Description
Quick, nutritious, and bursting with fresh flavors, this healthy tuna pesto pasta combines the creaminess of cashew pesto with the savory richness of tuna. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s a satisfying and wholesome meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 12 oz (350 g) dried pasta (penne, fusilli, or your choice)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
- 13 oz (370 g) canned tuna, drained
- Salt and cracked black pepper, to taste
Cashew Pesto:
- 2 cups (60 g) fresh basil leaves, stems removed
- 1/2 cup (40 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup (40 g) cashew nuts
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 4–5 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions, reducing the cooking time by one minute for al dente texture.
- Reserve 1/2 cup (120 ml) of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Prepare the Cashew Pesto:
- In a small blender or food processor, combine basil, Parmesan cheese, cashews, lemon juice, lemon zest, and 4 tablespoons olive oil.
- Blend until smooth, adding an extra tablespoon of olive oil if needed to achieve a creamy consistency.
- Set the pesto aside.
- Sauté the Garlic and Tuna:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a medium frying pan over medium heat.
- Add the crushed garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the drained tuna, breaking it into chunks, and cook until heated through.
- Combine Pasta, Pesto, and Tuna:
- Add the cooked pasta to the frying pan with the garlic and tuna.
- Stir in the pesto, mixing until the pasta is evenly coated.
- If the pasta seems dry, add a splash of reserved pasta water to create a silky sauce.
- Season with salt, black pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice if desired.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Plate the pasta and garnish with extra grated Parmesan or fresh basil leaves.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the vibrant, fresh flavors!
Notes
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh basil and high-quality Parmesan cheese elevate the dish.
- Pasta Water Magic: Reserved pasta water helps the pesto cling to the pasta for a smooth sauce.
- Tuna Options: Opt for tuna packed in olive oil for extra flavor, or use water-packed tuna for a lighter option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian