Grilled Tuna Pasta: Quick & Easy Summer Recipe

Grilled tuna pasta, a dish that evokes memories of breezy summer evenings and the smoky aroma of the barbecue. It’s more than just a meal; it's a symphony of flavors that dance on your tongue. The delicate, flaky tuna, infused with the char of the grill, perfectly complements the al dente pasta, all brought together by a vibrant and zesty sauce. This grilled tuna pasta is a celebration of simple, fresh ingredients transformed into something extraordinary.

Growing up, my grandmother would often grill tuna steaks in the summer and serve them with a simple olive oil and lemon dressing. I’ve taken that memory and given it a gotastyrecipes.com twist, creating an easy yet elegant pasta dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual get together. Ready to embark on this delicious adventure?

Why You Will Love This grilled tuna pasta Recipe

This grilled tuna pasta recipe is a winner for so many reasons! First and foremost, it’s incredibly comforting. The combination of pasta and grilled tuna is satisfying and flavorful. It’s also surprisingly quick to make; you can have dinner on the table in under 30 minutes.

The flavor profile is another huge selling point. The grilled tuna gets a delicious smoky char that pairs beautifully with the bright, lemony sauce. I always think it tastes like restaurant quality food at home! My favorite memory involving this dish is when I first made it for a group of friends on my back patio. The sun was setting, everyone was laughing, and the grilled tuna pasta was a undeniable hit. It just felt like the perfect moment. And of course, don't forget how adaptable this dish is. If you are a fan of seafood pastas, make sure to check out my recipe for Grilled Salmon Pasta 2 for another great recipe.

Ingredients Needed for This grilled tuna pasta Recipe

Here's what you'll need to make this mouthwatering grilled tuna pasta:

• Tuna Steaks: 1 pound, about 1 inch thick
• Pasta: 1 pound of your favorite type (I like penne or fusilli)
• Olive Oil: 1/4 cup, plus more for grilling
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
• Lemon: 1, juiced and zested
• Cherry Tomatoes: 1 pint, halved
• Fresh Basil: 1/4 cup, chopped
• Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 teaspoon (optional, for a little heat)
• Salt and Pepper: To taste

How to Make This grilled tuna pasta Recipe

Ready to get cooking? Follow these simple steps to create your own fabulous grilled tuna pasta:

1. Prepare the Tuna: Lightly brush the tuna steaks with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
2. Grill the Tuna: Preheat your grill to medium high heat. Grill the tuna for 2-3 minutes per side, or until it's seared on the outside and still slightly pink in the center (medium rare). Remember that tuna will continue to cook slightly once removed from the heat, so don't overcook it.
3. Cook the Pasta: While the tuna is grilling, cook the pasta according to package directions. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
5. Make the Sauce: In a large skillet, heat 1/4 cup of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
6. Combine everything: Add the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for about 5 minutes, until they soften slightly. Stir in the lemon juice and lemon zest.
7. Add the pasta: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the tomato sauce. Toss to coat. Add reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.

8. 

9. Flake the Tuna: Flake the grilled tuna into bite sized pieces and add it to the pasta along with the chopped fresh basil. Gently toss to combine.
10. Serve: Serve immediately, garnished with extra basil and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, if desired.

How to Serve This grilled tuna pasta Recipe

Grilled tuna pasta is delicious served hot, but it can also be enjoyed at room temperature, making it perfect for picnics or potlucks. Consider pairing it with a crisp green salad and some crusty bread to soak up all that delicious sauce.

For toppings, a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese or a drizzle of balsamic glaze would add a special touch. For plating, arrange the pasta in a bowl, top with the flaked tuna, drizzle with extra olive oil, and garnish with fresh basil sprigs. If you want more seafood inspiration, consider this satisfying and simple Grilled Cod Rice Bowl for another great dinner idea.

How to Store This grilled tuna pasta Recipe

If you have any leftovers (though I doubt you will!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

• Refrigeration: Grilled tuna pasta can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Freezing: I generally don't recommend freezing pasta dishes as the pasta can become mushy. However, if you must freeze it, make sure to do so as soon as possible after cooking.
• Reheating: To reheat, gently warm the pasta in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent it from drying out. You can also microwave it, but be careful not to overcook the tuna.

Tips to Make This grilled tuna pasta Recipe

Want to ensure your grilled tuna pasta is a resounding success? Here are a few tips:

• Don't overcook the tuna: Tuna is best when it's slightly pink in the middle. Overcooked tuna can be dry and tough.
• Use fresh ingredients: The flavor of this dish relies on the quality of the ingredients. Use fresh tuna, ripe cherry tomatoes, and fragrant basil for the best results.
• Don't be afraid to experiment with flavors: Feel free to add other vegetables to the sauce, such as zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach.

Helpful Notes for This grilled tuna pasta Recipe

• Tuna: Look for sushi grade tuna steaks for the best flavor and texture. If you can't find fresh tuna, you can use canned tuna in olive oil. Just drain it well before adding it to the pasta.
• Pasta: Any type of pasta will work in this recipe. I prefer pasta that holds the sauce well, such as penne, fusilli, or rotini.
• Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is best for this recipe.
• Grilling: If you don't have a grill, you can also cook the tuna in a skillet or under the broiler.

Variation of This grilled tuna pasta Recipe

• Spicy: Add more red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicier dish.
• Creamy: Stir in a dollop of mascarpone cheese or cream cheese for a richer, creamier sauce.
• Vegetarian: Substitute the tuna with grilled halloumi cheese or sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian option. You could also use Grilled Salmon Pasta using fresh garden herbs for a delicious alternative.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Grilled tuna pasta is a simple, satisfying, and incredibly flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With fresh ingredients, easy instructions, and endless possibilities for customization, it’s sure to become a new favorite in your recipe repertoire. So, grab your apron, fire up the grill, and get ready to enjoy a taste of summer with this delicious grilled tuna pasta! Whether you follow this recipe exactly or put your own personalized spin on things, you're sure to love it.

Grilled Tuna Pasta: Quick & Easy Summer Recipe

This grilled tuna pasta recipe combines perfectly seared tuna with al dente pasta and a bright, lemony tomato sauce. It’s a quick, easy, and flavor packed meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Pasta
Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition:

Calories: 450
Protein: 30g
Carbs: 40g
Fat: 18g

Ingredients

• 1 pound tuna steaks, about 1 inch thick
• 1 pound pasta (penne or fusilli recommended)
• 1/4 cup olive oil, plus more for grilling
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lemon, juiced and zested
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Lightly brush the tuna steaks with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
2. Preheat your grill to medium high heat. Grill the tuna for 2 3 minutes per side, or until seared outside and slightly pink inside.
3. While the tuna is grilling, cook the pasta according to package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
4. In a large skillet, heat 1/4 cup olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and red pepper flakes and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Add the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 5 minutes, until softened. Stir in lemon juice and lemon zest.
6. Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the tomato sauce. Toss to coat. Add reserved pasta water little at a time until desired consistency.
7. Flake the grilled tuna into bite sized pieces and add it to the pasta along with fresh basil. Gently toss to combine.
8. Serve immediately, garnished with extra basil and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, if desired.

Notes

• For best flavor, use sushi grade tuna.
• Don’t overcook the tuna; it’s best when slightly pink in the center.
• Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your desired level of spiciness.
• Feel free to add other vegetables to the sauce, such as zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach.