Pasta with arugula pesto and tuna
- Lactose Free
- Energy Kcal 765
- Carbohydrates g 69.2
- of which sugars g 5.2
- Protein g 20.2
- Fats g 45.2
- of which saturated fat g 6.33
- Fiber g 5.2
- Cholesterol mg 21
- Sodium mg 412
- Difficulty: Very easy
- Prep time: 15 min
- Cook time: 10 min
- Serving: 4
- Cost: Low
PRESENTATION
Pasta with arugula pesto and tuna is a favorite summer dish from Liguria, Italy—famous for its colorful and fresh flavors. So here's the thing, it gives the classic Genoese pesto a twist by swapping basil for that peppery arugula, also called rucola. Really, the result is an arugula pesto pasta that's both hearty and refreshing. Canned tuna adds a richness that's typical of Mediterranean cuisine, making it filling yet light. The sweet Piccadilly cherry tomatoes? They balance out the bitterness of the greens, creating a vivid yet mellow flavor. It is one of those super tasty pasta dishes you can whip up quickly, but it tastes like you’ve been in the kitchen forever.
In Liguria, easy dinner ideas like this are a go-to, especially during those hot summer days when no one wants to be cooking all day. Italian pasta dishes are all about balance, and this arugula pesto pasta nails it. For real. The creamy texture of the blended pesto combines with the moist chunks of tuna. Everything ties together as the pasta soaks up those herby flavors.
And look, it’s not just a tuna pasta recipe; it’s a creative spin on tradition that keeps things interesting. Compared to the usual basil pesto, this rucola version is super super daring while staying true to what makes Ligurian food so good. People sometimes add pine nuts or a sprinkle of parmesan, which is great, but the main appeal? How fast and zesty it turns out. This dish is perfect for a quick lunch, a casual dinner, or whenever you want something special without much hassle.
Pasta with arugula pesto and tuna really shows how Italian recipes keep things lively and delicious, even when you’re short on time. Next time you're hunting for something fresh, give this tuna pasta recipe a try—it's a fantastic addition to your weeknight menu.
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INGREDIENTS
- Fusilli bucati corti pasta 11 oz (320 g)
- Tuna filet 4.6 oz (130 g) - drained
- Lemon peel 1
- Fine salt to taste
- For the arugula pesto
- Arugula 4.2 oz (120 g)
- Almonds 0.3 cup (50 g)
- Extra virgin olive oil 10 tbsp (140 g)
- Piccadilly tomatoes 0.6 cup (100 g)
- Basil to taste
- Fine salt to taste
How to prepare Pasta with arugula pesto and tuna
To prepare the pasta with arugula pesto and tuna, start by putting the water on the stove to cook the fusilli. When it comes to a boil, salt it and cook the pasta 1. In the meantime, prepare the pesto. In the bowl of a blender, add the arugula, a few basil leaves, the almonds 2, and the tomatoes 3
then the oil 4 and finally the salt. Now blend everything 5 until you get a smooth and homogeneous cream 6.
Pour the pesto into a pan without turning on the stove 7 and as soon as the pasta is al dente, drain it directly into the pan 8. Add a ladle of pasta cooking water to thin the mixture and combine 9.
Now add the drained tuna fillets 10 and grated lemon zest 11. Give it a final stir before plating and enjoy your pasta with arugula pesto and tuna right away 12.