Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, 3 turns of the pan in a slow stream
- 6 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 2 (6-ounce) cans Italian tuna in olive oil, drained
- 1/2 pint small cherry or grape tomatoes, coarsely chopped
- Coarse salt and black pepper
- 1 pound gemelli pasta -- short braids of pasta or other short-cut pastas can be substituted, such as penne rigate, cooked to al dente in salted water
- 1/3 cup flat-leaf parsley, chopped, about 3 handfuls
- 20 leaves fresh basil leaves, shredded
Directions
Heat a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Add extra-virgin olive oil and garlic to the pan. When garlic speaks by sizzling in oil, add tuna and mash into oil with the back of a wooden spoon. Let the tuna sit in the oil 5 to 10 minutes to infuse the fish flavor into the extra-virgin olive oil and to give the tuna time to break down -- it will almost melt into the extra-virgin olive oil. Raise the flame a bit and add the coarsely chopped tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper. Heat the tomatoes through, 2 minutes, then add hot, drained pasta that has been cooked to al dente. Add parsley to the tuna and pasta and toss to combine well and evenly coat pasta. Adjust seasonings. Top pasta with shredded basil and serve.
Photo: Gemelli with Tuna and Cherry Tomatoes Recipe











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By cookinismypassion
Searcy, AR
on June 24, 2012
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I thought this was good AFTER adding lots of salt and parmesan cheese. My four year old loved it as is, without anything added.
By mikeegee
on October 21, 2010
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Excellent recipe. I've made this dish lots of times and friends request it all the time. It's quick and easy, but it tastes super gourmet. Be sure to use the Italian tuna.
By bbinkyus_5535898
Astoria, NY
on August 23, 2010
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I just made this and it was delicious. I was scared it wouldn't have that much flavor, but the cooking of the tuna in the garlic oil really makes a difference. All I had was regular tuna and it was still good. I added a little hot red pepper flakes, and I added arugula while cooking the tomatoes, as well as some onion powder. Topped it off with fresh basil and a tiny bit of lemon zest. The result is the pasta really does have a lot of flavor!
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