Pasta with Tuna Spinach and Hot Pepper
Elevate your weeknight dinner game with this vibrant and wholesome Pasta with Tuna, Spinach, and Hot Pepper recipe. Combining tender pasta with protein-packed canned tuna, garden-fresh spinach, and a touch of heat from red pepper flakes, this dish is a delightful balance of flavor and nutrition. The zesty burst of fresh lemon juice and zest brightens every bite, while hints of garlic and extra virgin olive oil lend a classic Italian flair. Ready in just 25 minutes, this quick and easy pasta recipe offers a satisfying meal perfect for busy evenings. Top it off with freshly grated Parmesan for an extra indulgent touch, or enjoy it as a light option—it’s a versatile crowd-pleaser that's sure to impress. Keywords: tuna pasta, spinach pasta, easy pasta recipes, quick dinner ideas, spicy pasta recipes.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 350 g Pasta (spaghetti or penne)
- 240 g Canned tuna in olive oil (drained)
- 150 g Fresh spinach leaves
- 3 units Garlic cloves
- 3 tbsp Extra virgin olive oil
- 0.5 tsp Red pepper flakes
- 1 unit Lemon (zested and juiced)
- 1 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper
- 30 g Parmesan cheese (optional, grated)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Peel and finely chop the garlic cloves. Add the garlic to the olive oil and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, but not browned.
Stir in the red pepper flakes and cook for an additional 30 seconds to release their flavor.
Add the drained tuna to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Stir to combine with the garlic and red pepper flakes.
Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and sauté for 2-3 minutes until wilted.
Stir in the lemon juice and zest, along with the salt and black pepper. Mix well.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to combine with the tuna and spinach mixture. If the pasta looks dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta cooking water to create a light sauce.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Serve immediately, topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1588 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 74.4 g | 95% | |
| Saturated Fat | 16.2 g | 81% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 139 mg | 46% | |
| Sodium | 3790 mg | 165% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 124.0 g | 45% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 12.3 g | 44% | |
| Total Sugars | 4.6 g | ||
| Protein | 108.0 g | 216% | |
| Vitamin D | 3.8 mcg | 19% | |
| Calcium | 570 mg | 44% | |
| Iron | 12.3 mg | 68% | |
| Potassium | 1726 mg | 37% | |
*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.
