Description
This simple tuna pasta dish features fresh tomatoes, fragrant basil, and rich olive oil for a delightful Mediterranean-inspired meal. It’s quick, easy, and full of flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces pasta (such as penne, rotini, or fusilli)
- 1 (5 ounce) can tuna in olive oil, drained
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
- While the pasta cooks, combine the drained tuna, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped fresh basil, and extra virgin olive oil in a large bowl. If using, add the minced garlic.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Add the cooked and drained pasta to the bowl with the tuna mixture. Toss gently to combine.
- If the pasta seems a little dry, add a tablespoon or two of the reserved pasta water to create a light sauce.
- Serve immediately, topped with Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can lightly toast the garlic in a pan with a little olive oil before adding it to the mixture.
- Feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
- This dish is also delicious served cold as a pasta salad.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350-450
- Sugar: 5-10g
- Sodium: 300-500mg
- Fat: 15-25g
- Saturated Fat: 2-4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10-20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30-40g
- Fiber: 3-5g
- Protein: 20-25g
- Cholesterol: 20-30mg