Mediterranean Tuna & Arugula Pasta Delight
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with this delightful Tuna and Arugula Pasta. Combining al dente spiral pasta with tender red onions, fragrant garlic, and the briny essence of kalamata olives, this dish is elevated by the rich umami of sun-dried tomato pesto and zesty lemon juice. The addition of tuna and fresh baby arugula not only enhances the nutritional profile but also adds a beautiful peppery note. Perfect for a nourishing lunch or a light snack, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends. Enjoy it warm or at room temperature for a versatile meal option!
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
dry spiral shaped pasta
400 g (uncooked)
olive oil
1 tablespoon (for cooking)
red onions
2 (thinly sliced)
garlic cloves
2 (crushed)
kalamata olives
1/3 cup (pitted and quartered)
sun-dried tomato pesto
1/3 cup (for mixing)
lemon juice
1 tablespoon (freshly squeezed)
canned tuna in water
425 g (drained)
baby rocket (arugula)
80 g (fresh)
Instructions
1
Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving 2 tablespoons of the cooking water.
2
Return the drained pasta and reserved water to the pot, keeping it off the heat to prevent overcooking.
3
In a large non-stick frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced red onions and crushed garlic, and sauté gently for about 8 minutes until the onions are soft and translucent.
4
Transfer the cooked onion and garlic mixture into the pasta pot. Stir in the quartered kalamata olives, sun-dried tomato pesto, and lemon juice. Combine everything well over low heat for about 1 minute to warm through.
5
Gently fold in the drained tuna and baby arugula, continuing to toss until the arugula wilts slightly.
6
Season the dish with freshly cracked pepper to taste. Serve warm, garnished with additional olives or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Mediterranean Tuna & Arugula Pasta Delight?
It is a vibrant pasta dish combining spiral pasta, tuna, baby arugula, kalamata olives, and sun-dried tomato pesto for a Mediterranean-inspired meal.
What type of pasta is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 400g of dry spiral shaped pasta.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
What are the main ingredients for the sauce?
The sauce is created using olive oil, red onions, garlic, sun-dried tomato pesto, and lemon juice.
How much tuna is required?
You will need 425g of canned tuna in water, which should be drained before use.
What type of greens are used in this pasta?
The recipe uses 80g of fresh baby rocket, also known as arugula.
How do I prepare the red onions?
The two red onions should be thinly sliced and sautéed until soft and translucent.
How long should I sauté the onions and garlic?
Sauté the thinly sliced red onions and crushed garlic gently for about 8 minutes.
What kind of olives are recommended?
The recipe suggests using 1/3 cup of pitted and quartered kalamata olives.
How much sun-dried tomato pesto is needed?
You will need 1/3 cup of sun-dried tomato pesto.
Should I save any pasta water?
Yes, reserve 2 tablespoons of the cooking water after draining the pasta.
When do I add the arugula?
Fold in the baby arugula at the final stage, tossing until it wilts slightly.
Can this dish be served cold?
Yes, this dish is versatile and can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.
Is there any citrus in the recipe?
Yes, it includes 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
How should the garlic be prepared?
The recipe requires 2 garlic cloves that have been crushed.
What seasoning is suggested?
Season the dish with freshly cracked pepper to taste.
Can I add cheese to this pasta?
Yes, you can garnish the dish with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Is this recipe suitable for a quick meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick meal and a healthy lunch option.
How do I prevent the pasta from overcooking?
Keep the pasta pot off the heat when returning the drained pasta and reserved water to it.
How long do I warm the mixture once the pesto is added?
Warm everything together over low heat for about 1 minute to ensure it is heated through.
What gives the dish its peppery note?
The fresh baby arugula adds a beautiful peppery note to the recipe.
Is this a seafood dish?
Yes, it features canned tuna as a primary protein source.
How much olive oil is used?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of olive oil for cooking the onions and garlic.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, the tags indicate it can be a vegetarian option if the tuna is substituted or omitted.
What is the texture of the pasta?
The pasta should be cooked until it is al dente.
What type of pan should I use?
A large non-stick frying pan is recommended for sautéing the aromatics.
Are the olives whole or cut?
The kalamata olives should be pitted and quartered.
Does this recipe use fresh or dried arugula?
The recipe specifies using fresh baby rocket (arugula).
What provides the umami flavor in this dish?
The sun-dried tomato pesto and tuna provide rich umami depth.
Is salt used in the cooking process?
Yes, the pasta should be cooked in a large pot of salted water.