Farfalle with Tuna in a Basil Lemon Dressing
Bright, fresh, and irresistibly simple, Farfalle with Tuna in a Basil Lemon Dressing is the ultimate Mediterranean-inspired pasta dish for busy weeknights or light summer lunches. This recipe combines tender bow-tie pasta with flaky tuna, juicy cherry tomatoes, and aromatic basil, all brought together by a zesty homemade dressing of fresh lemon juice, olive oil, and a hint of garlic. Ready in just 25 minutes, this dish is not only quick to make but also deliciously versatile—serve it warm, at room temperature, or even as a next-day cold pasta salad. The optional sprinkle of shaved parmesan adds a savory touch, making every bite even more satisfying. Perfect for those seeking a healthy, easy-to-prepare meal packed with vibrant flavors and wholesome ingredients!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 400 grams farfalle pasta
- 2 cans (120-150g each) canned tuna in olive oil
- 20 grams fresh basil leaves
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 unit (finely minced) garlic clove
- 200 grams (halved) cherry tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon (to taste) salt
- 0.5 teaspoon (to taste) black pepper
- 50 grams (shaved, for serving) parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the farfalle pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
While the pasta is cooking, prepare the dressing. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, lemon zest, extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Drain the canned tuna, flaking it lightly with a fork to create bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked farfalle pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, and the prepared dressing. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated.
Add the flaked tuna and fresh basil leaves to the pasta mixture. Gently toss to combine, being careful not to break up the tuna too much.
If the dish seems dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
Divide the pasta among serving plates and top with shaved parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately or enjoy at room temperature.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
455 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 24.6 g | 32% | |
| Saturated Fat | 5.7 g | 28% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 45 mg | 15% | |
| Sodium | 893 mg | 39% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 32.9 g | 12% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.3 g | 8% | |
| Total Sugars | 2.3 g | ||
| Protein | 27.7 g | 55% | |
| Vitamin D | 3.5 mcg | 17% | |
| Calcium | 178 mg | 14% | |
| Iron | 2.3 mg | 13% | |
| Potassium | 370 mg | 8% | |
*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.
