Indulge in the comforting flavors of Italy with our delightful "Pasta with Tuna in Creamy Tomato Sauce." This dish is not just a meal; it's a culinary embrace that brings together the richness of creamy sauce and the savory goodness of tuna, all enveloped in perfectly cooked pasta. With just 30 minutes from prep to plate, you can impress your family or guests with a gourmet experience that feels effortless. Ready to elevate your weeknight dinners? Dive into this recipe and discover how easy it is to create a restaurant-quality dish right in your own kitchen!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 300g pasta
- 1 can tuna, drained
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
- While pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- Pour tomato sauce into the skillet with garlic, stirring to combine. Reduce heat to low-medium and let simmer for 3-4 minutes to develop flavor.
- Add heavy cream to the tomato sauce, stirring continuously to create a smooth, creamy consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Drain the canned tuna and gently fold it into the creamy tomato sauce, breaking up larger chunks if needed.
- Once pasta is cooked, drain thoroughly and immediately add to the skillet with sauce. Toss gently to ensure pasta is evenly coated.
- Cook the combined pasta and sauce for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
- Remove from heat and garnish with fresh torn basil leaves. Serve hot, optionally with extra black pepper or grated Parmesan cheese.
Tips
- Choose the Right Pasta: Opt for pasta shapes that hold sauce well, like penne or fusilli, to ensure every bite is flavorful.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook the pasta until al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the sauce.
- Fresh Ingredients Matter: Use fresh garlic and high-quality canned tuna for the best flavor. If possible, try to find tuna packed in olive oil for an extra richness.
- Simmer for Flavor: Allow the tomato sauce to simmer for a few minutes to deepen its flavors before adding the cream.
- Adjust the Creaminess: Feel free to adjust the amount of heavy cream to your taste; for a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half or even Greek yogurt.
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil not only adds a pop of color but also enhances the flavor profile. Don’t skip this step!
- Add a Kick: If you enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding red pepper flakes to the sauce for an extra kick.
- Serve with a Side: Pair your pasta with a simple green salad or garlic bread to round out the meal and impress your guests.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 65mg
