Are you ready to elevate your pasta game with a dish that's bursting with flavor and takes just 20 minutes to prepare? Meet "Fusilli Pasta with Black Olive Pesto and Tuna" – a delightful Italian recipe that combines the robust taste of black olives with the heartiness of tuna, creating a meal that’s both satisfying and easy to whip up on a busy weeknight. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, this recipe will have your taste buds dancing and your dinner guests begging for seconds. Dive into the full recipe below and discover how to create a culinary masterpiece that’s sure to impress!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 300g fusilli pasta
- 100g black olives
- 200g canned tuna
- 2 cloves garlic
- Olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and bring to a rolling boil. Add a generous pinch of salt to the water.
- While the water is heating, prepare the black olive pesto. In a food processor, combine the black olives, peeled garlic cloves, a drizzle of olive oil, and a pinch of black pepper. Pulse until you achieve a coarse, chunky pesto-like consistency.
- Once the water is boiling, add the fusilli pasta and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, drain the canned tuna and break it into small flakes using a fork. Set aside.
- When the pasta is cooked, reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta in a colander.
- Return the hot pasta to the pot and immediately add the black olive pesto. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly, adding a little reserved pasta water if needed to help the pesto distribute smoothly.
- Fold in the flaked tuna, ensuring it's well distributed throughout the pasta.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed.
- Transfer the pasta to serving plates and garnish with finely chopped fresh parsley.
- Serve immediately while hot, with an optional drizzle of extra virgin olive oil on top.
Tips
- Perfect Pasta: Make sure to salt your boiling water generously; this is your chance to infuse flavor into the pasta itself. Aim for a taste similar to the sea!
- Pesto Consistency: When making the black olive pesto, don’t over-process. A coarse texture adds a delightful bite to your dish, enhancing the overall experience.
- Tuna Selection: Opt for high-quality canned tuna in olive oil for a richer flavor. Drain it well but reserve a bit of the oil for drizzling on top for extra richness.
- Adjusting Flavors: Taste as you go! Adjust the salt and pepper according to your preference. If you love a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the pesto.
- Garnish for Appeal: Fresh parsley not only adds a pop of color but also a refreshing flavor contrast. Don't skip this step for a restaurant-quality presentation!
- Serving Suggestions: Pair this dish with a light salad or some crusty bread to soak up any leftover pesto. A chilled glass of white wine will complement the flavors beautifully!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 25mg
