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Tuna Pesto Pasta Recipe Creamy Version

Basil pesto, tuna, and cream in a pasta dish

Difficulty Hard
Time 40 min
Servings 4
Ingredients 11
Steps 11
Tuna Pesto Pasta Recipe Creamy Version
American Updated 3/15/2025

Ingredients

Measured from the catalog payload.

  • 16 ounces penne pasta
  • 10 ounces tuna
  • 250 ml nestle all-purpose cream
  • 1/2 cup pesto sauce
  • 8 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 onion minced
  • 1/4 cup parmesan cheese grated
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 teaspoons olive oil
  • salt
  • ground black pepper

Instructions

11 cooking steps

  1. Boil the penne pasta al dente (see notes below) according to package instructions. Drain the pasta water. Set both aside.
  2. Melt butter in a pan. Add olive oil.
  3. Sauté the onion for 30 seconds.
  4. Add the garlic. Continue sautéing until the onion softens and the garlic starts to brown. Note: Do not brown the garlic completely. (see notes below)
  5. Add the tuna. Sauté for 1 minute.
  6. Add the pesto sauce. Stir and continue cooking for another minute.
  7. Pour Nestle all-purpose cream and 3 tablespoons of pasta water.
  8. Season with salt and ground black pepper. Gently stir the mixture.
  9. Add the cooked penne pasta into the pan. Toss until coated completely.
  10. Add the Parmesan cheese. Toss. (see notes below)
  11. Transfer to a serving plate. Serve and enjoy!

Catalog details

Useful for browsing and sync.

Main Course, Pasta pasta, pesto, tuna Public recipe Revision 1

Recipe notes

  • Al Dente – Refers to the ideal texture for pasta, meaning it is cooked firm but not hard, offering a slight resistance when bitten. This texture is important because it prevents the pasta from becoming mushy and helps it hold its shape when combined with sauces. To achieve al dente, follow the time recommended on the package, but start testing the pasta a minute or two earlier to ensure it has the right bite.
  • Browning the Garlic – Lightly browning garlic enhances its natural sweetness and nutty aroma, which works well with other ingredients. Over-browning alters its flavor, making it harsher and less pleasant. It can be bitter when overcooked.
  • Adding Parmesan Cheese – Parmesan cheese is added at the end of the cooking process, away from direct heat, to preserve its texture and flavor. High heat can cause the cheese to clump or become stringy.