Creamy Tomato Basil Tuna Pasta

Ingredients

• 180 g Pasta (penne or spaghetti)
• 1 can (140) Canned tuna (in water or oil, drained)
• 1 cup (240 ml) Crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 cup (loosely packed) Fresh basil
• 2 cloves Garlic
• 1 tbsp Olive oil
• 1 tbsp Butter(optional)
• 1/4 cup (25 g) Parmesan cheese (finely grated)(optional)
• 1/4 tsp Salt(optional)
• 1/4 tsp Black pepper(optional)
• 1 pinch Red pepper flakes(optional)

Instructions

1. 1

   Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente, then reserve about 1/2 cup pasta water and drain.

2. 2

   While the pasta cooks, mince the garlic and chop the basil. In a skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil and sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

3. 3

   Add the crushed tomatoes to the skillet, stir, and simmer for 5 minutes. Stir in the drained tuna and simmer 5 more minutes, breaking up the tuna as it heats through.

4. 4

   Add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss well, adding a splash of reserved pasta water (1–3 tbsp) until the sauce turns creamy and silky.

5. 5

   Turn off the heat and stir in butter and/or Parmesan if using. Fold in basil, season with pepper (and salt if needed), and serve immediately.