I’m not sure where I stumbled across this simple, delicious, easy, and quick recipe for pasta, because another name could be Delicious Pasta in a Hurry rather than Spaghetti Tonno e Burro aka Pasta with Tuna and Butter. Wherever I found it I’m grateful. Once the water boils and the pasta goes in the pot, it is a bare fifteen minutes until dinner is on the table. If you are making garlic bread to go along side, plan accordingly and place the bread in the oven while the pasta is cooking.

There are a few musts: salted pasta water, generous seasoning with freshly ground black pepper, kalamata olives–a definite must, and lemons, both grated and sliced–another definite must. Don’t leave anything out! The first time I put a forkful of this pasta dish in my mouth I was amazed. You will be too.

Spaghetti Tonno e Burro

Serves 2

Ingredients

• 6 quarts water
• 3 – 4 tablespoons Diamond Crystal kosher salt
• 8 ounces spaghetti

• 5 ounces of imported oil-packed tuna in a jar (Spanish or Italian preferred)
• 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter cut into small pieces
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Kosher salt to taste if needed

• Fresh oregano or basil to taste, coarsely chopped
• 1/3 – 1/2 cup kalamata olives, torn or crushed and coarsely chopped
• Freshly grated lemon zest

• Freshly ground black pepper
• Freshly grated lemon zest
• Lemon wedges

Instructions

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add kosher salt and spaghetti, cooking according to the package instructions.

While the pasta cooks, place the contents (including oil) of a 5-oz. can or jar of olive-oil-packed tuna into a large mixing bowl and break up the tuna with a fork. Add butter to the tuna, along with lots of freshly ground black pepper. Toss to combine.

The moment the spaghetti is al dente, use tongs (do not drain) to quickly transfer it to the mixing bowl, and begin tossing/stirring until the spaghetti looks saucy. If it looks dry, you can add some of the pasta water or a extra butter. Taste and season with salt if needed. Add oregano or basil, grated lemon zest, and olives. Divide between two plates. Top with additional freshly ground black pepper and more lemon zest. Serve with lemon wedges to squeeze on top.

For an easy and delicious pasta dinner for company, check out the following link:

Easy Italian Dinner