If you’re looking for a quick and delicious meal that won’t keep you in the kitchen all night, then this tuna pasta recipe is just what you need! Trust me, it’s one of my go-to dishes when I’m short on time but still want something satisfying. In under 30 minutes, you can whip up a flavorful dish that’s packed with protein and bursting with Mediterranean goodness. Picture this: al dente pasta tossed with tender tuna, vibrant cherry tomatoes, and fragrant garlic. It’s simple, yet the flavors sing! Whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or a last-minute lunch, this recipe has got you covered. You’ll want to keep it handy for those nights when you need a meal that’s both quick and oh-so-delicious!
Ingredients List
Gather these simple ingredients to create your delicious tuna pasta. You’ll love how straightforward it is!
- 200g pasta (you can use any shape you love!)
- 1 can tuna in oil, drained (this adds so much flavor)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for sautéing and richness)
- 1 clove garlic, minced (the more, the merrier, right?)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (for a burst of sweetness)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (for a little kick)
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (because we all need a pop of green!)
How to Prepare This Tuna Pasta Recipe
Now that you’ve got your ingredients ready, let’s dive into making this scrumptious tuna pasta! It’s super simple, and I’ll guide you every step of the way. Just follow along, and you’ll have a delicious meal in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s bubbling away, add in your 200g of pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions until it’s perfectly al dente—usually around 8-10 minutes, depending on the shape.
- While the pasta is cooking, grab a medium pan and heat up 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. You want that oil nice and warm to bring out all the flavors!
- Next, add 1 clove of minced garlic to the pan. Sauté it for about 1 minute—just until it’s fragrant. You don’t want it to brown too much, or it’ll get bitter.
- Now, toss in your halved cherry tomatoes, along with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Cook this mixture for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes start to soften and release their juices. Wow, that smell is heavenly already!
- Once the pasta is done, drain it and add it directly into the pan with the tomato and garlic mixture. Don’t forget to add the drained tuna at this point too! Gently mix everything together until well combined.
- And just like that, you’re ready to serve it up! Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a lovely finish. Enjoy your meal!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick breakdown of the estimated nutritional values for this tasty tuna pasta recipe. Each serving packs about 350 calories, making it a satisfying yet light option. You’ll get around 15g of fat, which includes 2g of saturated fat, and a healthy 20g of protein to keep you energized. It also offers about 40g of carbohydrates, plus 3g of fiber, which is always a bonus! These figures are estimates and can vary based on the exact ingredients you use. So, feel free to adjust as needed while enjoying this delicious dish!
Why You’ll Love This Tuna Pasta Recipe
- Quick and easy, ready in under 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Packed with protein from tuna, making it a satisfying meal.
- Fresh ingredients like cherry tomatoes and basil bring vibrant flavors.
- Versatile—feel free to add your favorite veggies or a splash of cream!
- Light yet filling, it’s a great option for a nutritious dinner.
Tips for Success
To make your tuna pasta recipe truly shine, here are some handy tips that I swear by! First, don’t skip on salting your pasta water—it makes a world of difference in flavor! Also, if you want a little extra creaminess, consider adding a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of mascarpone cheese right before serving. Yum!
If you’re feeling adventurous, try swapping out the cherry tomatoes for sun-dried tomatoes or adding a handful of spinach for a nutritional boost. Both options work beautifully! And remember, serving it with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan on top elevates the dish even more.
Lastly, if you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Just give it a quick toss in a pan to reheat, adding a splash of water if it seems a bit dry. Trust me, it’ll be just as delicious the next day!
Variations on the Tuna Pasta Recipe
If you’re in the mood to switch things up, there are so many fun variations you can try with this tuna pasta recipe! First, experiment with different pasta shapes—farfalle, penne, or even whole wheat pasta all work beautifully. You could also add extra veggies like spinach, bell peppers, or even peas for a pop of color and nutrition. Feeling adventurous? Toss in some capers or olives for a briny kick!
For a zesty twist, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving. And don’t forget, a sprinkle of feta cheese on top adds a delightful creaminess. The possibilities are endless!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing leftovers from your tuna pasta recipe is super easy! Just place any uneaten pasta in an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It should stay fresh for up to 3 days, but I bet it won’t last that long because it’s so tasty!
When it’s time to reheat, simply transfer the pasta to a pan over medium heat. Add a splash of water or olive oil to keep it from drying out, and stir occasionally until it’s warmed through. You can also reheat it in the microwave if you’re in a hurry—just cover it and heat in short intervals, stirring in between. Enjoy your delicious leftovers!
What to Serve with Tuna Pasta
This tuna pasta recipe is fantastic on its own, but if you’re looking to elevate your meal, here are some delightful pairings! A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette complements the flavors beautifully and adds a refreshing crunch. You could also serve some crusty garlic bread on the side for that perfect buttery bite. And if you’re in the mood for something extra special, a side of roasted vegetables—think zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus—can really round out the meal with added nutrition and flavor. Trust me, these sides make for a well-balanced and satisfying dinner!
For more delicious pasta recipes, check this out!
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Tuna Pasta Recipe: 5 Steps to Divine Flavor
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A simple and delicious tuna pasta recipe that you can prepare in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 200g pasta
- 1 can tuna in oil, drained
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions.
- In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
- Add cherry tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5 minutes.
- Add the drained tuna and mix well.
- Combine the pasta with the tuna mixture.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve.
Notes
- You can use any pasta shape you prefer.
- For a creamier dish, add a splash of cream.
- Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or peas.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: tuna pasta recipe, quick dinner, easy pasta dish
