This Pesto Pasta with Tuna is so simple yet so tasty! It is one great way to use canned tuna and turn it into a delectable meal in no time at all.
I've been making this simple pesto pasta with tuna for my family for ages and they seem to never get tired of it. My sister, Glenda, even made a variation, Spicy Pesto Tuna Pasta. Well, she simply uses the spicy canned tuna instead of the regular one.
It is one of my go-to dish for last-minute dinner plans. Like when you forgot you invited someone over for lunch or dinner and are totally unprepared for it. Believe me, they will never know. Especially when they get to try this simple yet restaurant-worthy pasta dish.
Of course, simple pasta tossed in pesto sauce is good in itself. But adding tuna brings in a whole new level of flavor. I also usually add some slices of mushrooms which give the dish some added texture and volume.
What Pasta goes best with Pesto?
There is really no rights or wrongs when it comes to pairing a cut of pasta to a type of sauce. As long as you like it, then go for it! However, there is a reason why they differ in shapes and sizes. Some cuts are best for certain kinds of sauces. The thicker or larger shapes do better with richer or more robust sauces. The thinner ones would be perfect for light, cream or oil-based sauces.
Pesto sauce, which is oil-based, is best paired with:
- Linguine and Linguine Fini.
- Spaghetti, being the most versatile of all, pairs with most any kind of sauces.
- Fusilli and Penne work also well with all the nooks and crannies for the sauce to cling to.
- Farfalle or bow-tie
Tips for making great Pesto Pasta with Tuna
- Don’t cook the pasta all the way through when boiling. You will be adding the pasta at the end after cooking the sauce. It is better to boil the pasta just until almost done with a little bite left to it. It will continue to cook in the remaining heat so it can absorb some of the sauce.
- You can use Pesto from the jar but freshly made Basil Pesto is the best.
- Use canned tuna in oil. It is more flavorful than the one in water or brine.
- You can also use the spicy canned tuna, or just add some bits of chili flakes to spice things up a little.
Other Pesto Recipes to try:
Printable Recipe
Pesto Pasta with Tuna
Ingredients
- 14 oz dry spaghetti
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 big onion - sliced thinly
- 3 cloves garlic - minced
- 2 cans (7oz) tuna in oil - or 1 12 oz can
- 1 can (425g) mushroom - drained
- 1 cup basil pesto sauce
- ¼ teaspoon ground pepper
- salt
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook spaghetti noodles as per package instruction just until al dente. Drain water and set aside.
- Meanwhile, in a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Saute onion and garlic until translucent and aromatic.
- Pour in canned tuna including the oil. Stir and cook for 2 minutes. Add the mushrooms and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Add basil pesto sauce and season with salt and ground pepper as needed. Cook for another minute and turn the heat off.
- Add cooked pasta into the skillet and toss until noodle strands are completely covered with pesto sauce.
- Sprinkle with shredded parmesan and serve.
Andrew says
Hey! im making this for my family next week and im hoping if you'd tell me how long the preperation and cooking time will be?
Joanne says
Drained the tuna. Was delicious!!
Meb A. says
My whole family loved it. Thanks for this recipe.
Bebs says
Glad to hear it, Meb.
Cris says
Tried it today and hoping for family's approval. I am not a fun of pesto but this one I liked. Thank you for sharing your recipe!
Bebs says
Happy to know we made you like Pesto, Cris! 😉 Thanks for the great review.
Paola says
Hello! Is it 466 kcal for 6 servings already? As in the whole recipe? Or 466 kcal per serving?
Bebs says
that is per serving.
Jean says
I tried your Pesto Pasta with Tuna recipe and the whole family liked it. Can I use tomatò pesto instead for this recipe?
Bebs says
Sure you can and I have a recipe for that too..
Eva says
Dear Bebs,
Thank you so much for sharing this great delicious recipe. I have made it a lot of times and
it's always a winner! Whether it's a potluck or simple gathering, they love this. My husband always request for this. It is now part of our weekly menu. More power and please continue posting delicious, easy to cook recipes. Take care and stay safe😍
Bebs says
Aaaww...that is such a nice comment, Eva. Thanks so much!