Cheesy tuna pesto pasta

Health score
36%
Cheesy tuna pesto pasta
25 min.
4
767kcal

Suggestions


If you're looking for a quick, delicious, and satisfying meal that combines the rich flavors of tuna and pesto, then this Cheesy Tuna Pesto Pasta is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Ready in just 25 minutes, this dish is perfect for a busy weekday lunch or a cozy dinner with friends and family. The combination of tender penne pasta, succulent yellowfin tuna in olive oil, and the vibrant flavors of pesto makes each bite a delightful experience.

The addition of savory cheddar cheese and fresh cherry tomatoes not only enhances the taste but also adds a burst of color to your plate. Gratinating the pasta under the grill gives it that wonderfully melted cheese layer that everyone loves, creating a perfectly satisfying contrast to the creamy pesto sauce and juicy tuna. Whether you choose classic basil pesto or switch things up with spinach or tomato pesto, each variation offers a unique twist that can cater to your taste preferences.

This Cheesy Tuna Pesto Pasta isn't just a main dish; it can easily double as an impressive side or even a tasty lunch option to enjoy throughout the week. Pair it with a fresh green salad and some garlic bread, and you’ve got a complete meal that's hearty, flavorful, and unbelievably easy to prepare. Give it a try, and watch how quickly it becomes a household favorite!

Ingredients

  • 400 penne pasta 
  • 200 tuna in olive oil canned
  • 190 basil pesto (or try a different flavour such as spinach, tomato or aubergine pesto)
  • 100 cheddar cheese grated
  • 250 cherry tomatoes halved

Equipment

  • bowl
  • baking pan
  • wooden spoon
  • grill

Directions

  1. Boil the pasta. Meanwhile, tip the tuna and its oil into a large bowl with the pesto. Mash together with a wooden spoon. Stir in a third of the cheese and all of the tomatoes.
  2. Heat the grill to high.
  3. When the pasta is cooked, drain and toss through the pesto mix. Tip into a shallow baking dish and scatter with the remaining cheese.
  4. Place the dish under the grill for 3-4 mins until just melted, then serve with a green salad and garlic bread.

Nutrition Facts

Calories767kcal
Protein19.17%
Fat37.74%
Carbs43.09%

Properties

Glycemic Index
17.25
Glycemic Load
30.18
Inflammation Score
-8
Nutrition Score
23.925217607747%

Flavonoids

Luteolin
0.01mg
Kaempferol
0.01mg
Myricetin
0.01mg
Quercetin
0.44mg

Nutrients percent of daily need

Calories:767.08kcal
38.35%
Fat:31.76g
48.86%
Saturated Fat:8.89g
55.57%
Carbohydrates:81.59g
27.2%
Net Carbohydrates:77.19g
28.07%
Sugar:5.83g
6.48%
Cholesterol:37.8mg
12.6%
Sodium:828.5mg
36.02%
Alcohol:0g
100%
Alcohol %:0%
100%
Protein:36.29g
72.58%
Selenium:108.59µg
155.12%
Manganese:0.99mg
49.63%
Phosphorus:476.5mg
47.65%
Vitamin B3:8.25mg
41.23%
Vitamin A:1552.22IU
31.04%
Calcium:287.6mg
28.76%
Vitamin D:3.5µg
23.33%
Vitamin K:24.45µg
23.29%
Vitamin B12:1.37µg
22.75%
Magnesium:80.88mg
20.22%
Zinc:2.87mg
19.1%
Copper:0.38mg
18.98%
Fiber:4.4g
17.59%
Vitamin C:14.25mg
17.27%
Iron:2.74mg
15.2%
Vitamin B2:0.24mg
14.35%
Potassium:482mg
13.77%
Vitamin B6:0.26mg
13.18%
Vitamin B1:0.14mg
9.25%
Folate:33.88µg
8.47%
Vitamin B5:0.8mg
8%
Vitamin E:1.08mg
7.22%