Tuna & Spinach Pasta with Balsamic Glaze finished dish
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Tuna & Spinach Pasta with Balsamic Glaze

Make Tuna & Spinach Pasta with Balsamic Glaze, an American dinner recipe with penne pasta, canned tuna in water, drained, fresh spinach. It has about 20 min, about 430 calories per serving. Get ingredients, step-by-step instructions, nutrition estimates, FAQs, and Recipe Genius app tools.

AmericanDinner20 min4 servings430 cal/serving
lightfreshquickhealthy-ishweeknight mealamericandinnerpenne pasta

Quick answer

Tuna & Spinach Pasta with Balsamic Glaze is an American dinner recipe that takes about 20 min, makes 4 servings, has about 430 calories per serving. Use the ingredients and steps below, or open it in Recipe Genius for guided Cook Mode, timers, serving changes, and a shopping list.

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Tuna & Spinach Pasta with Balsamic Glaze ingredients

  • 8 oz penne pasta
  • 2 cans (5 oz each) canned tuna in water, drained
  • 5 oz fresh spinach
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp toasted pecans or walnuts, chopped

How to make Tuna & Spinach Pasta with Balsamic Glaze

  1. Cook the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente, about 9-11 minutes. Before draining, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water. Drain the pasta thoroughly and set aside.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat the 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add the 2 cloves of minced garlic and 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (if using), and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to brown or burn the garlic.
  3. Add the 5 ounces of fresh spinach to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until the spinach wilts down, about 2-3 minutes. It will seem like a large amount at first but will quickly reduce.
  4. Stir in the 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes and the 2 cans of thoroughly drained canned tuna. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, just until the cherry tomatoes begin to soften slightly.
  5. Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the spinach, tomatoes, and tuna. Toss gently to combine all the ingredients.
  6. In a small bowl, whisk together the 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar and 1 teaspoon of sugar (if using regular balsamic vinegar to reduce its acidity and enhance sweetness). If you prefer, you can use 3 tablespoons of store-bought balsamic glaze instead, omitting the sugar.
  7. Season the dressing with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Pour the balsamic dressing over the pasta mixture and toss until everything is evenly coated.
  8. If the pasta seems too dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta cooking water to achieve your desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  9. Serve immediately. For an added layer of texture and flavor, sprinkle with 2 tablespoons of chopped toasted pecans or walnuts just before serving, if desired.

Tuna & Spinach Pasta with Balsamic Glaze FAQ

How do I make Tuna & Spinach Pasta with Balsamic Glaze?

Make Tuna & Spinach Pasta with Balsamic Glaze by gathering the ingredients below, following the step-by-step instructions, and checking that everything is cooked safely before serving.

What ingredients are in Tuna & Spinach Pasta with Balsamic Glaze?

The main ingredients include penne pasta, canned tuna in water, drained, fresh spinach, cherry tomatoes, olive oil. The full ingredient list is included on this page.

How long does Tuna & Spinach Pasta with Balsamic Glaze take?

This recipe takes about 20 min, depending on prep speed and kitchen equipment.

How many calories are in Tuna & Spinach Pasta with Balsamic Glaze?

Recipe Genius estimates about 430 calories per serving. Nutrition is estimated, so use your own labels when precision matters.

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