Let me tell you about my go-to tuna pasta recipe! It’s a simple, delicious dish that comes together in just about 25 minutes. Seriously, it’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something satisfying but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. I remember the first time I made this; I was pleasantly surprised by how flavorful it was with just a handful of ingredients. Plus, it’s so versatile—you can whip it up warm, or let it chill for a refreshing pasta salad. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll become a favorite in your kitchen too!
Ingredients for Tuna Pasta Recipe
- 200g pasta (your choice, but I love using penne or fusilli for this!)
- 1 can of tuna, drained (any brand will do, just make sure it’s packed in water or olive oil for extra flavor)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (I like to use colorful ones for a pop of brightness!)
- 1/2 cup peas, frozen (they add a nice sweetness—no need to thaw!)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (don’t skimp on quality; good olive oil makes a difference!)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (freshly minced garlic is key for that aromatic goodness!)
- Salt to taste (I usually start with about a teaspoon)
- Pepper to taste (freshly cracked pepper adds a lovely kick)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish and a burst of fresh flavor!)
How to Prepare the Tuna Pasta Recipe
Now, let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful tuna pasta! Believe me, it’s super straightforward and totally satisfying. Just follow along, and you’ll have a delicious meal in no time!
Cooking the Pasta
First things first, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s bubbling away, add your 200g of pasta. Follow the package instructions for cooking time, which is usually around 8-10 minutes, depending on the type of pasta you choose. You want it al dente—a little firm to the bite—so taste it a minute or two before the time’s up. Don’t forget to save a cup of pasta water before draining! It’s liquid gold for adjusting your sauce later.
Making the Tuna Mixture
While your pasta cooks, let’s whip up the tuna mixture! In a large pan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering, toss in the 2 cloves of minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant—oh, the smell is heavenly! Next, add in your halved cherry tomatoes and frozen peas, cooking them for about 3-4 minutes. You want the tomatoes to soften and burst just a bit, while the peas warm up beautifully. Finally, stir in the drained tuna and let it heat through for another couple of minutes.
Combining Ingredients
Now for the fun part! Once your pasta is cooked and drained (remember that pasta water?), add it to the pan with the tuna mixture. Give it a good stir to combine everything, and if it seems a bit dry, splash in some of that reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste—I usually go for about a teaspoon of each. Finally, garnish with fresh parsley for that extra pop of flavor and color. Mix it all well, and voilà! Your delightful tuna pasta is ready to be enjoyed!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation: You can have this delicious meal ready in just 25 minutes!
- Healthy ingredients: Packed with protein from tuna and nutrients from fresh veggies, it’s a guilt-free delight.
- Versatile: Enjoy it warm or serve it cold as a refreshing pasta salad—perfect for any occasion!
- Simple cleanup: With just one pot and a pan, you won’t be drowning in dishes after your meal.
- Budget-friendly: This recipe uses pantry staples, making it easy on your wallet without sacrificing taste.
Tips for Success
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, opt for fresh cherry tomatoes and herbs. They’ll make a world of difference in flavor and elevate your dish!
- Season Well: Don’t be shy with salt and pepper! Seasoning at different stages of cooking helps to build depth in your dish. Taste as you go to find that perfect balance!
- Experiment with Add-Ins: Feel free to get creative! Toss in some olives, capers, or a handful of spinach for extra flavor and nutrition. The possibilities are endless!
- Serve It Right: This dish is amazing warm, but it’s also great cold! If you’re serving it as a pasta salad, let it chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.
- Leftover Love: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll taste even better the next day—just give it a quick stir before enjoying!
Nutritional Information
This tuna pasta recipe is not only delicious but also packed with good nutrition! Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional values per serving:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 10g
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fiber: 3g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. But overall, this dish is a great way to enjoy a healthy meal without compromising on flavor!
FAQ Section
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! This tuna pasta recipe is super flexible. You can use any pasta shape you love—spaghetti, farfalle, or even gluten-free options work great. Just keep an eye on the cooking time according to the package instructions.
What can I substitute for tuna?
If you’re not a fan of tuna or want to switch it up, try canned salmon or even chickpeas for a vegetarian twist. Both options will add protein and flavor to your dish.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! This recipe can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to two days. Just give it a stir and enjoy it cold, or warm it up in the microwave for a quick meal.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic or add a splash of hot sauce to the tuna mixture. It’ll give your dish an exciting kick!
What’s a good side dish to serve with this tuna pasta?
I love pairing this dish with a simple green salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal. You could also serve it with steamed veggies for an extra boost of nutrition!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? No problem! Storing your tuna pasta is super easy. Just transfer any uneaten portions into an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for about 2 days, and trust me, it tastes even better the next day as those flavors continue to meld!
When you’re ready to dig in again, you can reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave. If using the stovetop, simply add a splash of water or a drizzle of olive oil to the pan to prevent sticking and heat over low to medium heat until warmed through. Stir it occasionally for even heating. If you’re using the microwave, cover it loosely and heat in short bursts, stirring in between to ensure it warms evenly. Just be careful not to overheat it, or it might dry out!
And voilà! Your delicious tuna pasta is ready to be enjoyed again, just as tasty as the first time around!
For more delicious recipes, check out Creamy Tomato Basil Soup or Baked Cod with Garlic Butter.
Imprimer
Tuna Pasta Recipe: 25 Minutes to Delicious Satisfaction
- Temps Total: 25 minutes
- Rendement: 2 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Faible En Gras
Description
A simple and delicious tuna pasta recipe.
Ingrédients
- 200g pasta
- 1 can of tuna, drained
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup peas, frozen
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped
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 and peas, cooking until tender.
- Stir in the drained tuna.
- Combine the pasta with the tuna mixture.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use whole wheat pasta for a healthier option.
- Add lemon juice for extra flavor.
- Can be served warm or cold.
- Temps De Préparation: 10 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 15 minutes
- Catégorie: Main Dish
- Méthode: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sucre: 2g
- De Sodium: 400mg
- La graisse: 10g
- Graisses Saturées: 1g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 8g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 50g
- La fibre: 3g
- La protéine: 20g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 30mg
Mots-clés: tuna pasta recipe
