Farfalle with Tuna in a Basil Lemon Dressing
Bright, fresh, and irresistibly simple, Farfalle with Tuna in a Basil Lemon Dressing is the ultimate Mediterranean-inspired pasta dish for busy weeknights or light summer lunches. This recipe combines tender bow-tie pasta with flaky tuna, juicy cherry tomatoes, and aromatic basil, all brought together by a zesty homemade dressing of fresh lemon juice, olive oil, and a hint of garlic. Ready in just 25 minutes, this dish is not only quick to make but also deliciously versatile—serve it warm, at room temperature, or even as a next-day cold pasta salad. The optional sprinkle of shaved parmesan adds a savory touch, making every bite even more satisfying. Perfect for those seeking a healthy, easy-to-prepare meal packed with vibrant flavors and wholesome ingredients!
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Ingredients
- 400 grams farfalle pasta
- 2 cans (120-150g each) canned tuna in olive oil
- 20 grams fresh basil leaves
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 unit (finely minced) garlic clove
- 200 grams (halved) cherry tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon (to taste) salt
- 0.5 teaspoon (to taste) black pepper
- 50 grams (shaved, for serving) parmesan cheese (optional)
Directions
Step 1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the farfalle pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
Step 2
While the pasta is cooking, prepare the dressing. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, lemon zest, extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 3
Drain the canned tuna, flaking it lightly with a fork to create bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
Step 4
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked farfalle pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, and the prepared dressing. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated.
Step 5
Add the flaked tuna and fresh basil leaves to the pasta mixture. Gently toss to combine, being careful not to break up the tuna too much.
Step 6
If the dish seems dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
Step 7
Divide the pasta among serving plates and top with shaved parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately or enjoy at room temperature.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (991.1g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 2696.0 |
| Total Fat 108.6g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 21.5g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 0.0g | |
| Cholesterol 179.6mg | 0% |
| Sodium 3876.7mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 312.9g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 17.7g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 19.0g | |
| Protein 129.8g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 550.7IU | 0% |
| Calcium 765.3mg | 0% |
| Iron 20.4mg | 0% |
| Potassium 1218.1mg | 0% |
Source of Calories