Fettuccine with Tuna and Fresh Tomatoes

Name: Fettuccine with Tuna and Fresh Tomatoes
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 12 oz (375 g) fettuccine or other long pasta; 1 tbsp (15 mL) butter; 3 cloves garlic minced; 1/2 tsp (2 mL) each; dried basil and thyme; hot pepper flakes (or to taste); Salt; 2 tbsp (30 mL) all-purpose flour; 2 cups (500 mL) milk; Grated zest of 1 lemon; 2 cans (each about 6 oz / 170 g) light tuna drained; 4 small plum tomatoes chopped; 2 tbsp (30 mL) freshly squeezed lemon juice; 1/4 cup (50 mL) whole or chopped black or green olives (optional); 1/4 cup (50 mL) chopped fresh basil

Our dietitians' favourite

This recipe is taken from the 2009 Milk Calendar. Fast, easy and fresh-tasting are the hallmarks of this pasta dish. Made with on-hand ingredients, it's perfect for a family meal on a busy evening.

Prep: 10 min - 15 min
Cooking: 10 min

Yields 4 servings

Tuna and tomatoes go together so well! While the fettuccine is cooking, you’ll have time to prepare the sauce that combines herbs and garlic, and gives this dish a typically Mediterranean flavour everyone will love.

Ingredients

12 oz (375 g) fettuccine or other long pasta
1 tbsp (15 mL) butter
3 cloves garlic minced
1/2 tsp (2 mL) each, dried basil and thyme
hot pepper flakes (or to taste)
Salt
2 tbsp (30 mL) all-purpose flour
2 cups (500 mL) milk
Grated zest of 1 lemon
2 cans (each about 6 oz / 170 g) light tuna drained
4 small plum tomatoes chopped
2 tbsp (30 mL) freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/4 cup (50 mL) whole or chopped black or green olives (optional)
1/4 cup (50 mL) chopped fresh basil

READY FOR REWARDS?

Preparation

In a large pot of boiling, salted water, cook fettuccine for 10 min or according to package directions, until tender; drain well.

Meanwhile, in a saucepan, melt butter over medium-low heat. Add garlic, dried basil and thyme, hot pepper flakes and 1/2 tsp (2 mL) salt; sauté for 1 min or until softened. Whisk flour into milk and stir into saucepan with lemon zest. Increase heat to medium and bring to a boil, whisking constantly for 2 to 3 min, or until sauce is thickened. Stir in tuna and tomatoes and heat through. Remove from heat; stir in lemon juice and season to taste with salt.

Divide pasta among shallow serving bowls and spoon sauce over top; sprinkle with olives (if using) and fresh basil.

Tips

Look for Italian tuna packed in olive oil for a deeper tuna flavour.

For the Adventurous: Replace tuna with 4 oz (125 g) chopped smoked salmon and add 1 tsp (5 mL) crushed pink or green peppercorns with garlic or 2 tbsp (30 mL) drained capers with tomatoes.

Healthy Eating Tip: The month of March marks the official celebration of healthy eating ' and this recipe fits the bill with heart-healthy fish. Canadians are encouraged to have two fish servings weekly, so plan to use this dish often!