Tuna Pesto Pasta Recipe
Ever have one of those days where you need a dish that says, “I’m fancy but also super easy”? Dive into this delicious tuna pesto pasta—your tastebuds will thank you, and you’ll have plenty of time left for binge-watching your favorite series.
I love crafting simple and delicious meals, and Tuna Pesto Pasta is one of my favorites. With the rich umami of tuna, the vibrant kick of pesto, and the creaminess of Parmesan, this dish is both nutritious and satisfying.
A touch of garlic and lemon juice brightens the flavors, ensuring each bite is delightful.
Tuna Pesto Pasta Recipe Ingredients
- Pasta: Provides carbohydrates for energy; versatile and mild-tasting.
- Tuna: Excellent protein source, rich in Omega-3 fatty acids; heart-healthy.
- Pesto Sauce: Flavorful mix of basil, pine nuts, and cheese; adds herbal notes.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds umami flavor; rich in calcium and protein.
- Olive Oil: Heart-healthy fats; enhances flavors and provides smooth texture.
Tuna Pesto Pasta Recipe Ingredient Quantities
- 12 oz of pasta (such as spaghetti or fusilli)
- 1 can (5 oz) of tuna in olive oil, drained
- 1 cup of pesto sauce
- 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Juice of 1/2 a lemon
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
How to Make this Tuna Pesto Pasta Recipe
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat the extra-virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
3. Add the drained tuna to the skillet, breaking it up gently with a spoon. Stir to combine with the garlic and pepper flakes.
4. Reduce the heat to low and add the pesto sauce to the skillet. Stir well to combine with the tuna mixture.
5. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the pesto and tuna mixture.
6. If the pasta seems a bit dry, slowly add some of the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.
7. Season the pasta with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir in the lemon juice to add brightness to the dish.
8. Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta. Toss gently to combine.
9. Transfer the pasta to serving plates or a large serving bowl.
10. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving. Enjoy your Tuna Pesto Pasta!
Tuna Pesto Pasta Recipe Equipment Needed
1. Large pot
2. Large skillet
3. Colander or strainer
4. Measuring cups and spoons
5. Wooden spoon or spatula
6. Garlic press or knife
7. Citrus juicer or reamer (optional for lemon juice)
8. Grater (for Parmesan cheese)
9. Serving plates or a large serving bowl
FAQ
- Can I use a different type of pasta? Yes, you can use any pasta you prefer, such as penne, rigatoni, or even whole grain pasta for a healthier option.
- Is it okay to use tuna in water instead of olive oil? Yes, you can use tuna in water, but you may want to add a bit more olive oil for flavor and moisture.
- What if I don’t have fresh garlic? You can substitute with 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder if fresh garlic is not available.
- Can I make this recipe vegetarian? Yes, omit the tuna and consider adding vegetables like cherry tomatoes or peas.
- How long does it take to make this dish? The recipe takes approximately 20-25 minutes from start to finish.
- What is the best way to store leftovers? Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Can I use homemade pesto? Absolutely, homemade pesto will add a fresh and vibrant flavor to the dish.
Tuna Pesto Pasta Recipe Substitutions and Variations
- Pasta: Substitute with whole wheat pasta or gluten-free pasta for a healthier or dietary-friendly option.
- Tuna: Use canned salmon or cooked shredded chicken as an alternative protein source.
- Pesto Sauce: Replace with homemade pesto or a sun-dried tomato pesto for a different flavor profile.
- Parmesan Cheese: Swap with Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a non-dairy option.
- Extra-virgin Olive Oil: Use avocado oil or grapeseed oil as a substitute.
Pro Tips
1. Use High-Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality tuna and fresh pesto for the best flavor. If possible, make your own pesto using fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan, olive oil, and a touch of lemon juice for a more vibrant taste.
2. Adjust Pesto Consistency: If the pesto sauce is too thick, you can thin it out by adding a little of the reserved pasta water before tossing it with the pasta. This helps create a smoother, more cohesive sauce that clings well to the pasta.
3. Infuse the Oil: When sautéing the garlic and red pepper flakes, allow the oil to gently infuse with their flavors before adding the tuna. This step enhances the depth of flavor in the dish.
4. Customize with Veggies: For added nutrition and flavor, consider incorporating some vegetables like cherry tomatoes, spinach, or asparagus. You can add them to the skillet after sautéing the garlic, cooking them until they are just tender before adding the tuna.
5. Enhance with Nuts: For extra texture and richness, you can toast some pine nuts or almonds and sprinkle them over the pasta just before serving. This addition complements the pesto and adds a delightful crunch to the dish.
Tuna Pesto Pasta Recipe
My favorite Tuna Pesto Pasta Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. Large pot
2. Large skillet
3. Colander or strainer
4. Measuring cups and spoons
5. Wooden spoon or spatula
6. Garlic press or knife
7. Citrus juicer or reamer (optional for lemon juice)
8. Grater (for Parmesan cheese)
9. Serving plates or a large serving bowl
Ingredients:
- 12 oz of pasta (such as spaghetti or fusilli)
- 1 can (5 oz) of tuna in olive oil, drained
- 1 cup of pesto sauce
- 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Juice of 1/2 a lemon
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat the extra-virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
3. Add the drained tuna to the skillet, breaking it up gently with a spoon. Stir to combine with the garlic and pepper flakes.
4. Reduce the heat to low and add the pesto sauce to the skillet. Stir well to combine with the tuna mixture.
5. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the pesto and tuna mixture.
6. If the pasta seems a bit dry, slowly add some of the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.
7. Season the pasta with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir in the lemon juice to add brightness to the dish.
8. Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta. Toss gently to combine.
9. Transfer the pasta to serving plates or a large serving bowl.
10. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving. Enjoy your Tuna Pesto Pasta!
