Gluten Free Tuna Pesto Pasta

dairy free pesto tuna pasta in a bowl with tomatoes, basil, and a slice of lemon

5 from 8 votes

This homemade, creamy tuna pesto pasta recipe is the easiest 20-minute meal! A quick and easy recipe served hot or cold. This versatile dish is delicious, healthy, and full of protein! Make for an easy weeknight meal or as a make-ahead side dish for a gathering.

Prep Time10

Cook Time12

Total Time22

Course: Dinner, Lunch

Cuisine: American

Diet: Gluten Free

Servings: servings

Author: Mary Smith

Equipment

food processor

Ingredients

2 cups fresh basil packed
¼ cup chopped walnuts sub sunflower seeds for nut free!
3 cloves garlic
juice from 1 lemon
3 tbsp nutritional yeast feel free to sub parmesan if dairy is tolerated
½ tsp salt
2 tbsp olive oil
¼ cup mayo
2 tbsp water
1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
12 oz box of Jovial Foods Fusilli or gluten free pasta of choice
2 cans chunk light tuna drained and mashed up with a fork

Instructions

Cook the pasta according to package directions, then drain and set aside.
Combine the basil, walnuts, garlic, lemon juice, nutritional yeast, salt, olive oil, mayo, and water in a food processor. Pulse a few times until ALMOST smooth but still a little chunky.
Add the cooked pasta, tomatoes, tuna, and creamy pesto to a large bowl and toss to combine. Serve and enjoy (hot OR cold as a pasta salad)!

Notes

Mary's Tips & Tricks

Protein: Feel free to substitute chopped cooked (or canned) chicken instead of tuna, or omit the tuna completely.
Nut-Free Pesto: If you prefer not to use walnuts, feel free to sub in sunflowers seeds!
Pasta Water: Saving a little bit of the starchy pasta water adds a really nice creaminess to the dish. Use this if you’re looking for extra creaminess without any dairy!
Alternative Pasta: If you’re not gluten intolerant, feel free to swap the gluten-free pasta for your favorite pasta type and shape. Cook according to the package instructions for best results.
Tuna: You can use canned tuna packed in water or olive oil. Adjust the additional oil according to which type you use!

Serving Tips

Serve hot as a delicious pasta dinner or cold as a pasta salad! If you’re okay with dairy, sprinkle some freshly grated parmesan cheese over the top of each serving.

Storage Tips

Store your tuna pesto pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and serve warm or cold. Give it a good stir before serving!

Nutrition