Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Creamy Tuna Pesto Pasta is a quick and flavorful dish that combines the richness of tuna with the vibrant, herby taste of pesto and the luscious texture of cream. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy lunch, offering a satisfying and comforting meal that’s ready in minutes.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
pastacanned tunapesto sauceheavy creamolive oilgarlicparmesan cheese (optional)saltblack pepperfresh basil (for garnish)
directions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Stir in the canned tuna, breaking it apart and cooking for another 2 minutes.
Add pesto sauce and heavy cream to the skillet, stirring until the sauce is smooth and well combined.
Simmer the sauce for 3-4 minutes to thicken slightly, then season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the creamy pesto tuna sauce.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese if desired.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.Preparation time: 10 minutesCooking time: 15 minutesTotal time: 25 minutes
Variations
Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for a healthier option.
Swap tuna for cooked shredded chicken or salmon.
Add sun-dried tomatoes or olives for extra flavor.
Incorporate spinach or arugula for added greens.
Use a homemade pesto for a fresher taste.
storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or cream to restore creaminess.
FAQs
Can I use any type of pasta?
Yes, penne, fusilli, or spaghetti all work well with this sauce.
Is canned tuna healthy?
Yes, it’s a good source of protein and omega-3s, especially when packed in water.
Can I make this without cream?
You can use Greek yogurt or a dairy-free alternative, but the texture will differ.
What kind of pesto works best?
Basil pesto is classic, but you can also try spinach or sun-dried tomato pesto.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, but the pasta may absorb some sauce—add a bit of cream or milk when reheating.
Conclusion
Creamy Tuna Pesto Pasta is a delicious, easy-to-make meal that brings together pantry staples in a comforting and flavorful way. Perfect for busy days, it delivers gourmet taste with minimal effort.
Print
Creamy Tuna Pesto Pasta
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Boiling, Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian‑inspired
Description
Creamy pasta tossed in savory pesto and tender tuna, finished with a hint of lemon and Parmesan—perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- 12 oz (340 g) pasta (penne, fusilli, or fusilloni)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup basil pesto (store‑bought or homemade)
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half‑and‑half for a lighter version)
- 2 (5‑oz) cans tuna in olive oil, drained and flaked
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil leaves or chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain pasta.
- Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Stir in pesto and cream, bring to a gentle simmer. Cook 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add lemon zest, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to combine.
- Gently fold in flaked tuna, then add cooked pasta to skillet. Toss to coat, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired creaminess is reached.
- Stir in Parmesan until melted and sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and fresh herbs.
Notes
- Use whole‑wheat or gluten‑free pasta to suit dietary needs.
- Substitute heavy cream with half‑and‑half or Greek yogurt for a lighter sauce.
- Add vegetables like cherry tomatoes, asparagus, or spinach for extra color and nutrition.
- Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently, adding a splash of milk or cream if needed.
- For extra zest, add a few lemon slices or extra lemon juice when serving.