Print

Creamy Tuna Pesto Pasta

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

A delightful and creamy pasta dish combining tender noodles with savory tuna, aromatic pesto, and a luscious cream sauce—ready in just 20 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz pasta (penne, fusilli, or rotini)
  • 1 can (5–6 oz) 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 (plus extra for serving)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Optional: cherry tomatoes, halved
  • Optional garnish: fresh basil leaves, extra Parmesan

Instructions

  1. Cook pasta in salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente; reserve 1/4 cup pasta water, then drain.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Stir in drained tuna, breaking it into chunks; cook 1–2 minutes.
  4. Reduce heat to low, add pesto and cream; stir until combined and gently simmer 2 minutes.
  5. Mix in cooked pasta; toss to coat. If sauce seems thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency.
  6. Stir in Parmesan; season with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. If using, fold in halved cherry tomatoes at end.
  8. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and fresh basil leaves.

Notes

  • Reserve pasta water—it helps bind the sauce and keep it creamy.
  • Use high-quality pesto for best flavor or homemade if available.
  • Substitute cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter twist (add off-heat).
  • Add peas, spinach, or artichoke hearts for extra veg.
  • Reheat gently—add a splash of cream or pasta water to revive sauce.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://ukfinda.com/creamy-tuna-pesto-pasta/