Elevate your weeknight dinner game with this vibrant and wholesome Tuna Spinach Pasta! This quick and easy recipe combines tender spaghetti or linguine with the briny richness of canned tuna, the verdant freshness of spinach, and a zesty kick of lemon. Sautéed garlic and a hint of red chili flakes infuse the dish with bold, aromatic flavors, while a touch of Parmesan cheese brings a creamy, savory finish. Perfect for busy nights, this 30-minute meal is not only packed with protein and nutrients but also a delightful balance of bright and hearty flavors. Serve it hot with an optional sprinkle of extra chili flakes or Parmesan for a personalized touch. Simple, satisfying, and utterly delicious, this pasta is destined to become a family favorite!
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add 1 teaspoon of salt to the water and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 120 milliliters of pasta water before draining.
While the pasta is cooking, peel and finely chop the garlic cloves.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once the oil is warm, add the chopped garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add the red chili flakes to the skillet and stir for 30 seconds.
Drain the canned tuna, reserving a little oil for flavor, and add the tuna to the skillet. Stir gently to break it into chunks, cooking for 2-3 minutes.
Add the fresh spinach leaves to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted, stirring frequently.
Reduce the heat to low. Zest the lemon and add the zest to the skillet. Cut the lemon in half and squeeze the juice over the mixture. Stir to combine.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet along with the reserved pasta water. Toss everything together to coat the pasta in the sauce.
Season with black pepper and additional salt, if needed. Grate Parmesan cheese over the top, if desired.
Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan or a sprinkle of chili flakes for added heat.
Serving size | 942 grams (942.0g) |
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Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
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Calories | 1511 |
Total Fat 79.50g | 102% |
Saturated Fat 18.80g | 94% |
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g | |
Cholesterol 195mg | 65% |
Sodium 4061mg | 177% |
Total Carbohydrate 93.70g | 34% |
Dietary Fiber 9.70g | 35% |
Total Sugars 3.30g | |
Protein 103.30g | 207% |
Vitamin D 611IU | 3054% |
Calcium 805mg | 62% |
Iron 12mg | 64% |
Potassium 1717mg | 37% |
Source of Calories