Creamy Tuna Pesto Pasta (Print-Friendly Version)

Tender pasta, basil pesto, and flaky tuna combine in a creamy sauce for a comforting, speedy meal.

# Ingredients:

01 - 225 g pasta (penne, fusilli, spaghetti, or fettuccine)
02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 - 1/2 small onion, finely chopped
04 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
05 - 140 g canned tuna, drained and flaked
06 - 120 ml basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
07 - 120 ml heavy cream
08 - 25 g grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
09 - 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
10 - Salt and pepper, to taste
11 - 60 ml reserved pasta cooking water (if needed)

→ Optional Add-ins

12 - 30 g baby spinach
13 - 75 g cherry tomatoes, halved
14 - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

# Steps:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 60 ml of the pasta water, then drain and set the pasta aside.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 2 minutes until softened. Incorporate the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute, stirring frequently.
03 - Add the drained and flaked tuna to the skillet. Stir well to combine and cook for 1 to 2 minutes.
04 - Pour in the basil pesto and heavy cream. Stir until the mixture is smooth, then simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.
05 - Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss until evenly coated. If necessary, add a splash of reserved pasta water to achieve desired sauce consistency.
06 - Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and lemon zest if using. Season to taste with salt and black pepper. Add any optional ingredients such as baby spinach, cherry tomatoes, or red pepper flakes at this stage, if desired.
07 - Transfer to serving bowls and garnish with extra Parmesan or fresh basil as preferred. Serve immediately.

# Notes & Tips:

01 - Customize by stirring in baby spinach or cherry tomatoes just before tossing with pasta for extra freshness.
02 - Reserve some pasta water to help create a silky sauce if needed.

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