Tuna Pesto Pasta

This flavorful tuna pesto pasta dish is ready in minutes with this simple recipe. Perfect for festive gatherings and weeknight dinners.

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian American

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Total Time 20

Servings Servings

Calories 679kcal

Get Recipe Ingredients

Boil the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces of pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (8-10 minutes). Before draining, reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta water. Drain the pasta, but do not rinse it.
Sauté the Garlic: Heat 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add 2 finely chopped garlic cloves and cook for 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
Add the Tuna: Add 10-12 ounces of canned tuna packed in olive oil (including the oil from the cans) to the skillet. Break up the tuna gently and sauté until heated through, about 1-2 minutes. Turn off the heat and set aside.
Combine Pesto and Pasta: In a large serving bowl, add 1-2 cups of pesto. Toss the cooked pasta into the bowl using tongs or a wooden spoon. Gradually drizzle in the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, to thin the pesto and coat the noodles evenly. Use only as much pasta water as needed to achieve a smooth consistency.
Mix in Tuna: Add the sautéed tuna to the pasta and pesto mixture. Toss gently until everything is combined.
Season and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, as needed. For a little heat, sprinkle with red pepper flakes. Serve with freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top.

Use High-Quality Tuna: Splurging on a good can of tuna packed in olive oil will elevate this dish with extra flavor and moisture.
Save Your Pasta Water: The starchy pasta water helps create a silky sauce when combined with the pesto. Use just enough to thin out the sauce without making it watery.
Gluten-Free Option: This recipe works well with gluten-free pasta, making it a versatile option for different dietary needs.