Description
This Spicy Tuna Spinach Pasta is a quick and flavorful dish that combines pantry staples with nutritious spinach and zesty lemon for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Pasta:
8 oz pasta (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti)
Seasonings:
1 tablespoon olive oil, 3 cloves garlic, minced, 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (more to taste)
Additional:
1 (5 oz) can tuna in olive oil, drained slightly, 3 cups baby spinach, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, zest and juice of 1 lemon, 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan (optional), chopped parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Boil salted water and cook pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a skillet, sauté garlic and red pepper flakes in olive oil. Add tuna, cook for 2–3 minutes.
- Add Spinach and Pasta: Mix in baby spinach, cooked pasta, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Add reserved pasta water if needed.
- Combine and Serve: Toss well, remove from heat, and garnish with Parmesan and herbs. Serve warm.
Notes
- Use tuna packed in olive oil for the best flavor and texture.
- Add capers, sun-dried tomatoes, or olives for extra Mediterranean flair.
- This dish also works well with gluten-free pasta.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 390mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
