Are you ready to elevate your weeknight dinners with a dish that’s as delightful as it is simple? Meet "Bowtie Pasta with Tuna," a vibrant Italian recipe that promises to tantalize your taste buds and impress your family or guests! In just 25 minutes, you can whip up this colorful bowl of goodness, featuring tender bowtie pasta, succulent tuna, and a medley of fresh ingredients that burst with flavor. Whether you're looking for a quick meal or a light, satisfying dish, this recipe is your ticket to culinary success. Dive in and discover how easy it is to create a masterpiece that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz bowtie pasta
- 1 can (5 oz) tuna, drained
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add bowtie pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until the pasta is al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While pasta is cooking, prepare the other ingredients. Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the red onion, and drain the canned tuna completely.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to create a light dressing. Whisk together until well combined.
- When pasta is cooked, drain in a colander, reserving about 1/4 cup of pasta water. Immediately rinse pasta with cold water to stop cooking and prevent sticking.
- Add the drained pasta to the bowl with the dressing. Gently toss to coat the pasta evenly.
- Fold in the drained tuna, halved cherry tomatoes, and diced red onion. If the mixture seems dry, add a little reserved pasta water.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
- Transfer to serving plates and garnish with fresh basil leaves.
- Serve immediately at room temperature or slightly chilled. Enjoy your quick and delicious pasta dish!
Tips
- Perfect Pasta: Always add a generous amount of salt to the boiling water before adding the pasta. This enhances the flavor and ensures your pasta is well-seasoned from the start.
- Al Dente is Key: For the best texture, cook the bowtie pasta until it’s al dente—firm to the bite. This will give your dish a delightful chewiness.
- Fresh Ingredients: Use ripe cherry tomatoes and fresh basil for the best flavor. Fresh ingredients can make a significant difference in a simple dish.
- Customize Your Tuna: While canned tuna is convenient, consider using flavored varieties (like olive oil or herb-infused) for an extra layer of taste.
- Don’t Skip the Rinse: Rinsing the pasta with cold water after draining helps stop the cooking process and prevents it from becoming mushy.
- Adjust to Your Taste: Feel free to tweak the dressing ingredients. A splash of balsamic vinegar or a pinch of red pepper flakes can add a unique twist.
- Serve at Room Temperature: This dish is delicious served at room temperature, making it perfect for picnics or potlucks.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the ingredients ahead of time and toss everything together just before serving for a quick meal.Enjoy crafting this delightful dish and impressing your loved ones with your culinary skills!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 25mg
