Easy Tuna Pesto Pasta Recipe (With Canned Tuna)

Need to make a healthy meal in just 15 minutes? Try this tuna pesto pasta recipe that requires only few simple ingredients for a quick dinner, lunch or meal prep recipe. This easy weeknight meal is loaded with healthy and flavorful ingredients that the whole family will love.

(Blue's Best Life is a participant in the Amazon Affiliate Programs.  I earn a small commission if you purchase through those links.  This helps me keep the blog going!)- Bobbie

Why This Easy Tuna Pesto Pasta Is The Best!

This recipe is so easy, it really is the perfect meal for busy weeknights. I love pesto tuna pasta because I can serve it warm or eat it cold the next day for lunch.

Pesto sauce adds so much flavor to a simple pasta dish. Pesto is typically made with fresh garlic, basil leaves, freshly grated parmesan cheese, and extra virgin olive oil. This is easy to make your own pesto in a food processor or to make this meal super quick you can buy premade pesto at the store.

The best part about this quick meal is that I can make it in one pot, which means less dishes! My hubby is always happy when there is less to clean.

Equipment Needed

saucepan- large enough to boil the pasta and then add in the remaining ingredients

Key Ingredients

canned tuna- I prefer the solid white albacore tuna packed in water. It has the best flavor and texture plus it is lower in calories because it does not have the extra oil added like the other varieties.

pasta- corkscrew pasta is one of my favorite varieties for pasta salad, however you can use whichever pasta shape you prefer. Bow ties, penne or even spaghetti make a great option.

tomatoes- I like the sweetness of fresh cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes. You can use your favorite or what looks the best at the store.

pesto- homemade pesto sauce is easy to make or you can buy a premade pesto in your local grocery store. It will be located in the isle near marinara sauce.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Cook pasta according to the package directions in a large pot of salted water. Make sure to cook the pasta al dente which in Italian means still firm when bitten.

While the pasta is cooking chop the zucchini, cherry tomatoes and basil. To easily cut the fresh basil leaves I roll several leaves together and cut them chiffonnade style or little strips.

When the pasta has cooked drain and return the cooked pasta to the pot. Stir in the pesto sauce, can of tuna, chopped tomatoes, zucchini, basil and kalamata olives.

Serving Suggestions

This delicious recipe can be served warm, cold or room temperature. Serve this as an entrée along with roasted vegetables like these maple glazed roasted Brussels sprouts, air fryer broccoli or Instant Pot Asparagus.

Storage Recommendations

Store leftover tuna pesto pasta in an airtight container for 2-3 days. This can be warmed up or eaten cold.

Substitutions And Additions

zucchini- if you are not a fan of zucchini, try adding baby spinach or artichoke hearts instead.

tomatoes- in the summer when fresh tomatoes are ripe and juicy they are the perfect addition to a pasta salad. However, if you are making this when tomatoes are maybe not as flavorful try adding sun-dried tomatoes.

pasta- to make this a gluten-free dish substitute with a gluten-free pasta.

Looking For Other Pasta Recipes? Try These!

Creamy Mushroom Chicken Pasta

Easy Pesto Orzo Pasta Salad

Instant Pot Lemon Parmesan Orzo with Arugula

Tortellini Caprese Pasta Salad With Balsamic

Did you try this recipe? Please let me know what you think! Leave a comment below, and a 5- star rating. I would love to hear from you! Subscribe Here to get new recipes sent straight to your inbox!