Description
A wholesome and flavorful healthy tuna pasta made with wholemeal penne, fresh vegetables, and a creamy ricotta and tuna mixture. This quick and nutritious dish combines the sweetness of cherry tomatoes and corn with the aromatic freshness of basil for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Vegetables
- 150g wholemeal penne
- 1 large leek (200g), halved and thinly sliced
- 160g cherry tomatoes, preferably on the vine
- 198g can sweetcorn, drained
Other Ingredients
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 75g ricotta
- 160g can tuna in spring water, drained
- Handful of basil, chopped, plus a few whole leaves to serve
Instructions
- Boil the pasta and leek: Cook the wholemeal penne together with the thinly sliced leek in a large pan of salted boiling water, following the package instructions, until the pasta is al dente.
- Cook the tomatoes and sweetcorn: While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the cherry tomatoes and fry for a few minutes until they begin to burst and soften. Add the drained sweetcorn and cook for 2-3 minutes to heat through.
- Combine pasta with tomatoes: Drain the pasta and leeks, reserving a small amount of the pasta cooking water. Add the drained pasta and leeks into the pan with the tomatoes and sweetcorn.
- Add ricotta and tuna: Toss the mixture with the ricotta and drained tuna, mixing gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Season and loosen sauce: Season the pasta generously with black pepper. To loosen the sauce and enhance flavor, stir in some of the reserved pasta water and the chopped basil.
- Serve: Plate the pasta and garnish with whole basil leaves for a fresh and aromatic finish.
Notes
- Use wholemeal penne for added fiber and a healthier alternative to regular pasta.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency and help ingredients bind together.
- Cherry tomatoes on the vine add extra sweetness but any cherry tomatoes will work.
- For a spicier twist, add a pinch of chili flakes when frying the tomatoes.
- This dish can be served warm or at room temperature, making it great for meal prep.
- Use fresh basil for the best flavor; dried basil can be used but reduce quantity as it is more concentrated.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keywords: healthy tuna pasta, wholemeal pasta recipe, light pasta dish, Mediterranean pasta, ricotta tuna pasta, quick healthy dinner
