When the freshest ingredients meet a classic pasta shape, the result is a dish that’s both comforting and refreshingly elegant. This Fresh Tuna with Paccheri is inspired by a fantastic meal we had at this amazing little restaurant while vacationing.
Think juicy cherry tomatoes bursting in olive oil, briny green olives, and tender cubes of fresh tuna, are brought together with perfectly al dente paccheri pasta. It’s quick enough for a weeknight and special enough to impress guests.
Crafted with clean, seasonal ingredients and built on authentic Italian technique, this recipe delivers bold flavor with minimal fuss. Whether you are craving a seaside escape or just a wholesome, vibrant meal, this dish is your one-way ticket.
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It’s quick, easy, and full of flavor. I love to make this dish when I want something special without spending hours in the kitchen. It is my kind of dinner when I am too tired to cook or want something in less than 20 minutes.
Grab a big bowl, pour yourself a glass of something crisp, and let’s bring a taste of the Italian coast to your table.
Buon Appetito!
In this Article
- Why you will love this recipe
- How to cook fresh tuna?
- What is Paccheri Pasta?
- Ingredients needed to make this fresh tuna paccheri pasta
- Equipment Needed
- How to cook your fresh tuna with paccheri pasta
- Pro Tips
- What dishes can you enjoy with this fresh tuna recipe?
- Variations and Substitutions
- Storing and Reheating
- Frequently Asked Questions
- If you enjoy this paccheri pasta and fresh tuna recipe, you may want to try my other recipes.
- VIDEO: COOK ALONG WITH ME
- Fresh Tuna With Paccheri
Why you will love this recipe
Easy – in less than 25 minutes, this paccheri pasta will be ready to be enjoyed.
A whole meal in a dish – perfect for those nights that you want an easy meal all on one plate.
A colorful dish – that brings the summer vibes to your kitchen all year round.
How to cook fresh tuna?
Fresh tuna can be cooked using various methods, including searing, grilling, and baking.
The key to enjoying tuna is not to overcook it, as it will dry out and become tough. It is mostly recommended to cook it at a low or medium temperature, leaving the interior moist and flavorful.
What is Paccheri Pasta?
Paccheri pasta is a large tubular pasta with its origins in Naples and Gragnano.
It is very popular in Southern Italy and is often paired with seafood. Mezzi paccheri are half-sized paccheri, which are also easier to find at your marketplace.
Ingredients needed to make this fresh tuna paccheri pasta
This is a short introduction. The ingredient list is also brief. It includes essential items that you may already have in your pantry. Please read the recipe for complete instructions.
Fresh tuna – Select a steak that is uniform in color and has tight flesh. When cutting it into small dice or cubes, ensure it is all the same size.
Cherry tomatoes – use them whole and allow the heat to burst them into the sauce, creating an amazing flavor.
Green olives – pitted, of course. I love the freshness they bring to this dish.
Italian parsley – leaves and stems have a rich flavor that goes so well with seafood.
Garlic clove – Golden your garlic with the olive oil and then toss. Cooking with it will cause the garlic to cook and release a bitter flavor that is not desired.
Paccheri pasta – is the star of this dish. Cook in plenty of salted water. The pasta needs room to move around the pan and water.
Extra virgin olive oil – to saute the garlic, tomatoes, and your tuna.
Salt and pepper – the seasoning needed for this recipe.
Equipment Needed
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How to cook your fresh tuna with paccheri pasta
With all my recipes, please assemble all the ingredients before starting cooking and baking.
- Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a full boil. Then, cook the paccheri al dente according to the packaging’s manufacturing instructions.
- Meanwhile, saute the garlic in olive oil in a large skillet. Once golden, toss it.
- Add the cherry tomatoes, half of the fresh parsley, and the olives to the skillet and cook until the tomatoes start to burst. Season with salt and pepper and stir to incorporate.
- Add the cubed tuna and gently toss to cook the tuna.
- Reserve a cup of the cooking water before draining the pasta. Drain the pasta and return it to the pot.
- Pour the tomato-tuna mixture into a large bowl and add a splash of the cooking water, more if necessary, to loosen the sauce and pasta.
- Drizzle the remaining olive oil over, gently toss, and serve.
Pro Tips
- While cutting the tuna, ensure that all the pieces are the same. This will help ensure an even cooking time.
- Do not worry if your pasta is not fully cooked or al dente. Once added with the tomatoes and tuna, it will continue cooking to the desired consistency.
What dishes can you enjoy with this fresh tuna recipe?
Since we are in an Italian dinner mood, this is my suggestion to you.
For antipasto, start with melon and prosciutto. Then, enjoy this fresh tuna recipe, and end your dinner with strawberries and wine or affogato al caffee.
On a lighter side, enjoy a tomato salad with mint.
Have fun creating your own Italian dinner experience, and do not forget some candles to create that beautiful mood, and yes, even with kids.
Variations and Substitutions
Paccheri pasta can be difficult to eat due to its size and, at times, even harder to find. The perfect substitution is mezzi paccheri, which are readily available.
Pennoni, giant penne, or even rigatoni can substitute for the paccheri. No matter which pasta you select, I am sure you will love this pasta with fresh tuna recipe.
Storing and Reheating
Store: Place all leftovers in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to one day. This dish should be enjoyed freshly made.
Reheat: Place in a skillet with a couple of tablespoons of water and reheat until desired doneness. It would be best to keep the tuna aside, as it will overcook and dry out too much.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between rigatoni and paccheri pasta?
Both pasta shapes are tubular. The rigatoni is much smaller than the paccheri, which is quite large.
When do I add tuna to tomato sauce?
It is recommended that the tuna be added toward the end of the tomato sauce’s cooking and after the sauce has simmered for a while. Doing so will prevent the tuna from overcooking and becoming dry and falling apart.
What is paccheri pasta used for?
Paccheri pasta is a large, tube-shaped pasta that is extremely versatile. It is perfectly suited for rich sauce, seafood, and baked pasta recipes.
What is the difference between tuna and albacore tuna?
Albacore tuna is a specific species of tuna, while “tuna” can refer to a variety of species such as albacore, yellowfin, and others. Albacore is also lighter in color and firmer in texture. While other fresh tuna are deeper in color and stronger richer flavor.
If you enjoy this paccheri pasta and fresh tuna recipe, you may want to try my other recipes.
Yellowfin Tuna with Spicy Mango Salsa
VIDEO: COOK ALONG WITH ME
Fresh Tuna With Paccheri
Ingredients
- 16 ounces fresh tuna, cut into small dice pieces
- 3 cups fresh cherry tomatoes
- 1 cup green olives, pitted
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 garlic clove, peeled
- 1 pound paccheri pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- salt and pepper
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a full boil, and cook the paccheri pasta to al dente according to the packaging's manufacturing instructions.
- Meanwhile, add one tablespoon of olive oil and the garlic to a large skillet. Cook the garlic over medium heat until it turns golden, then remove it and toss.
- Add the cherry tomatoes, half of the fresh chopped parsley, and the olives to the skillet. Cook over medium heat until you hear and see the tomatoes bursting. Season with salt and pepper and stir. Add the cubed tuna, gently stir, and cook until the tuna is cooked through.
- Before draining the pasta, save a cup of the cooking water. Drain the pasta and return it to the pot. Pour in the tuna-tomato sauce, add a splash of the reserved pasta water if needed to loosen it up, and drizzle in the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Toss gently to combine.
- Serve in pasta bowls immediately.
Equipment
Notes
- While cutting the tuna, ensure that all the pieces are the same. This will help ensure an even cooking time.
- Do not worry if your pasta is not fully cooked or al dente. Once added with the tomatoes and tuna, it will continue cooking to the desired consistency.
Nutrition
Giangi’s Kitchen provides nutritional information, but these figures should be considered estimates, as a registered dietician does not calculate them.
- Course: Fish, Pasta, Rice & Grains, Dinners
- Cuisine: Italian
- Type: Under 45 minutes, Videos
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