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Close-up of creamy tuna pesto pasta made with fusilli, topped with fresh parsley.

Creamy Tuna Pesto Pasta


  • Author: cocktailmixguide.com
  • Total Time: 25 min
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Low Lactose

Description

A quick and simple pasta dish featuring tuna, pesto, and a creamy sauce.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz pasta (penne or rotini)
  • 1 (5 oz) can tuna in water, drained
  • 1/2 cup basil pesto
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Add drained tuna to the skillet and cook for 2 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon.
  4. Reduce heat to low. Stir in the pesto and heavy cream. Heat through gently, do not boil.
  5. Add the drained pasta to the skillet. Toss to coat.
  6. Stir in the Parmesan cheese. Add reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
  7. Season with salt and pepper. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Use oil-packed tuna for a richer flavor, draining most of the oil.
  • You can add a squeeze of lemon juice at the end for brightness.
  • For a thicker sauce, reduce the amount of pasta water you add.
  • Prep Time: 10 min
  • Cook Time: 15 min
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 550
  • Sugar: 3
  • Sodium: 550
  • Fat: 28
  • Saturated Fat: 10
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18
  • Trans Fat: 0
  • Carbohydrates: 50
  • Fiber: 3
  • Protein: 30
  • Cholesterol: 75

Keywords: tuna pasta, pesto pasta, creamy tuna, quick dinner, easy pasta