Anti Inflammatory Cilantro-Lime Whole Wheat Pasta with Tuna & Tomatoes
Bright, zesty, and deeply satisfying, this pasta brings together some of the most powerfully nourishing ingredients you can keep in your kitchen. Whole wheat pasta delivers more fiber and nutrients than its refined counterpart, while extra virgin olive oil — used generously here — is one of the most well-studied ingredients for supporting a low-inflammation lifestyle. Tuna packed in olive oil adds lean protein and omega-3 fatty acids, and the cherry tomatoes break down into a jammy, lycopene-rich sauce that coats every piece of pasta beautifully. A hit of garlic, red pepper flakes, fresh lime juice, and cilantro round everything out with bold flavor that makes this feel like anything but a "health" meal. The starchy pasta water is the quiet hero of the sauce, pulling the olive oil, tomato juices, and lime together into something silky and cohesive. Optional avocado slices on top add creaminess and even more good fats if you want to lean into it. This comes together in about the time it takes to boil pasta, making it a genuinely weeknight-friendly dinner for four.
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Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
- 8 oz whole wheat pasta (penne or fusilli)
- 1 tsp salt, plus more for pasta water
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, divided
- 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1 pint (10 oz) cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes
- 2 cans (5 oz each) tuna packed in olive oil, drained
- 1 tsp lime zest (from about 1 lime)
- 3 tbsp fresh lime juice (from about 2 limes)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ cup fresh cilantro leaves, roughly chopped
- ¼ cup reserved pasta cooking water
For serving
- 1 avocado, sliced (optional)
- lime wedges, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Add the whole wheat pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, tender with a slight resistance at the center. Before draining, scoop out 1/4 cup of the starchy cooking water and set it aside. Drain the pasta in a colander.
- 2
While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tbsp of the olive oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add the garlic and cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant and just beginning to turn golden at the edges, about 1–2 minutes. Watch closely — garlic can brown quickly.
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