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Tuna Pesto Pasta

Tuna Pesto Pasta Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 560

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz spaghetti
  • 2 (5 oz) cans oil-packed tuna, drained
  • 1/2 cup basil pesto
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 cup reserved pasta water
  • Grated Parmesan, for serving
  • Lemon wedges, for serving

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta water, then drain.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook, stirring, until fragrant and pale golden, about 1 minute.
  3. Add the drained tuna and pesto to the skillet. Break the tuna into chunky flakes and stir until everything is warmed through, about 2 minutes.
  4. Add the drained spaghetti and reserved pasta water to the skillet. Toss over medium heat for about 1 minute until the pasta is evenly coated and the sauce looks glossy.
  5. Twirl the pasta into bowls. Top with grated Parmesan, a crack of black pepper, and a generous squeeze of lemon. Serve immediately.

Notes

Oil-packed tuna gives the richest result, but water-packed works if you add an extra gloss of olive oil. This pasta is best right away while the sauce is loose and glossy. If it firms up, add a splash of warm water and toss again.