Mediterranean Diet Friendly Cilantro-Lime Whole Wheat Pasta with Tuna & Tomatoes

Total time35 min

Prep time15 min

Cook time20 min

Mediterranean Diet Friendly Cilantro-Lime Whole Wheat Pasta with Tuna & Tomatoes

This bright, weeknight-friendly pasta leans into everything the Mediterranean table does best: whole wheat pasta, good olive oil, tomatoes cooked down until juicy, and flaky tuna, all brightened with fresh lime and a generous handful of cilantro. Garlic and red pepper flakes bloom in olive oil to build a fragrant base before the cherry tomatoes soften into a light, saucy tangle. Flaked tuna adds protein and richness without weighing the dish down, and a splash of starchy pasta water pulls everything together into a glossy, well-coated finish. Sliced avocado and extra lime wedges on the side round out the plate with healthy fats and a final citrusy lift. It's a fast, fresh, one-skillet dinner that fits naturally into a Mediterranean-style way of eating, no fuss required.

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Ingredients

4 servings

8 oz whole wheat pasta (penne or fusilli)
Eden Foods Organic Udon Whole Grain Pasta Ronzoni Healthy Harvest Whole Wheat Pasta & Ancient Grains Thin Spaghetti 12 oz. Box Ronzoni Healthy Harvest Whole Wheat Pasta & Ancient Grains 100% Whole Grain Penne Rigate 12 oz Organic No.4 Whole Grain Pasta Nests, 8.8 oz Bionaturae 100% Whole Wheat Pasta Elbows Organic
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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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