ORECCHIETTE with TUNA and ZUCCHINI, simple, creamy and delicious, a first course you can make in little time — perfect even for Sunday.
My daughter wanted orecchiette; she had eaten them with broccoli and sausage, so I asked her to think of something else. She doesn’t love vegetables much, but in the end she opted for orecchiette with tuna and zucchini with the addition of potatoes to make the dish creamier.
The result? A creamy, tasty and very quick first course that combines the delicate flavor of zucchini, the pronounced taste of tuna and the softness of potatoes. Perfect for anyone who wants a simple recipe that still looks great on the table.
Follow me in the kitchen — today it’s orecchiette with tuna and zucchini.
- Difficulty: Very easy
- Cost: Very affordable
- Preparation time: 15 Minutes
- Portions: 4People
- Cooking methods: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: Spring, Summer and Autumn
Ingredients
- 11 oz orecchiette
- 7 oz tuna in oil
- 2 zucchini
- 2 potatoes
- 1 onion (small)
- 1 clove garlic
Steps
Cook the potatoes in salted water until tender. Drain them and puree with an immersion blender.
In a large pan, sauté the garlic in oil, add the zucchini cut into pieces or slices and cook 5–6 minutes until soft.
Add the mashed potatoes and mix well, forming a creamy mixture with the zucchini; add the drained tuna and combine.
Cook the orecchiette in plenty of salted water, pour a little of the pasta water into the sauce, drain the pasta al dente and transfer it to the pan.
Toss briefly, adjust salt, sprinkle with parsley and serve immediately.
Enjoy your meal
If you like the recipe, click the stars at the bottom of the article. THANK YOU!
ORECCHIETTE with TUNA and ZUCCHINI
Practical tips for perfect orecchiette with tuna and zucchini
– Cut the zucchini into small cubes or julienne for quick cooking.
– Cook the potatoes in pieces and mash them slightly to obtain creaminess.
– Drain the canned tuna well to avoid the dish becoming too watery.
– Add a drizzle of raw olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh parsley before serving.
– For an extra touch, you can add a pinch of chili or grated lemon zest.
News: subscribe to my WhatsApp channel
FOLLOW ME ON TELEGRAM — TURN ON NOTIFICATIONS
FOLLOW ME ON TIKTOK
FOLLOW ARTE IN CUCINA ON INSTAGRAM
FAQ ORECCHIETTE with TUNA and ZUCCHINI
Can I substitute the orecchiette with another pasta?
Yes, penne or fusilli work just as well.
Can I prepare the orecchiette with tuna in advance?
You can prepare the zucchini and potatoes ahead of time and assemble the dish when you cook the pasta.
Can it be made without potatoes?
Yes, but the potatoes give the typical creaminess to this recipe.
Can I use fresh tuna instead of canned?
Sure, just sear it lightly in a pan before adding it to the vegetables.
Is this dish suitable for children?
Yes, it’s soft, creamy and much appreciated by little ones.
