Tuna Nicoise Pasta
A vibrant Mediterranean-inspired pasta dish featuring tuna, green beans, olives, and fresh herbs, perfect for a quick, flavorful, and healthy meal for seafood lovers.
Ingredients
- 1 large Russet potato
- 8 oz. fresh green beans ⓘ
- 1 can chicken broth ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. dried thyme ⓘ
- 1 (12 oz.) can solid white tuna ⓘ
- 8 sprigs Italian (flat leaf) parsley ⓘ
- 1 (5 3/4 oz.) can colossal size ripe black olives, drained ⓘ
- 1 lb. cooked and drained pasta (such as linguine, spaghetti, rigatoni) ⓘ
- 1 medium lemon ⓘ
- fresh ground pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Rinse the potato and green beans; cut the potato into 2 cubes.
- Snap the green beans into 2-inch lengths and discard stems.
- Put the vegetables in a large skillet with chicken broth and dried thyme.
- Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 8 minutes.
- While the vegetables are simmering, chop the parsley and add the tuna to it.
- Slice the black olives and add them to a bowl along with the cooked vegetables and broth.
- Cook and drain the pasta according to package instructions, then toss it in the skillet with the vegetables and broth.
- Cut the lemon in half and squeeze the juice over the pasta.
- Toss the pasta again to combine.
- Season with fresh ground pepper to taste and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a dollop of Greek yogurt or a splash of olive oil when tossing the pasta. If you're short on time, canned green beans can be used as a substitute for fresh ones. To add more flavor, experiment with herbs like basil or oregano, which work well in Mediterranean recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Tuna Nicoise Pasta with a simple green salad and a light vinaigrette for a complete meal. Pair it with crusty bread or a side of Lemon Asparagus Pilaf to complement the flavors. This dish is great for meal prep and can be enjoyed cold as a pasta salad for lunch.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the pasta in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent it from drying out. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring occasionally.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tuna Nicoise Pasta contains roughly 587 calories, with 15g protein, 99g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (76% of the Daily Value), iron (62% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (62% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 21g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh tuna instead of canned tuna?
Yes, you can use fresh tuna. Simply sear it in a skillet until cooked to your liking, then flake it into the dish. Fresh tuna adds a nice texture and flavor, but be sure to adjust cooking times accordingly.
What type of pasta works best for this recipe?
While linguine, spaghetti, or rigatoni are ideal, you can use any pasta shape you prefer. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta can also be used for a healthier option, providing a different texture while still holding the sauce well.
How can I make this dish more filling?
To make this dish more filling, consider adding additional protein such as hard-boiled eggs or chickpeas. You could also increase the amount of vegetables used, like bell peppers or zucchini, to enhance the nutritional value and heartiness of the meal.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).