For my cash, probably the most scrumptious pantry pasta is tuna pasta, a lot in order that even in its most bare-bones iteration (pasta, olive oil, tuna, salt), it seems like a deal with and never the results of nothing-in-the-fridge desperation.
Nonetheless, there are methods to make it even higher, and this model is one which I developed after I needed so as to add a vegetable to make the dish extra well-rounded — however nonetheless had nothing within the fridge. It consists of canned artichoke hearts, often known as the one vegetable I’ll eat from a can. The truth is, I hold them stocked in my cupboard always alongside beans, tomatoes, fish, olives, capers, rice, pasta, panko, grains…you get the thought. They’re an oft-overlooked pantry staple whose slight tang goes exceptionally effectively with tuna. Oh, and the aforementioned capers and panko? They make an look right here, too.
Begin by draining an 8.5-ounce can of artichoke hearts. These come complete and quartered; both works tremendous. (However please, don’t purchase a flowery marinated selection. For this recipe, you need your hearts straight-up.) In the event that they’re complete, reduce them into quarters. I like to put out the items on a dish towel or paper towel to assist take in among the moisture as a result of they nonetheless retain loads even after you’ve drained them.
As these sit, carry a big pot of generously salted water to a boil. Drain a 5-ounce can of tuna in olive oil and put aside. For me, tuna in water is no-go; the fish doesn’t have almost as good of a texture as filets packed in oil. (In the event you use a bigger jar, weigh the quantity you want.)
Subsequent, make the pasta topping. Roughly chop 2 teaspoons of capers. You don’t want to fret about them ending up in even items, however attempt to intention for smaller bits. Warmth 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a 10-inch stainless-steel skillet. I want to make use of contemporary olive oil reasonably than the remnants from the can of tuna, which isn’t at all times high-quality and should have too sturdy of a fishy odor. Add the chopped capers and ¼ cup of panko breadcrumbs, stirring so all the things will get coated in oil as evenly as doable. Let the combination sizzle, stirring incessantly in order that it will get as evenly golden brown as doable, about 5 minutes. Flip off the warmth, add a pinch of flaky salt, stir once more, after which put aside. I consider this like a salty Parmesan substitute, which additionally provides some crunch.
Now comes a small quantity of non-obligatory prep work. I like so as to add 2 tablespoons of chopped chives and 2 tablespoons of chopped parsley. I believe these herbs supply a welcome freshness, however you possibly can depart them out altogether if you would like a real pantry pasta, or simply use one or the opposite. One other nice substitution could be a delicate herb like dill or basil.
Be sure that the stainless-steel skillet you used for the topping is cleaned (no straggling breadcrumbs left to burn) and set it over medium warmth. Pour in 1½ tablespoons olive oil, let it get sizzling, after which dump within the artichokes. Season them with a pinch of kosher salt, some freshly cracked black pepper, and (once more, non-obligatory) a pinch of chili flakes. Let that cook dinner for about 10 minutes, stirring sometimes. If the pan will get too dry at any level, add extra oil. The artichoke items will keep largely delicate, however they’ll get some brown frizzled edges and shrink down, shedding their moisture and concentrating their earthy taste.
In the meantime, pour 4 ounces of pasta into the boiling water. You possibly can go along with any form you want, although I want quick and stout (versus lengthy and skinny) for optimum chunky bites. I attempt to time this in order that the pasta — which you’ll cook dinner till simply shy of al dente — is prepared when the artichokes are carried out. However don’t overthink it; there’s wiggle room on either side. In case your pasta is completed first, let it sit as soon as drained. In case your artichokes are carried out first, flip the warmth down a smidge so that they don’t burn.
When the pasta is completed, reserve a little bit of pasta water (a cup ought to be greater than sufficient) and drain.
Pour the pasta and a splash of pasta water into the skillet, tossing as you go, in order that the underside of the pan deglazes, and also you begin to get a saucy, shiny sheen over all the things. Add a splash or two extra pasta water if obligatory.
Throughout the last few tosses, as all the things is coming collectively, add the tuna, all of the herbs, and a squeeze of lemon juice.
Plate, high with the breadcrumb combination — and be thrilled that your fridge was naked.
Further picture illustration credit: bowl picture by Emma Wartzman