Whole-grain spaghetti with tuna and capers

Fiber-rich spaghetti with tuna and capers for gentle digestion.

Easy Recipe 30 Minute Meal Quick Meal
92%

General Gut Health Match

This score is based on all ingredients included in the food recipe and provides a match score for the general population which is not personalized to your personal profile or gut microbiome test.

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Recipe description

Delightful whole-grain spaghetti tossed with tuna and capers offers a fiber-friendly base with lean protein and bright, tangy notes. The whole-grain pasta supplies diverse fibers that can support steady digestion, while capers contribute polyphenols that may nourish gut-friendly microbes and support microbiome diversity. This quick, balanced plate pairs simple ingredients for everyday meals that fit into a gut-conscious eating pattern, emphasizing fiber variety and plant inclusions alongside protein to help sustain energy and satisfaction between meals.

July 24, 2026
Whole-grain spaghetti with tuna and capers
Prep 15 min Cook 20 min Easy

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Why this recipe fits you

  • High-fiber base from whole-grain pasta supports steady digestion.
  • Includes polyphenol-rich capers, garlic, and olive oil for gut-friendly compounds.
  • Balanced with lean tuna and herbs for protein and flavor.

Gut Health Score

🌿 Fiber diversity
85
🍇 Polyphenol density
75
🧬 Diversity support
80
🛡️ Inflammation support
82
🫧 Fermentation support
10
⚖️ Blood sugar stability
78

Ingredients

Pasta, whole grain
200 gram
Pasta, whole grain
Tuna
1 can
Tuna
Caper
2 tablespoon
Caper
Oil, olive
2 tablespoon
Oil, olive
Garlic
2 clove
Garlic
Lemon juice
1 teaspoon
Lemon juice
Parsley
1 tablespoon
Parsley
Salt
0.5 teaspoon
Salt
Black pepper
0.25 teaspoon
Black pepper

Instructions

1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the whole-grain spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente.

2

While the pasta cooks, drain the tuna and set aside. Rinse the capers if they are packed in salt.

3

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.

4

Add the drained tuna and capers to the skillet. Stir gently and warm through for 2 minutes.

5

Drain the cooked spaghetti, reserving 1/4 cup of pasta water. Add the spaghetti to the skillet with the tuna mixture.

6

Toss everything together, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce. Stir in lemon juice, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper to taste.

7

Serve immediately, garnished with extra parsley if desired.

Nutrition

570 kcal Calories
20 g Protein
70 g Carbohydrates
7 g Fiber
2 g Sugar
14 g Fat
2.5 g Saturated fat
1.2 g Salt

FAQ

Is this recipe gluten-free?
Not as written. It uses whole-grain spaghetti (gluten). Substitute with certified gluten-free pasta to make it gluten-free.
Can I substitute tuna with another protein or make it vegetarian?
Yes. You can use chickpeas or tempeh, or omit tuna for a vegetarian version; capers and lemon still pair well.
Can I use tuna packed in oil or in water, and how does that affect the dish?
Oil-packed tuna adds more fat; drain it well. Tuna in water has less fat. Adjust the olive oil if needed.
How should I store leftovers and for how long?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; reheat gently.
How salty is this dish and can I reduce the salt?
Yes. You can reduce salt; use low-sodium tuna and rinse the capers to reduce saltiness. Add lemon and parsley to boost flavor.
Are capers high in sodium and should I rinse them?
Capers are salty. Rinse them if packed in salt and: soak briefly if needed to reduce saltiness.
Is there dairy in this recipe? Is it dairy-free?
No dairy is used; the dish is dairy-free.
How can I adapt this for garlic-free or low-FODMAP diets?
Use garlic-infused oil or omit garlic. For low-FODMAP, reduce or skip the garlic.
How many servings does this make and what is the total time?
Serves 2; total time is roughly 20–25 minutes.

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