Easy 20 Minute High-Protein Tuna Pesto Pasta
This Easy 20 Minute High-Protein Tuna Pesto Pasta is a great prep-ahead meal and can be made in under 20 minutes!
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- ½ cup olive oil
- 2 cups basil
- 2 cups spinach
- ½ cup cilantro
- 1/4 cup shredded parmesan
- ½ cup pine nuts
- 2 garlic cloves
- Juice of 1 lemon
- ½ of lemon zest
- 1 pound pasta shells
- 1-2 tablespoons pasta water as needed
- 2 5 ounce albacore tuna in oil
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- In a blender, add all your pesto ingredients! Blend up the olive oil, basil, spinach, cilantro, parm, pine nuts, garlic, lemon zest, zest and salt and pepper. Set aside.
- Next, open and strain out excess oil from the tuna can - but leave a little bit of the liquid for more flavor and texture. Pour in a bowl and flake, do not mash. Set aside.
- Cook your pasta according to the package instructions. Strain and add in a mixing bowl, allowing extra pasta water to transfer as well (this helps bind the sauce).. Add over your mixed herb pesto, flakey tuna, more parmesan, season with salt and pepper and serve!
Notes
- Herb Variations: Experiment with other herbs such as fresh mint or parsley.
- If you don't want to include pine nuts, you can substitute with walnuts or almonds. You can also omit the nuts if you want this nut-free.
- Cheese options: Opt to use pecorino romano, or parmesan to finish off this pasta.
Nutrition
Calories: 782kcal | Carbohydrates: 88g | Protein: 18g | Fat: 40g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 9g | Monounsaturated Fat: 23g | Sodium: 21mg | Potassium: 491mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 2180IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 68mg | Iron: 3mg