Pasta with tuna, tomato sauce, and pesto
Delicious pasta recipe with tomato sauce and pesto, garnished with tuna
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Today I present a simple and quick pasta recipe with tomato sauce and pesto, perfect for a savory family dinner or to impress friends at a festive meal. This recipe is not only easy to make, but also full of flavors that will delight your taste buds. Pasta with tomato sauce and pesto is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a tasty and nutritious dish that can be prepared in just 25 minutes.
Recipe History
Pasta is an iconic dish in kitchens around the world, with deep roots in culinary traditions. Combining pasta with various sauces, such as tomato and pesto, is a common practice in kitchens, bringing together simple yet flavorful ingredients. This recipe blends the flavor of tomatoes with the freshness of pesto, while the tuna adds a filling and protein-rich note, making this dish a healthy and nutritious choice.
Ingredients
- 250 grams of pasta (spaghetti or penne)
- 2 tablespoons of butter
- 30 ml of olive oil
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 1 large red onion
- 50 g of capers
- 1 cup of tomato juice
- 60 g of basil pesto
- 200 grams of tuna in oil (drained)
Ingredient Details
- Pasta: Choose quality pasta that retains its shape after boiling. Spaghetti or penne are most suitable for this sauce.
- Butter: Using butter adds a rich flavor to the dish. You can use salted or unsalted butter, depending on your preference.
- Olive oil: Choose a high-quality extra virgin olive oil to enhance the flavors of the dish.
- Red onion and garlic: These ingredients provide a delicious flavor base. Red onion is sweeter and less pungent than yellow onion.
- Capers: These small salty buds add a unique and intense taste to the sauce.
- Tomato sauce: Use quality tomato sauce or you can make one at home from fresh tomatoes.
- Pesto: A fresh basil pesto is ideal, but you can also opt for variations made from other herbs, such as parsley.
- Tuna: Canned tuna is an excellent source of protein and contributes to a savory dish.
Preparation Steps
1. Boiling the pasta
Start by boiling water in a large pot. Add a tablespoon of salt and 250 grams of pasta. Cook according to the package instructions, usually between 8-12 minutes, until al dente. Make sure to stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
2. Preparing the sauce
In a large skillet, add 30 ml of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter. Heat over medium heat. Add the chopped red onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic releases its aroma.
3. Adding aromatic ingredients
Incorporate the capers (washed and drained) into the skillet and mix well. Then, add 1 cup of tomato juice and 60 g of basil pesto. Simmer the mixture for 5 minutes, stirring constantly to combine the flavors.
4. Combining pasta with sauce
When the pasta is cooked, drain it and add it to the skillet. Add a tablespoon of butter to enrich the flavor. Mix well so that the sauce evenly coats the pasta.
5. Serving
Divide the pasta onto plates, add the drained tuna on top, season with grated parmesan to taste, and serve immediately. You can add a handful of fresh basil leaves for an attractive presentation.
Useful Tips
- You can add vegetables of your choice, such as zucchini or spinach, to increase the nutritional value.
- If you like a spicy sauce, you can add chili flakes during cooking.
- Use freshly grated parmesan for a more intense flavor.
- This recipe pairs perfectly with a simple green salad or a crunchy baguette.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use whole wheat pasta?
Absolutely! Whole wheat pasta is a healthier option and adds extra fiber.
2. Can I replace tuna with something else?
Sure! You can use cooked chicken breast or tofu for a vegetarian option.
3. What drinks pair well with this dish?
A dry white wine or a refreshing beverage, such as lemonade, are excellent choices to accompany this pasta.
Nutritional Benefits
This recipe offers a good balance between carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats. Pasta is an excellent source of energy, while tuna provides quality protein. Tomatoes and pesto bring antioxidants and essential vitamins, contributing to a healthy diet.
Possible Variations
- You can experiment with different types of pasta, such as gluten-free pasta or vegetable-based pasta.
- Replace basil pesto with an olive tomato sauce for a Mediterranean variation.
Feel free to put your personal touch on this recipe! Enjoy every step of cooking and the delicious aroma of your pasta with tomato sauce and pesto. Bon appétit!
Ingredients: 250 grams of pasta, 2 tablespoons of butter, 30 ml of olive oil, 2 cloves of garlic, 1 large red onion, 50 g of capers, 1 cup of tomato juice, 60 g of basil pesto, 200 grams of tuna in oil.
