Go Back
+ servings
Recipe 3295335028

Creamy Tuna Pesto Pasta

Creamy Tuna Pesto Pasta combines tender pasta with savory tuna, rich basil pesto, and a luscious cream sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, it's perfect for quick family meals and healthy comfort food.
No ratings yet
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian-Inspired
Servings 4 people
Calories 480 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz pasta (penne, fusilli, or rotini)
  • 1 can tuna in olive oil, drained
  • 1/2 cup basil pesto
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • optional cherry tomatoes, halved
  • optional fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Cook pasta in salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente; reserve 1/4 cup pasta water, then drain.
  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté 1 minute until fragrant.
  • Stir in drained tuna, breaking it into chunks; cook 1–2 minutes.
  • Reduce heat to low, add pesto and cream; stir until combined and gently simmer 2 minutes.
  • Mix in cooked pasta; toss to coat. If sauce is thick, add reserved pasta water until desired consistency.
  • Stir in Parmesan cheese; season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • If using, fold in cherry tomatoes at end.
  • Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and fresh basil leaves.

Nutrition

Serving: 1peopleCalories: 480kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 18gFat: 28gSaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 550mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3g
Keyword Budget-Friendly Recipes, Creamy Tuna Pesto Pasta, Easy Weeknight Dinners, Healthy Comfort Food, High Protein Meals, High Protein Ready Made Meals, meal prep microwave lunches
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!