Creamy Tuna and Basil Penne
Indulge in the rich and comforting flavors of this Creamy Tuna and Basil Penne, a quick and satisfying pasta dish perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Tender penne pasta is tossed in a velvety sauce of heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, infused with the savory goodness of garlic, juicy cherry tomatoes, and flaky canned tuna in olive oil. A handful of fresh basil leaves adds a vibrant, aromatic touch that elevates every bite. Ready in just 30 minutes, this easy pasta recipe is an ideal blend of creamy and light, with optional red chili flakes for a subtle kick. Serve it hot, garnished with extra Parmesan and fresh basil, for a crowd-pleasing meal packed with flavor and simplicity. Perfectly optimized for SEO, this recipe captures the essence of home-cooked Italian-inspired pasta dishes!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 400 grams penne pasta
- 2 cans canned tuna in olive oil
- 250 milliliters heavy cream
- 80 grams grated Parmesan cheese
- 20 grams fresh basil leaves
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 150 grams cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
- 0.25 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
- 1 liter water
- 1 tablespoon salt for boiling water
Instructions
Bring 1 liter of water to a boil in a large pot. Add 1 tablespoon of salt and the penne pasta. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, usually around 9-12 minutes, until al dente.
While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften and release their juices.
Drain the canned tuna, reserving a little of the oil for flavor, and flake the tuna into the skillet. Stir gently to combine.
Reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream, stirring to mix. Allow the mixture to heat through for 2-3 minutes.
Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and the sauce becomes creamy. Season with 1 teaspoon of salt, 0.5 teaspoon of black pepper, and red chili flakes (if using).
Drain the cooked penne pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water. Add the pasta to the skillet, tossing it in the sauce to coat evenly.
If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta cooking water, 1 tablespoon at a time, to reach your desired consistency.
Remove the skillet from heat and fold in the fresh basil leaves, tearing them into smaller pieces if needed.
Serve the creamy tuna and basil penne immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and basil, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3562 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 183.8 g | 236% | |
| Saturated Fat | 77.2 g | 386% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 500 mg | 167% | |
| Sodium | 10676 mg | 464% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 302.4 g | 110% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 17.7 g | 63% | |
| Total Sugars | 3.9 g | ||
| Protein | 159.5 g | 319% | |
| Vitamin D | 17.0 mcg | 85% | |
| Calcium | 1038 mg | 80% | |
| Iron | 21.1 mg | 117% | |
| Potassium | 2126 mg | 45% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
