Ingredients

12 ounces spaghetti

Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper

10 ounces tuna packed in olive oil (from 1 to 2 tins)

3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced

2 tablespoons capers, preferably salt-packed, rinsed and drained

Pinch of red-pepper flakes, plus more for serving

1 teaspoon grated lemon zest, plus 1 tablespoon juice (from 1 lemon)

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

1/4 cup coarsely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves

Preparation

Cook pasta in a large pot of generously salted water until al dente. Reserve 1 1/2 cups pasta water; drain.

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add tuna with its oil and garlic and cook, stirring a few times, until garlic is golden in spots, about 5 minutes. Stir in capers and pepper flakes and cook, 30 seconds. Add 1 cup reserved pasta water; bring to a simmer. Add cooked pasta and simmer, tossing a few times, until liquid is reduced to a sauce that coats pasta.

Remove from heat and toss in lemon zest and juice, oil, and parsley; season with pepper. Add more pasta water, a few tablespoons at a time, until pasta is evenly coated. Serve, sprinkled with more pepper flakes.