Description
This healthy tuna pasta recipe combines wholemeal penne with fresh leeks, juicy cherry tomatoes, sweetcorn, ricotta, and tuna in spring water. It’s a quick and nutritious meal that’s perfect for a wholesome lunch or dinner, packed with protein and fiber while keeping the flavors light and vibrant with fresh basil.
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
- Cook Pasta and Leek: Boil the wholemeal penne together with the thinly sliced leek in a large pan of salted water, following the package instructions until the pasta is al dente.
- Prepare Tomato and Sweetcorn Mixture: 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 start to burst and soften, then add the drained sweetcorn and cook for 2-3 minutes to heat through.
- Combine Pasta and Vegetables: Drain the pasta and leeks, reserving a little pasta water. Add the pasta and leeks to the pan with the tomato and sweetcorn mixture.
- Add Ricotta and Tuna: Toss through the ricotta and drained tuna, mixing thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Season and Adjust Consistency: Season generously with freshly ground black pepper. If the dish seems too thick, loosen it by stirring in some reserved pasta water along with the chopped basil for fresh flavor.
- Serve: Serve the pasta scattered with whole basil leaves for a fresh and aromatic finish.
Notes
- Using wholemeal penne adds extra fiber and nutrients compared to regular pasta.
- Keeping some pasta water helps adjust the sauce consistency perfectly.
- Fresh basil enhances the dish with a refreshing herbaceous touch, but can be omitted if not available.
- This recipe is naturally low in fat and sugar, making it a balanced meal option.
- Ensure to drain the canned tuna and sweetcorn thoroughly to avoid watery pasta.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keywords: healthy tuna pasta, wholemeal penne recipes, light pasta dish, quick tuna recipe, low fat pasta, Mediterranean pasta
