Tomato Basil Pasta with Tuna

Tomato and basil.  It's like the two were made for each other.  Add tomato to a pasta dish and you get a great meal.  Add basil to anything and it adds wonderful flavor.  Combine the two and it's like magic.  Heck, they are so good together you can slice a tomato, lay a piece of fresh basil on it and go to town.  Perfection!  Everyone, I'm sure, has a simple recipe for a pasta dish with just tomatoes and basil, so this is nothing new or special.  It's just a great reminder that fresh and simple ideas are some of the best - you don't need to go all out each and every night to bring a fantastic meal to the dinner table.

Tomato Basil Pasta with Tuna
Created by Jenn's Food Journey
Printable Recipe 
Ingredients:
10oz ziti pasta
2 Tablespoon olive oil
3 garlic cloves, finely minced
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 1/2 - 2 cups chopped tomatoes
3 Tablespoons red wine
1 5oz can albacore tuna, drained
10-12 fresh basil leaves
salt and pepper to taste

Directions:
Cook pasta according to package directions; drain and set aside.

In a deep skillet, heat the olive oil over medium low heat.  Add the garlic and red pepper flakes and saute for 1 minute.  Add the tomatoes and let cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.  Add the wine and cook for 2 to 3 minutes more.

Add the tuna to the pasta and toss.  Pour the tomato mixture over and toss to coat, adding a little more oil if the pasta is too dry.   Tear or roughly chop the basil (you do not want to do this until just when you are ready to add it to the dish - it will discolor because of bruising when it's been cut or heated up) and toss into the pasta.  Season with salt and pepper to taste.  Serve immediately and enjoy!

One Year Ago:  Sweet Soy Garlic Sauce
Two Years Ago:  Old Bay® Grilled Fish