Creamy Tomato Tuna Pasta
Try this Creamy Tomato Tuna Pasta recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this Creamy Tomato Tuna Pasta recipe, or contribute your own.
- salt and pepper to season
- water
- 3 garlic cloves crushed
- 1 large red onion finely chopped
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- grated parmesan to garnish (optional)
- 350 g rigatoni or your favorite pasta
- 1 tbsp oil preferably olive oil
- 190 g canned tuna drained (i used 2 ã— 95 g cans)
- 3 tomatoes chopped or 1 cup canned diced tomatoes
- 300 ml fresh thickened (heavy) cream
- 1/4 cup finely chopped basil leaves
- basil leaves to garnish (optional)
- Carbohydrate 1.51797812434559 g
- Cholesterol 14.25 mg
- Fat 0.419990624983735 g
- Fiber 0.215093743808242 g
- Protein 12.4371999998505 g
- Saturated Fat 0.117246249996539 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (156g)
- Sodium 204.294374996609 mg
- Sugar 1.30288438053735 g
- Trans Fat 0.0520015624950512 g
- Calories 62 calories
Step-by-step
- Place a large saucepan of salted water over high heat. Bring to the boil.
- Add pasta and cook for 10 minutes or until al dente. When done, drain and set aside. Reserve the water.
- Meanwhile heat oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
- Add onions and garlic. Saute, stirring occasionally, for 2-3 minutes or until softened.
- Drain canned tuna and add it to the pan along with enough salt. Saute for another 2-3 minutes.
- Add tomato paste and saute for a minute.
- Add tomatoes and ½ cup reserved water. Cook for 2 minutes.
- Add cream. Bring to the boil.
- Simmer for 2 minutes or until the sauce thickens.
- Stir cooked pasta and basil into the sauce. Cook until heated through.
- Season with pepper.
- Garnish with basil leaves and grated parmesan if desired.
Creamy Tomato Tuna Pasta: A Quick and Easy Weeknight Meal
As a busy working mom, I’m always on the lookout for quick and easy weeknight dinners that the whole family will enjoy. This Creamy Tomato Tuna Pasta recipe has become a staple in our house, and it’s so simple to make, even on those nights when I'm completely exhausted after a long day at the office. The creamy tomato sauce is rich and flavorful, and the tuna adds a nice protein boost. It’s the perfect comfort food without sacrificing too much time in the kitchen. The best part? It's incredibly versatile. You can easily adapt it to your family's preferences – add different vegetables, spices, or even a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a bit of a kick.
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. There's no need for complicated techniques or a long list of obscure ingredients. It's a pantry-friendly recipe that utilizes ingredients I usually have on hand. I often find myself making this on a Tuesday night when I'm really short on time, but still want something satisfying and flavorful. The prep work is minimal – chopping the onions and garlic takes only a few minutes, and the rest of the process is a breeze. Even my teenage son can help with the cooking, which makes it a great family activity, too. It's not just a weeknight go-to; I've even served it to guests and received rave reviews. It’s elegant enough for a casual dinner party, yet easy enough for a weeknight family meal.
One of the things I love most about this recipe is that it's incredibly forgiving. If you don’t have exactly the right amount of an ingredient, it’s not a problem. You can easily substitute ingredients based on what you have available. Don't have fresh basil? Dried basil will work just fine. Prefer penne to rigatoni? Go for it! The core flavor profile – the creamy tomato sauce and the savory tuna – remains delicious regardless of minor adjustments. This makes it perfect for those nights when I'm improvising based on what's left in my refrigerator.
Beyond its practicality, this dish is surprisingly nutritious. The tuna provides a good source of lean protein, while the tomatoes are packed with vitamins and antioxidants. The creamy sauce adds richness without being overly heavy, and the pasta provides carbohydrates for sustained energy. It's a balanced meal that satisfies both my hunger and my desire for healthy eating. It's not overly indulgent, but it feels luxurious and satisfying enough to make me feel like I've treated myself after a busy day.
I highly recommend making a large batch of this Creamy Tomato Tuna Pasta. It's perfect for leftovers, and the flavors actually deepen overnight. It’s a recipe that's as much about convenience and ease as it is about deliciousness. In a world where time is often a luxury, this dish offers a welcome respite: a simple, satisfying, and delicious meal that I can put on the table quickly and efficiently without compromising on flavor or nutritional value. It's become a true family favorite, and I'm confident it will become one of yours too.
Tips and Variations:
- Add vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the sauce.
- Spice it up: A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a nice kick.
- Make it cheesy: Add some shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Use different pasta: Any pasta shape will work, but rigatoni or penne are especially good.
- Add herbs: Experiment with different herbs like oregano or thyme.
- Make it a complete meal: Serve with a side salad or garlic bread.
This Creamy Tomato Tuna Pasta recipe is a testament to the fact that delicious and satisfying meals don’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. It's a simple recipe that delivers big on flavor and convenience. Try it out – I promise you won't be disappointed!
