Tuna Pesto Pasta Recipe Creamy Version
This Tuna Pesto Pasta recipe takes a creamier approach by combining tuna and cream with pasta. If you enjoy creamy dishes, this simple recipe is a perfect choice for you.
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For this tuna pesto pasta recipe, we are giving it a creamy twist. Traditionally, pesto pasta does not include cream, but this version will show you how the cream complements the fresh, herby flavors of the pesto sauce beautifully. It is a simple change that makes a big difference.
It is no surprise that pasta lends itself to countless recipes, and in this one, tuna takes center stage alongside basil pesto sauce. Adding tuna to this creamy pesto pasta recipe brings a slightly briny flavor that pairs wonderfully with the herby notes of the pesto sauce. The soft and flaky texture of the tuna also creates a visually appealing combination as the flakes mix naturally with the penne pasta. Among seafood, tuna stands out as the ideal fish for this dish because of its mild yet distinct taste that does not overpower the delicate cream and pesto flavors.
Ingredients for Creamy Tuna Pesto Pasta
- Penne pasta – A short pasta shape that holds the creamy sauce well
- Canned tuna – Adds a meaty and savory flavor to the dish
- Basil pesto – Gives the pasta a herby and slightly garlicky taste
- All purpose cream – Makes the sauce rich and smooth
- Butter – Adds depth and helps sauté the aromatics
- Olive oil – Used for sautéing and balancing flavors
- Onion – Provides sweetness and aroma to the sauce
- Garlic – Brings out that classic Filipino savory base
- Parmesan cheese – Gives the dish a sharp and nutty finish
- Salt – Enhances the flavor of the sauce and pasta
- Ground black pepper – Adds a bit of heat and balance
How to Cook Creamy Tuna Pesto Pasta Recipe
- Cook The Penne Pasta Until Al Dente – Boil 16 ounces of penne pasta according to the package instructions, making sure it remains firm. Reserve 3 tablespoons of the pasta water before draining. Set both aside for later use.
- Sauté The Aromatics for a Flavorful Base – In a pan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and add 2 teaspoons of olive oil to prevent burning. Sauté the minced onion for about 30 seconds until aromatic. Add the minced garlic, stirring until the onion softens and the garlic turns golden. Avoid over-browning the garlic, as it can become bitter.
- Combine Tuna with Pesto Sauce – Add 10 ounces of canned tuna to the pan, breaking it into chunks as you sauté for about a minute. Stir in ½ cup of pesto sauce, letting the flavors blend evenly for another minute.
- Prepare The Creamy Sauce – Pour in 250 ml of Nestle All-Purpose Cream along with the reserved pasta water. This step enhances the sauce’s smooth and creamy texture. Season with salt and ground black pepper to taste, and stir gently to mix thoroughly.
- Finish With Parmesan and Serve – Add the cooked penne pasta into the sauce and toss until well-coated. Sprinkle ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and toss again. Transfer to a serving plate, and your creamy Tuna Pesto Pasta is ready to enjoy.
Tips & Tricks
- Opt For Oil-Packed Tuna – Canned tuna packed in olive oil has a richer, more robust flavor compared to water-packed tuna. Just drain the excess oil before adding it to the pan.
- Warm The Cream Before Adding – Slightly warming the Nestle All-Purpose Cream before pouring it into the pan prevents it from curdling and helps it blend smoothly with the sauce.
- Dash of Lemon at the End – If you want the richness of the cream untouched, feel free to skip this suggestion. For a slight citrusy balance and aroma, you can add around 1 teaspoon of lemon juice to the dish, just enough to brighten the flavor and complement the creaminess without overpowering the pesto.
What Is Pesto and How to Make It
Pesto is a classic Italian sauce—a simple yet aromatic blend that adds a burst of flavor to pasta, sandwiches, and more. The ingredients are ground or blended together to create a thick, vibrant green sauce.
To make pesto, start by blending fresh basil leaves, garlic, toasted pine nuts, grated Parmesan cheese, and olive oil in a food processor. For the exact measurements and detailed steps, you can refer to this Basil Pesto recipe. One-half cup of this is what we need for our creamier Tuna Pesto Pasta recipe.
Best Ways to Enjoy Creamy Tuna Pesto Pasta
I love serving this with garlic bread or a side of buttered vegetables. It also pairs nicely with a light salad with vinaigrette to balance the richness of the sauce. A cold drink like iced tea or even sparkling water with lemon helps round out the meal.
How This Creamy Tuna Pesto Pasta Stands Out
This dish combines Italian inspired flavors with ingredients that are very Filipino pantry friendly. Tuna and all purpose cream are staples in most homes, and adding pesto gives it that extra flavor boost. What makes it even better is how quick it is to prepare. You can whip this up in less than 30 minutes from start to finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh tuna instead of canned tuna?
Yes, you can use flaked cooked tuna, but canned tuna is more convenient and flavorful for this recipe.
What kind of pesto should I use?
Store bought basil pesto works well, but if you have homemade pesto, that’s even better.
Can I use evaporated milk instead of all purpose cream?
You can, but it will not be as rich or thick. All purpose cream gives the best texture for this dish.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Yes, it keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat gently over low heat and add a splash of milk or cream to bring back the sauce.
Did you make this? If you snap a photo, please be sure tag us on Instagram at @panlasangpinoy or hashtag #panlasangpinoy so we can see your creations!
Tuna Pesto Pasta Recipe Creamy Version
Ingredients
Instructions
- Boil the penne pasta al dente (see notes below) according to package instructions. Drain the pasta water. Set both aside.16 ounces penne pasta
- Melt butter in a pan. Add olive oil.2 tablespoons butter, 2 teaspoons olive oil
- Sauté the onion for 30 seconds.1 onion
- Add the garlic. Continue sautéing until the onion softens and the garlic starts to brown. Note: Do not brown the garlic completely. (see notes below)8 cloves garlic
- Add the tuna. Sauté for 1 minute.10 ounces tuna
- Add the pesto sauce. Stir and continue cooking for another minute.½ cup pesto sauce
- Pour Nestle all-purpose cream and 3 tablespoons of pasta water.250 ml. Nestle All-Purpose Cream
- Season with salt and ground black pepper. Gently stir the mixture.salt and ground black pepper to taste
- Add the cooked penne pasta into the pan. Toss until coated completely.
- Add the Parmesan cheese. Toss. (see notes below)¼ cup Parmesan cheese
- Transfer to a serving plate. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Al Dente – Refers to the ideal texture for pasta, meaning it is cooked firm but not hard, offering a slight resistance when bitten. This texture is important because it prevents the pasta from becoming mushy and helps it hold its shape when combined with sauces. To achieve al dente, follow the time recommended on the package, but start testing the pasta a minute or two earlier to ensure it has the right bite.
- Browning the Garlic – Lightly browning garlic enhances its natural sweetness and nutty aroma, which works well with other ingredients. Over-browning alters its flavor, making it harsher and less pleasant. It can be bitter when overcooked.
- Adding Parmesan Cheese – Parmesan cheese is added at the end of the cooking process, away from direct heat, to preserve its texture and flavor. High heat can cause the cheese to clump or become stringy.
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