Creamy Tuna Pesto Pasta (Quick and Easy)
This Creamy Tuna Pesto Pasta is a quick and comforting dinner ready in just 20 minutes. Made with tender pasta, flaky tuna, basil pesto, and a touch of cream, it’s a rich yet simple dish perfect for busy weeknights.Easily customizable with veggies or cheese, it’s a family-friendly favorite you’ll make again and again.
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta penne, fusilli, spaghetti or fettucine
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ small onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 5 oz canned tuna preferably in olive oil, drained and flaked
- ½ cup basil pesto store-bought or homemade
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese optional
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest optional
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ¼ cup reserved pasta water if needed
Optional Add-ins:
- 1 cup baby spinach
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes halved
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
Instructions
Cook the pasta
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ¼ cup of the pasta water, then drain the rest and set aside.
Sauté aromatics
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook for 2 minutes, then add garlic and cook for another 1 minute, stirring often.
Add tuna
- Flake the drained tuna into the skillet. Stir to combine and cook for 1–2 minutes.
Make the sauce
- Add pesto and heavy cream to the skillet. Stir until smooth. Simmer on low heat for 3–4 minutes to thicken slightly.
Toss in pasta
- Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss well to coat. Use a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.
Finish and season
- Stir in Parmesan cheese and lemon zest (if using). Taste and adjust with salt and pepper.
Serve immediately
- Garnish with more Parmesan or fresh basil if desired.