Emma Wilson
Tuna and mushrooms are two ingredients that can be combined to create a delicious, creamy pasta dish. This combination of ingredients is used in a Roman-style pasta recipe called Spaghetti Alla Carrettiera, which was created by cart drivers who would travel from town to town, selling goods to locals. This recipe includes jarred or canned tomatoes, canned tuna in olive oil, and rehydrated dried porcini mushrooms. The modern version of this recipe includes additional ingredients such as spinach, rosemary, lemon, and Parmesan cheese. The tuna and mushroom pasta can be made within 30 minutes and is a tasty, easy-to-make meal.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Dish | Creamy Tuna Mushroom Pasta |
| Ingredients | Tuna, Mushrooms, Cream, Lemon, Garlic, Parsley, Parmesan, Salt, Pepper, Spinach, Tomato Paste, Butter, Olive Oil, Rosemary |
| Variants | Spaghetti Alla Carrettiera, Penne with Tuna and Mushrooms |
| Preparation Time | 30 minutes |
| Recipe Source | Gimme Some Oven, Skinny Spatula, Serious Eats |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Tuna and mushroom pasta
Tuna and mushrooms are a great combination, and when combined with pasta, they create a delicious and easy-to-make meal. This section will provide a detailed recipe for a mouth-watering tuna and mushroom pasta dish that is perfect for a quick and tasty weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
- Pasta of your choice (penne, spaghetti, linguine, or farfalle are great options)
- Canned tuna (preferably packed in olive oil and drained)
- Mushrooms (baby bella or cremini are excellent choices)
- Butter
- Garlic (fresh cloves, pressed or minced)
- Rosemary (fresh or dried)
- Heavy whipping cream or double cream
- Lemon (juice and zest)
- Parmesan cheese (freshly grated is best)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: spinach, arugula, kale, or other pasta-friendly greens
Instructions:
Start by cooking the pasta in a large pot of generously salted water until it is just shy of al dente. Remember to reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining the pasta. This water can be added to the sauce later to adjust its consistency and make it richer.
While the pasta is cooking, melt some butter in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the mushrooms and sauté for about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are nicely browned. Don't stir the mushrooms too often, as they need time to brown properly.
Next, add the garlic, rosemary, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using) to the pan. Sauté for an additional 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
Now, it's time to make the creamy sauce. Add the heavy whipping cream or double cream to the pan and stir it into the mushroom mixture. You can also add some tomato paste at this stage if you want a rosé sauce. Cook the mixture for about a minute until it starts to bubble.
Gently stir in the canned tuna, being careful not to break it up too much. You want to retain some nice chunks of tuna in your pasta. Add the juice and zest of a lemon to the pan and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Finally, toss the cooked pasta with the creamy tuna and mushroom sauce. Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top and add some chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy the delicious combination of flavours!
Variations and Tips:
You can add some extra vegetables to the pasta, such as spinach, arugula, kale, or other pasta-friendly greens for a nutritional boost. Sun-dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts, and toasted pine nuts are also great additions. If you want a lighter sauce, you can reduce the amount of cream and add more lemon juice and Parmesan. Don't forget to taste the pasta before seasoning, as the tuna, pasta water, and Parmesan can already add a good amount of saltiness.
This tuna and mushroom pasta is a versatile and forgiving dish that allows you to experiment with different ingredients and flavours. It's a perfect example of how tuna and mushrooms can come together beautifully to create a tasty and satisfying meal.
Mushrooms and Sodium: A Healthy Relationship?
You may want to see also
Canned tuna vs. fresh tuna
Tuna and mushrooms are a great combination, as evidenced by the popularity of creamy tuna and mushroom pasta. This dish is easy to make, tasty, and can be served with or without baking. It is also a good source of protein and can be made in under 30 minutes.
Now, when it comes to choosing between canned and fresh tuna, there are several factors to consider in terms of taste, convenience, health, and cost.
Starting with taste, canned tuna is typically cooked before canning, which affects its texture and flavour. Canned tuna tends to be more tender, and while it is still considered flavourful, it may not be as flavourful as fresh tuna. Fresh tuna, particularly Bluefin tuna, is known for its superior flavour and is often used for sushi and tuna steaks. However, it should be noted that fresh tuna can become stringy and tough if overcooked.
In terms of convenience, canned tuna is a clear winner. It has a longer shelf life, is easier to store, and doesn't require refrigeration, making it an excellent option for those who don't have frequent access to fresh fish or those who are looking for a quick and easy meal option like canned tuna pasta.
From a health perspective, both canned and fresh tuna are good sources of protein, vitamins B3 and B12, and selenium. However, fresh tuna has higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids, which provide additional health benefits such as thinning the blood, reducing inflammation, and aiding brain function. It is important to note that due to the cooking process, canned tuna has significantly lower levels of omega-3 fatty acids. Additionally, fresh Bluefin tuna is an excellent source of vitamin A. On the other hand, canned tuna is recommended over fresh tuna if you are concerned about mercury levels in your diet.
Finally, when it comes to cost, canned tuna is generally more affordable than fresh tuna. This is because Albacore tuna, which is typically used for canning, is more abundant and easier to catch than Bluefin tuna. The preservation and refrigeration requirements of fresh tuna also contribute to its higher price tag, as there is often significant waste with fresh produce that must be factored into the cost.
The Magic of Mushroom Fruiting: Timing the Fruit
You may want to see also
Types of mushroom
Tuna and mushrooms are a great combination, as evidenced by the popularity of creamy tuna mushroom pasta. This dish is easy to make, tasty, and can be adapted to suit your preferences. For example, you can add lemon juice and Parmesan cheese to make it feel more special.
Mushrooms are versatile and popular worldwide, with many different types to choose from. Here are some of the most common varieties:
- Button mushrooms are the most common type, accounting for an estimated 90% of the mushrooms consumed in the US. They are mild in flavour and can be eaten raw or cooked. They work well in soups, salads, pizzas, and are great for stuffing or sautéing.
- Crimini (or cremini) mushrooms are darker, firmer, and more mature than white button mushrooms, but they are still the same species. They are often used interchangeably with white buttons but offer a slightly different flavour and texture. Crimini mushrooms are great for sautéing, adding to soups, or using in grain bowls.
- Portobello mushrooms are the mature version of crimini mushrooms and are larger and darker. They have a meaty texture and a rich flavour, making them a popular vegetarian alternative to meat. Portobellos can be grilled, baked, or stuffed.
- Oyster mushrooms have a meaty texture and a mild flavour. They are excellent for folding into tacos or adding to quesadillas.
- Shiitake mushrooms are crispy and work well in pasta dishes, such as carbonara.
- Lion's mane mushrooms have a shaggy appearance and are known for their firm texture. They have a unique flavour that is reminiscent of shellfish, such as lobster or shrimp, but with an earthy backbone. Lion's mane mushrooms can be grilled and served with root vegetables.
- Maitake mushrooms, also known as hen of the woods, have an earthy aroma and a gamey flavour. They are often sold in clusters and are native to Japan and the United States.
- Black trumpets have a rich, smoky flavour with notes of black truffle when dried. They are excellent for boosting the flavour of mushroom risotto or any dish that uses truffle oil.
Illinois Decriminalizes Mushrooms: What You Need to Know
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Other ingredients to add
Tuna and mushrooms are a great combination for a pasta dish. This combination can be enhanced by adding other ingredients to create a more complex and flavoursome dish.
One popular option is to include tomatoes. Canned or fresh tomatoes can be used, depending on your preference. Adding tomato paste or puree will also contribute to a rose-coloured sauce, while leaving it out will result in a white sauce.
Another option is to include herbs such as rosemary, basil, or parsley. These herbs add freshness to the dish and complement the other ingredients well. You can also add spices like pepper flakes and freshly ground pepper to give the dish a little kick.
Additionally, you can include vegetables such as spinach, leeks, and peppers. These vegetables will add texture and flavour to the dish, making it more nutritious and colourful.
Other ingredients that can be added include lemon juice, garlic, and olives. These ingredients will brighten the flavour of the dish and add a tangy, savoury element. You can also experiment with using different types of pasta to change up the texture and appearance of the final dish.
Mushroom Woes: Trich and Its Causes
You may want to see also
Health benefits
Tuna and mushrooms are two ingredients that can be combined to create a delicious and healthy meal. Here are some of the health benefits of consuming tuna and mushrooms:
Tuna is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, specifically DHA and EPA. These good fats promote cardiovascular health by reducing inflammation and lowering the risk of heart disease. Additionally, the vitamin D present in tuna supports bone health and boosts mood, while B vitamins provide energy and enhance overall bodily functions. Selenium, another nutrient abundant in tuna, binds with mercury, preventing its absorption and offering further antioxidant benefits. These antioxidants protect brain cells, support thyroid function, and contribute to a robust immune system.
Mushrooms are a nutritious food, packed with vitamins and minerals. They are an excellent source of vitamin B6, selenium, and zinc. Additionally, mushrooms contain vitamin D, which is not commonly found in produce. This vitamin aids in calcium absorption for bone health and can be further enhanced by exposing mushrooms to UV light or sunlight. Mushrooms are also a good source of protein and fiber, making them a satisfying and healthy addition to any meal. Their low sodium content helps maintain healthy blood pressure and reduces the need for added salt.
Combined Health Benefits in a Delicious Dish
Combining tuna and mushrooms in a dish provides a range of health benefits. The omega-3 fatty acids from tuna and the vitamin D, B6, and selenium from mushrooms contribute to overall health. The combination of protein from both ingredients creates a satisfying and nutritious meal. The low-calorie, low-fat nature of this combination makes it an excellent option for those watching their weight or substituting red meat. The savory flavors of mushrooms and the versatility of tuna create a delicious and healthy meal option.
A Word of Caution
While tuna and mushrooms offer numerous health benefits, it is important to consume them in moderation and be mindful of potential allergies. Additionally, when purchasing canned tuna, opt for those packed in olive oil or spring water, as they offer better flavor and texture.
Shiitake Mushrooms: Wild or Cultivated?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Yes, tuna and mushrooms can be combined to make a tasty pasta dish.
To make a creamy tuna and mushroom pasta, cook pasta al dente. Saute the mushrooms with butter, garlic, rosemary, and red pepper flakes. Combine the cooked pasta with the mushroom mixture, canned tuna, cream, lemon juice, and Parmesan. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Yes, fresh mushrooms can be used for the recipe. Simply slice and saute them before adding to the pasta.
Any type of pasta, short or long, can be used for this dish. Some common choices include penne, spaghetti, or linguine.
Yes, a Roman-style spaghetti alla carrettiera uses a tomato-based sauce with tuna and mushrooms. This dish also includes garlic, parsley, and olive oil.
