Description
A quick and flavorful Spicy Tuna Spinach Pasta combining al dente pasta with a garlicky, spicy tuna and fresh spinach sauté, finished with lemon juice and Parmesan for a comforting Italian-inspired main course perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta (penne, spaghetti, or your choice)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Wet & Fresh Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 (5 oz) can tuna in olive oil (drained)
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- juice of 1/2 lemon
- chopped parsley or basil for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Sauté garlic and spices: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for 1–2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and golden.
- Add tuna and spinach: Add the drained tuna to the skillet and gently break it apart with a spoon. Then stir in the fresh spinach and cook until it wilts, approximately 2–3 minutes.
- Combine pasta and seasonings: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet along with salt, black pepper, and a splash of the reserved pasta water to help combine the flavors and create a light sauce.
- Finish with lemon and cheese: Stir in the lemon juice and Parmesan cheese if using, tossing everything together until well mixed and heated through.
- Serve: Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley or basil and, if desired, extra Parmesan cheese for added flavor.
Notes
- Use tuna packed in oil for extra richness; you can also substitute canned salmon for a different twist.
- Add cherry tomatoes or olives for variation and extra flavor dimension.
