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Tomato Basil Tuna Pasta Recipe

Tomato Basil Tuna Pasta Recipe

This Tomato Basil Tuna Pasta Recipe is simple, fresh, and comforting. It is perfect for busy weekdays. The flavors are light but satisfying. Juicy tomatoes, tender tuna, and fresh basil work beautifully together. This pasta feels homemade and cozy.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine Italian-inspired
Servings 4
Calories 420 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • Pasta of choice penne or spaghetti
  • Canned tuna in olive oil or water
  • Fresh tomatoes or canned crushed tomatoes
  • Fresh basil leaves
  • Garlic cloves
  • Olive oil
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Red chili flakes
  • Onion
  • Parmesan cheese for topping

These are the main Ingredients for Tomato Basil Tuna Pasta.

Instructions
 

Boil the Pasta

  • Fill a large pot with water. Add salt. Boil pasta until tender but still firm.

Reserve Pasta Water

  • Before draining, save one cup pasta water. This helps adjust sauce texture later.

Drain the Pasta

  • Drain pasta in a colander. Set aside. Do not rinse to keep starch.

Prepare the Tuna

  • Open tuna cans. Drain excess liquid gently. Flake tuna using a fork.

Heat the Olive Oil

  • Heat olive oil in a large pan. Keep heat medium to avoid burning.

Cook the Onion

  • Add chopped onion to oil. Cook until soft and lightly golden.

Add Garlic

  • Add minced garlic. Stir for thirty seconds until fragrant. Do not brown.

Add Tomatoes

  • Add chopped or crushed tomatoes. Stir well. Let sauce simmer gently.

Season the Sauce

  • Add salt, pepper, and chili flakes. Adjust seasoning to taste slowly.

Simmer the Sauce

  • Let sauce cook for ten minutes. Stir occasionally until slightly thickened.

Add Tuna

  • Add flaked tuna to sauce. Stir gently to keep tuna chunks intact.

Add Pasta Water

  • Add some reserved pasta water. Stir until sauce becomes smooth and glossy.

Combine Pasta and Sauce

  • Add cooked pasta to pan. Toss gently until pasta is fully coated.

Add Fresh Basil

  • Tear basil leaves by hand. Add to pasta. Mix gently.

Taste and Adjust

  • Taste pasta. Add more salt or pepper if needed.

Finish with Olive Oil

  • Drizzle extra olive oil on top. Turn off heat.
  • Serve Warm
  • Serve pasta immediately. Top with grated Parmesan if desired.

Notes

  • Use whole wheat pasta for extra fiber.
  • Add olives for a salty touch.
  • Use cherry tomatoes for sweetness.
  • Add spinach for extra greens.
  • Use chili oil for more heat.
  • Replace tuna with salmon if desired.
  • Add lemon zest for freshness.
  • Use gluten-free pasta if needed.
These tips help improve How to make Tomato Basil Tuna Pasta perfectly.
Keyword Tomato Basil Tuna Pasta Recipe