Name: Tomato Basil Tuna Pasta: 1 Flavorful Italian Gem
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 pound pasta; 1 (5 ounce) can tuna, drained; 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved; 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped; 3 tablespoons olive oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; Salt to taste; Black pepper to taste

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Discover the Perfect Tomato Basil Tuna Pasta

Hello, food lovers! I’m Lina, and I’m so excited to share a dish that brings a little sunshine from my Italian heritage right into your kitchen. This tomato basil tuna pasta is a true gem. It’s a simple, flavorful meal inspired by the beautiful Mediterranean coast. Imagine fresh, vibrant ingredients coming together. This recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights. You’ll love how quickly it comes together. It’s a taste of home for me.

Why You’ll Love This Tomato Basil Tuna Pasta

This dish is a weeknight dinner dream. You’ll adore its:

Speedy preparation.
Use of fresh, wholesome ingredients.
Authentic Mediterranean flavors.
Simplicity for busy evenings.

It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

My Italian Kitchen Secrets for Tomato Basil Tuna Pasta

My grandmother’s kitchen was my first culinary classroom. The memories of her cooking are so vivid. She taught me the magic of simple, fresh ingredients. That’s exactly what this tomato basil tuna pasta is all about. It’s a taste of those cherished moments. Using good olive oil is key. And never skip the fresh basil right at the end. It truly makes all the difference. This recipe connects me to my roots. It’s a piece of my Italian heart.

Fresh Ingredients for Your Tomato Basil Tuna Pasta

Let’s gather everything we need for this delightful dish. For our tomato basil tuna pasta, you’ll want about a pound of your favorite pasta shape. I often reach for spaghetti or penne, but use what you love! You’ll also need one 5-ounce can of tuna. I prefer tuna packed in olive oil for extra flavor, but water-packed works too. Just make sure it’s well-drained.

Next, grab a pint of cherry tomatoes. Halving them helps them release their lovely juices. We’ll need a quarter cup of fresh basil, chopped. Don’t be shy with the basil; its fragrance is key! Three tablespoons of good extra virgin olive oil will form the base of our sauce. Two cloves of garlic, minced, add a wonderful aroma. And of course, salt and black pepper to taste.

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

For the best flavor in your tomato basil tuna pasta, I always suggest using good quality canned tuna. It really does make a difference. If you can’t find cherry tomatoes, you could dice up a couple of ripe regular tomatoes. For the pasta, any shape works, but something that holds the sauce well is great. Feel free to add a handful of baby spinach right at the end, or even some pitted olives for a briny kick. A little squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving can brighten everything up beautifully.

Simple Steps to Make Tomato Basil Tuna Pasta

Let’s get cooking! Making this tomato basil tuna pasta is a breeze. First, get your pasta cooking. Follow the package directions for the best results. Make sure to drain it, but save about half a cup of that starchy pasta water. This water is liquid gold for our sauce!

While the pasta is bubbling away, it’s time for the flavor base. Heat your olive oil in a big skillet over medium heat. Add your minced garlic. Cook it for just about a minute. You want it fragrant, not brown or burnt. Burnt garlic is a sad flavor.

Now, toss in those halved cherry tomatoes. Let them cook for about five to seven minutes. You’ll see them start to soften and release their sweet juices. This creates a lovely light sauce. Next, add your drained tuna. Break it up gently with your spoon.

Combine the cooked pasta with the tuna and tomato mixture in the skillet. Give everything a good toss. If it looks a little dry, add some of that reserved pasta water, a splash at a time. This helps everything come together. Finally, stir in your fresh chopped basil. It adds such a wonderful aroma. Season with salt and pepper. Taste it! Adjust as needed. Serve it up right away.

Perfecting Your Tomato Basil Tuna Pasta: Key Tips

To get that perfect al dente pasta, trust your taste buds. Cook it until it has a slight bite. Be careful when sautéing garlic. Low and slow is the mantra. You want to coax out its flavor, not scorch it. Adding the fresh basil right at the very end is crucial. This keeps its bright, peppery taste intact. It’s a small step that makes a big impact on your tomato basil tuna pasta.

Serving and Enjoying Your Tomato Basil Tuna Pasta

This simple tomato basil tuna pasta is wonderful as is. For an extra touch, I love a sprinkle of fresh basil leaves. A little drizzle of good olive oil on top also adds richness. It pairs beautifully with a light side salad. Think mixed greens with a simple vinaigrette. Crusty bread is also perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce. It’s a complete, satisfying meal.

Storing and Reheating Leftover Tomato Basil Tuna Pasta

Leftovers are great! Let the pasta cool completely. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep well for about two days. To reheat, gently warm it in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or olive oil if it seems dry. You can also microwave it. Just cover it loosely. Enjoy your delicious tomato basil tuna pasta again!

Frequently Asked Questions About Tomato Basil Tuna Pasta

Got questions about this tasty tomato basil tuna pasta? I’ve got answers! Many ask if fresh tomatoes can replace cherry tomatoes. Yes, you can! Just dice about two ripe tomatoes. They’ll work wonderfully. What pasta shape is best? Honestly, most shapes are great. I love spaghetti or penne. They hold the sauce nicely. But use what you have on hand!

Can I add more veggies or protein? Absolutely! Spinach or olives are lovely additions. For more protein, grilled chicken or shrimp would be delicious. Is this dish good for meal prep? It’s a decent choice. The flavors meld nicely overnight. Just store it in an airtight container. Reheat gently to keep it from drying out. This tuna pasta recipe is quite flexible!

Nutritional Estimate for Tomato Basil Tuna Pasta

Please remember that the nutritional information provided for this tomato basil tuna pasta is just an estimate. It can change depending on the specific ingredients and brands you use. Factors like the type of tuna and pasta can affect the final numbers. Enjoy this delicious meal knowing it’s a balanced choice!

Tomato Basil Tuna Pasta: 1 Flavorful Italian Gem

Author: Lina Kohn
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A simple and flavorful pasta dish featuring tuna, fresh tomatoes, and basil, inspired by Mediterranean flavors. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound pasta
1 (5 ounce) can tuna, drained
1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste

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Instructions

Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.
While pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, until they begin to soften and release their juices.
Add the drained tuna to the skillet and break it up with a spoon.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the tuna and tomato mixture.
Toss everything together. If the pasta seems dry, add a little of the reserved pasta water.
Stir in the chopped fresh basil.
Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Serve immediately.