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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.
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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
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