Imagine a dish that transports you straight to the sun-drenched coastlines of Italy with just one bite - our Pesto Penne with Grilled Tuna is exactly that culinary magic! This incredibly simple yet sophisticated recipe combines the rich, herbaceous flavors of homemade pesto with perfectly grilled, tender tuna, creating a meal that's both elegant and comforting. Whether you're a busy professional seeking a quick gourmet dinner or a home cook looking to impress, this recipe promises to elevate your weeknight dining experience in just 25 minutes!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 200g penne pasta
- 1 can of tuna in olive oil
- 3 tablespoons pesto
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 10-12 minutes.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the grilled tuna. Heat a grill pan or an outdoor grill over medium-high heat. If using a grill pan, add a tablespoon of olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Remove the tuna from the can, draining the olive oil, and pat it dry with paper towels. Season both sides of the tuna with salt and pepper to taste.
- Once the grill is hot, place the tuna on the grill and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness. For a medium-rare finish, aim for a slight pink in the center.
- When the pasta is cooked, reserve a small cup of pasta water and then drain the pasta in a colander. Return the drained pasta to the pot.
- Add the pesto to the warm pasta, stirring to combine thoroughly. If the pesto is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
- Flake the grilled tuna into large pieces and gently fold it into the pesto-coated penne, being careful not to break it up too much.
- Divide the pesto penne with grilled tuna between two serving plates. Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and additional salt and pepper if desired.
- Serve immediately while hot, and enjoy your delicious Italian-inspired dish!
Tips
- Always reserve some pasta water - its starchy magic helps create a silky, smooth sauce that perfectly coats your penne.
- For the best tuna texture, pat it completely dry before grilling and use high heat to create a beautiful sear while keeping the inside tender.
- Choose a high-quality pesto - homemade is best, but a good store-bought version works wonderfully too.
- Don't overcook the tuna - aim for medium-rare to keep it moist and flavorful.
- Freshly grated Parmesan makes a huge difference, so skip the pre-grated stuff if possible.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving to brighten the entire dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 520kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 40mg
