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Spicy Tuna Spinach Pasta

Spicy Tuna Spinach Pasta

  • Author: Savannah
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 2-3 servings
  • Diet: Gluten-free option available

Description

Spicy Tuna Spinach Pasta is a vibrant and flavorful dish combining tender pasta with zesty canned tuna, fresh spinach, and a spicy kick from red chili flakes. Ready in under 30 minutes, this easy one-pan meal is nutritious, colorful, and perfect for quick weeknight dinners or casual entertaining.

Ingredients

Pasta

  • Dry pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or penne) – 8 oz (about 225 g)

Protein

  • Canned tuna in olive oil – 1 can (approximately 5 oz / 142 g), drained slightly

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • Fresh spinach – 4 cups (about 120 g), loosely packed
  • Garlic – 2 cloves, minced

Spices and Seasonings

  • Red chili flakes – 1/2 to 1 teaspoon, adjust to taste
  • Salt – to taste
  • Black pepper – to taste
  • Lemon juice – 1 tablespoon, freshly squeezed

Oils and Extras

  • Olive oil – 2 tablespoons
  • Parmesan cheese (optional) – 1/4 cup grated

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Start by boiling salted water and cooking your chosen pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water to adjust sauce consistency later.
  2. Sauté Garlic and Chili Flakes: In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red chili flakes, cooking gently until the garlic is fragrant but not browned, about 1 minute. This step infuses the oil with vibrant flavor.
  3. Add Tuna and Spinach: Drain the canned tuna slightly, then crumble it into the pan. Stir in the fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. The tuna warms through and the spinach softens, harmonizing flavors.
  4. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the tuna and spinach mixture, tossing well to coat everything evenly. If the pasta feels dry, splash in some reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce and bring everything together beautifully.
  5. Finish with Lemon and Seasoning: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the pasta, then add salt and pepper to taste. If using Parmesan cheese, sprinkle it on top now and toss once more to melt the cheese slightly and give a savory finish.

Notes

  • Use quality canned tuna, preferably packed in olive oil, for extra richness and flavor.
  • Do not overcook the spinach; just wilt it briefly to maintain color and nutrients.
  • Reserve some pasta water to create a silky sauce that clings well to the noodles.
  • Adjust the amount of chili flakes gradually to achieve your preferred spice level.
  • Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian-inspired

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/3 of recipe)
  • Calories: 400 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 450 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 35 mg

Keywords: spicy tuna pasta, spinach pasta, quick pasta recipe, healthy pasta, one-pan pasta, tuna recipes, easy dinner, nutritious meal

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Find it online: https://easycookvibes.com/spicy-tuna-spinach-pasta/