 100 g grated Parmesan cheese
  • 300 g spaghetti

Instructions
 

  • Start by boiling water in a large pot. Add salt to the boiling water and cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until it reaches the desired doneness. Drain the spaghetti and set it aside.
    300 g spaghetti
  • Heat a large skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Add the canned tuna (including the oil) to the pan and break it up into smaller chunks using a spatula or fork. Sauté the tuna for about 2-3 minutes until it’s slightly browned.
    2 x 80g canned tuna in oil
  • Add the sliced garlic, capers, and diced chili pepper (if using) to the pan. Sauté everything together for another 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
    3 garlic cloves, 1 heaped spoon capers, 1 chili pepper
  • Cut the cherry tomatoes in half and add them to the pan. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until the tomatoes start to soften and release their juices.
    150 g cherry tomatoes
  • Stir in the tomato paste and mix well to combine it with the other ingredients. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
    50 g tomato paste
  • Tear a few fresh basil leaves into smaller pieces and add them to the pan. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together and cook for another minute.
    Fresh basil, Salt and pepper to taste
  • 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.
  • Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the spaghetti and toss it once again to incorporate the cheese.
    100 g grated Parmesan cheese
  • Serve the tuna spaghetti immediately, garnished with a few fresh basil leaves and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Video

Notes

  • Use good tuna in oil for better taste; drain it well before using.
  • Cook the pasta until it’s just soft but still a little firm (al dente).
  • Add chili flakes slowly if you don’t like too much spice; you can always add more.
  • Add fresh herbs like parsley or basil at the end for a fresh flavor.
  • If capers are too salty, rinse them with water before using.
  • Save some pasta water before draining; it helps make the sauce creamy.
  • A little lemon juice or zest can make it taste even better.
  • Eat it right away for the best taste and texture.
  • Add extras like tomatoes, olives, or spinach if you want.
  • Keep leftovers in the fridge for up to 2 days; reheat with a little water or oil to make it saucy again.
 

Nutrition

Calories: 485kcalCarbohydrates: 65gProtein: 35gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.003gCholesterol: 52mgSodium: 736mgPotassium: 617mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 746IUVitamin C: 28mgCalcium: 266mgIron: 3mg
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5 from 14 votes

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Recipe Rating




14 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    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.

  2. 5 stars
    Seafood and capers are great together. This sounds like a great spaghetti dinner to me. Love the added chilli for some extra spice.

  3. 5 stars
    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!

  4. 5 stars
    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!

  5. 5 stars
    Such a wonderful dinner for Lent! My family loved it!!! Way better than the tuna casserole my husband always requests 🙂

  6. 5 stars
    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!