Name: Pesto Tuna Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 8 ounces uncooked pasta (such as rotini or other short pasta); large pot of salted water (for cooking pasta); 1-4 cups baby spinach; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1-2 cups cherry tomatoes (or grape tomatoes, halved); 1-2 cloves garlic (minced or grated); ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning (or dried oregano); salt and pepper (to taste); ⅓ – ½ cup pesto (store-bought or homemade); 1-2 cans tuna in olive oil (drained (lemon-flavored, smoked, or pesto-flavored tuna if available)); lemon juice, freshly grated Parmesan, red pepper flakes, extra virgin olive oil (to taste)

Jump to Recipe

If you’re craving a meal that’s equal parts vibrant, simple, and packed with flavor, then Pesto Tuna Pasta is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. This dish brings together tender pasta, bright pesto, rich tuna, and juicy tomatoes into one irresistibly satisfying bowl—ready in no time and bursting with Italian-inspired charm. Whether you’re rustling up a cozy weeknight dinner or impressing guests with minimal effort, Pesto Tuna Pasta promises a harmony of fresh, bold tastes in every forkful.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Your shopping list for Pesto Tuna Pasta might be short, but each ingredient is a hero in its own right. These staples come together to create melt-in-your-mouth comfort, lively color, and unmatched flavor depth.

Pasta: Short shapes like rotini are perfect for catching every bit of sauce and tuna—use your favorite for fun texture.
Salted water: Cooking the pasta in a generously salted pot is what gives it real Italian flavor from the inside out.
Baby spinach: These delicate greens wilt beautifully into the hot pasta, adding color and a nutrient boost.
Olive oil: Just a drizzle provides gorgeous shine and a rich base for sautéing garlic and tomatoes.
Cherry tomatoes: When halved and quickly stir-fried, they burst with sweetness and bright acidity.
Garlic: Minced or grated for maximum flavor, garlic makes the whole kitchen smell like heaven.
Italian seasoning: This herb blend (or just dried oregano) punches up the savory notes in every bite.
Salt and pepper: Essential for bringing all the flavors into perfect balance.
Pesto: Opt for homemade or your favorite store-bought variety; each spoonful weaves the dish together with fresh, fragrant basil and cheese.
Tuna in olive oil: Drained and flaky, this protein powerhouse can be smoked, lemony, or herbed for extra oomph.
Lemon juice, Parmesan, red pepper flakes, extra virgin olive oil: To finish, these little extras let everyone tailor their dish to taste—zesty, cheesy, spicy, or all of the above!

How to Make Pesto Tuna Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and drop in your chosen pasta. Cook it according to the package directions—about 7 minutes if you like a nice al dente bite, or a bit longer for silkier texture. While the pasta cooks, you can set up the skillet and prep the veggies to multitask like a pro.

Step 2: Wilt the Spinach

As soon as you drain the cooked pasta (don’t rinse it!), toss it right back into the warm pot. Immediately add the baby spinach and stir it through—the residual heat from the pasta will gently wilt the greens in about a minute, adding a lovely touch of color and a soft, velvety texture.

Step 3: Sauté the Tomatoes and Garlic

Meanwhile, in a skillet over medium heat, warm up the olive oil. Add the minced or grated garlic and the halved cherry tomatoes. Let them sizzle together for 2 to 3 minutes until the garlic is golden and the tomatoes soften a little and start releasing their juices. Sprinkle in your Italian seasoning and a pinch of salt and pepper to spark even more flavor. Once fragrant, take the skillet off the heat.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Now comes the fun part—transforming those simple ingredients into the ultimate Pesto Tuna Pasta! Stir the pesto into your warm pasta and spinach, making sure every piece gets coated in that gorgeous green sauce. Gently fold in the sautéed tomatoes and the well-drained tuna (start with one can and add a second if you’re extra hungry or feeding a crowd). Mix just enough to combine without breaking up the tuna too much.

Step 5: Taste and Finish

Take a quick taste and let your palate guide you: add a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness, an extra splash of olive oil for richness, or another pinch of salt and pepper to amp up the flavors. Dish up generous bowls, then top with freshly grated Parmesan, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, and an extra drizzle of your best extra virgin olive oil for a picture-perfect finish.

How to Serve Pesto Tuna Pasta

Garnishes

Pesto Tuna Pasta absolutely shines when finished with a blizzard of freshly grated Parmesan, a punchy sprinkle of red pepper flakes, and a few extra torn basil leaves if you have them around. A squeeze of lemon juice adds quick brightness and makes the flavors sing.

Side Dishes

Serve your Pesto Tuna Pasta alongside a crisp green salad tossed in a sharp vinaigrette, or some warm rustic bread to soak up any extra sauce. Roasted vegetables like asparagus, zucchini, or broccoli also make beautiful companions to round out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving your pasta in small bowls or ramekins for individual portions—perfect at a dinner party. Pile it high in a big, shallow platter and scatter extra herbs and lemon zest on top for family-style feasting. You can even tuck a few extra tomato halves and spinach leaves around the edges for fresh, colorful flair.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Pesto Tuna Pasta keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. It’s just as delicious cold for a next-day lunch, or you can give it a quick warm-up for dinner tomorrow.

Freezing

While you can freeze this dish, the texture of the spinach and tomatoes may change a bit once thawed. For best quality, freeze portions in tightly sealed containers and eat within a month. Let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the pasta in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil to help loosen up the pesto and keep everything silky. If you’re in a hurry, microwave in short bursts, stirring in between. Finish with fresh lemon juice and Parmesan to refresh the flavors.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for Pesto Tuna Pasta?

Absolutely! Any short pasta shape—like penne, fusilli, or farfalle—will work wonderfully at catching all the delicious sauce and tuna. Even spaghetti or linguine are fair game if that’s what you have.

What’s the best tuna to use for this recipe?

Tuna packed in olive oil is ideal for Pesto Tuna Pasta since it’s richer and blends seamlessly with the other flavors. Smoked, lemon-infused, or pesto-flavored tuna are all fantastic ways to add extra depth, but classic plain tuna will always do the trick.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Look for a dairy-free pesto or make your own, and simply skip the Parmesan or use a favorite plant-based alternative. The dish will still be brimming with flavor and freshness.

How do I add extra protein or veggies to the dish?

You can toss in extra veggies like sautéed zucchini, roasted peppers, or artichokes for even more color and nutrition. If you want more protein, a handful of white beans or chickpeas fit right in without overwhelming the harmonious flavors.

Is Pesto Tuna Pasta good for meal prep?

It is! The pasta tastes great cold, at room temperature, or gently reheated, making it ideal for work lunches or quick grab-and-go dinners. Just store the garnishes separately until you’re ready to eat for the freshest taste.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a comforting, lightning-fast meal that never sacrifices wow-factor, you simply can’t go wrong with Pesto Tuna Pasta. Give it a try and let this classic Italian combo bring a burst of brightness to your table—one bite, and it might just become your new go-to favorite.

Pesto Tuna Pasta Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 8 reviews

Author: Ethan
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A delightful and easy recipe for Pesto Tuna Pasta that combines the freshness of cherry tomatoes, the richness of pesto, and the savory goodness of tuna. This dish is quick to make and bursting with flavor.

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Boil the pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain but do not rinse. Stir in baby spinach to wilt.
Prepare Tomatoes: Sauté garlic, halved tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until softened.
Combine Ingredients: Mix pesto into the pasta, then add tomatoes and tuna. Adjust seasoning as needed.
Final Touches: Add lemon juice, Parmesan, red pepper flakes, and olive oil to taste. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

You can customize this dish by adding olives, capers, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.
Feel free to use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for a healthier option.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian