Go Back

Creamy Tuna Pesto Pasta

A comforting and creamy pasta dish featuring delightful textures and rich flavors, made with tuna and pesto, perfect for busy weeknights.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 540

Ingredients
  

Pasta & Sauce Ingredients
  • 8 oz penne or fusilli pasta Both types hold onto the sauce beautifully.
  • 1 can (5 oz) tuna (in water, drained)
  • 1 cup pesto sauce
  • 1 cup heavy cream Can substitute with half-and-half or coconut cream for a lighter or dairy-free version.
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
Optional Toppings
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved) Optional for added color and taste.
  • Fresh basil Optional for garnish.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, but not browned.
Cooking
  1. Reduce the heat to low. Pour in the heavy cream and stir well. Then add the pesto and mix until combined.
  2. Gently fold in the drained tuna, Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Mixing & Serving
  1. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing until the pasta is generously coated with the creamy sauce. If you're using cherry tomatoes, fold them in at this stage.
  2. Dish the pasta into bowls, garnishing with fresh basil if desired. Enjoy immediately!

Notes

For perfect results, ensure all ingredients are ready before starting, as this dish comes together quickly. Avoid overheating the cream to prevent curdling. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.