MIDDLE OF THE WEEK DISH: PASTA WITH TUNA SAUCE!

PASTA IN TUNA SAUCE..... THIS IS ALSO A "WHILE THE PASTA COOKS" SAUCE:
A quick and easy  middle of the week dinner idea we've always loved, have often and is great for everyone (including your budget).... Plus can be served for company too!

I've been making this dish since my kids were small, make it in any country we live in and now that my kids are adults they mention this brings back fond memories of growing up.... the ingredients are very budget friendly but you can make it fancier if you like, I'll suggest alternatives too.

YOU WILL NEED: For 4 people
2 cans Tuna, your choice (I've made it with water or oil packed)
1 lb pasta, usually thin spaghetti but you can use what you like
Olive Oil
1 tsp cracked red pepper, it's optional and doesn't make it hot, but you can reduce it
1 small onion, cut in thin slices
4-5 garlic cloves, pressed or cut very small or smashed with a large knife
2-4 Tbl capers + 1 Tbl caper vinegar (you can omit but they're great)
Parsley, chopped fine -or- Cilantro, chopped fine
1/2 cup white wine -or- water
2 lemons, juiced
Salt & pepper to taste
4-6 Tbl butter
Grana Padano / Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese, your choice, grated fresh

In a pot of water with salt, place on high heat to bring to a boil so you have it ready to cook the pasta. Have your ingredients prepped and ready, this comes together very quickly and you'll be ready by the time the pasta is cooked.

In a large pan, I use a 14" fry pan- place about 1/3 cup of olive to heat up over med-high heat. Once the oil is hot add the onions and the crushed red pepper and black pepper. Stir and mix well until the onions start to look like they will get golden, add the garlic at this time for a minute and then you can add the tuna, I add it with it's liquid since you're cooking over a good flame and want this to stay somewhat loose. Stir and add the capers with it's vinegar. Add the lemon juice. Taste.

At this point you need to decide if it needs salt or not, you can add it now if it does. Lower the heat while this finishes. If it's a little dry, add the wine or water, remember it will cover the pasta. Check on the pasta too, don't let it overcook, should be al dente always.

Time to add whatever additional you want to the sauce before adding the pasta, more lemon, salt, pepper, etc. once the pasta is done add the pasta onto the sauce along with some pasta water so the starch in the pasta joins the sauce. Toss to cover well. Add either the parsley or cilantro, toss again.

Now you're ready to serve and top with the grated cheese. Enjoy!!