Tuna Arrabbiata Pasta Gratin Recipe

Introduction

Tuna arrabbiata pasta gratin is a comforting, flavorful dish combining spicy tomato sauce, tender pasta, and flaky tuna, all topped with a golden, crispy parmesan breadcrumb crust. It’s a perfect weeknight meal that feels special yet is easy to prepare.

Ingredients

• 1 tsp olive oil
• 1 red pepper, deseeded and sliced
• 1 yellow pepper, deseeded and sliced
• 2 garlic cloves, crushed
• Pinch crushed dried chillies
• 2 x 400g cans chopped tomatoes
• 50g mixed pitted olives, whole or roughly chopped (optional)
• Pinch caster sugar
• 250g wholemeal pasta shapes
• 2 x 200g cans tuna steak in spring water, drained and flaked
• 25g fresh wholemeal breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp grated parmesan

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the sliced red and yellow peppers and fry for about 5 minutes until they start to caramelise.
2. Step 2: Add the crushed garlic and a pinch of crushed dried chillies to the pan. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Step 3: Pour in the chopped tomatoes and olives if using. Season with salt and add a pinch of caster sugar. Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for 10 minutes.
4. Step 4: Meanwhile, cook the wholemeal pasta according to the package instructions until just tender. Drain well.
5. Step 5: Preheat your grill to high. Stir the drained pasta and flaked tuna into the tomato sauce until combined.
6. Step 6: Transfer the pasta mixture into a large ovenproof dish. Mix the wholemeal breadcrumbs with the grated parmesan and sprinkle evenly over the top.
7. Step 7: Place the dish under the grill for 3-4 minutes, until the topping is crisp and golden. Serve immediately, optionally with a fresh green salad.

Tips & Variations

• To make this dish vegetarian, omit the tuna and add an extra red and yellow pepper. Increase the chilli flakes by 1-2 pinches for extra heat. Stir in 1 tablespoon of drained capers instead of tuna, and top the gratin with breadcrumbs mixed with 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan and 1 tablespoon pine nuts.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven to restore the crispy topping, or microwave until heated through, then briefly grill if you want to refresh the crust.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular pasta instead of wholemeal?

Yes, regular pasta works just fine. Wholemeal adds extra fiber and a nuttier flavor, but feel free to use your preferred pasta type.

Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce and pasta ahead of time. Assemble the gratin just before grilling to keep the topping crisp and fresh.

Tuna Arrabbiata Pasta Gratin Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 72 reviews

• Author: Jake
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Low Fat

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Description

A flavorful and comforting Tuna Arrabbiata Pasta Gratin featuring a spicy tomato and pepper sauce, mixed with tender tuna and wholemeal pasta, topped with a golden Parmesan and breadcrumb crust grilled to perfection.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Sauce

• 1 tsp olive oil
• 1 red pepper, deseeded and sliced
• 1 yellow pepper, deseeded and sliced
• 2 garlic cloves, crushed
• Pinch crushed dried chillies
• 2 x 400g cans chopped tomatoes
• 50g mixed pitted olives, whole or roughly chopped (optional)
• Pinch caster sugar

Pasta and Tuna

• 250g wholemeal pasta shapes
• 2 x 200g cans tuna steak in spring water, drained and flaked

Topping

• 25g fresh wholemeal breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp grated parmesan

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Instructions

1. Prepare the sauce: Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the sliced red and yellow peppers and fry for about 5 minutes until they start to caramelize.
2. Add aromatics and tomatoes: Stir in the crushed garlic and dried chillies, cooking for 30 seconds to release their flavors. Pour in the chopped tomatoes and add the olives if using. Season with salt and add a pinch of caster sugar.
3. Simmer the sauce: Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for 10 minutes to thicken and deepen the flavors.
4. Cook the pasta: Meanwhile, cook the wholemeal pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well once cooked.
5. Combine pasta and tuna: Transfer the drained pasta into the tomato sauce, then gently fold in the flaked tuna steak to combine thoroughly.
6. Prepare for grilling: Spoon the pasta and sauce mixture into a large ovenproof dish, spreading evenly.
7. Add the topping: Mix the wholemeal breadcrumbs with the grated Parmesan cheese. Evenly scatter this mixture over the top of the pasta in the dish.
8. Grill the gratin: Place the dish under a preheated grill for 3-4 minutes until the breadcrumb and cheese topping is crisp and golden brown.
9. Serve: Remove from the grill and serve hot, optionally accompanied by a fresh green salad.

Notes

• For a vegetarian version, replace the tuna with 1 tbsp drained capers and increase the crushed chillies by 1-2 pinches for extra heat. Add an extra red and yellow pepper to the sauce and top the gratin with breadcrumbs mixed with 2 tbsp Parmesan and 1 tbsp pine nuts.
• Wholemeal pasta contributes extra fiber and nutrients compared to regular pasta.
• Grilling the topping adds a delicious crunchy texture to complement the creamy pasta.
• You can omit olives if preferred, or substitute with green olives for a different flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Italian

Keywords: tuna pasta gratin, arrabbiata pasta, baked pasta, Italian pasta recipe, wholemeal pasta, tuna recipes, easy dinner, grilled pasta