Herb Pasta with Tuna
Pasta, canned tuna, and dehydrated mushrooms in one pot. Dinner that carries light and cooks fast.
- calories
- 610
- weight
- 6 oz
- cal / oz
- 102
- protein
- 20 g
- serves
- 1, scales
- prep
- 2 min
- cook
- 10 min
- total time
- 12 min
- water
- 400 ml boiled
- cost
- $
Calorie and protein figures are my own estimates, good enough for planning a food bag and not meant as precise nutrition data.
- Dinner
- Canister stove
- Alcohol / Esbit
- Backpacking
- Thru-hike
- Basecamp
- Dairy free
- Nut free
- One pot
- Grab and go
- Shelf stable
- Basic
Ingredients
| Pasta (any shape) | 2.5 oz | small pasta like ditalini or shells works best |
|---|---|---|
| Canned tuna | 2 oz | drain it well, or use a pouch |
| Dehydrated mushrooms | 0.25 oz | |
| Dehydrated spinach | 0.25 oz | |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp | carried in a small dropper bottle |
| Italian seasoning or dried herbs | 1 tsp | thyme, oregano, and basil work well |
| Salt | a pinch |
Method
- Boil 400 ml of water in your pot.
- Add the pasta and cook for most of the package time (usually 8–9 minutes).
- When the pasta is nearly tender, stir in the dehydrated mushrooms and spinach.
- Finish cooking until the pasta is tender and the vegetables are soft, about 1–2 minutes more.
- Drain the pasta but leave a little starchy water in the pot.
- Stir in the tuna, oil, herbs, and salt.
- Let it sit for a minute so the flavors meld, then eat.
This is a protein-heavy dinner that carries well and cooks in one pot with one boil. The dehydrated vegetables rehydrate in the pasta water, eliminating the need for extra liquid. Tuna is the cheap protein anchor; oil is where the calories come from.
The starchy water left in the pot after draining is essential. Don’t drain completely, or you’ll end up with dry pasta that tastes like cardboard. Leave just enough liquid so everything clings together when you stir in the tuna and oil.
Packing
Put the pasta and dried vegetables in one quart bag. Pack the tuna separately or it will grease everything. Oil travels in a small bottle. Herbs and salt go in their own small bag or get premixed at home.
Variations
- Add a squeeze of powdered lemon or lime juice for brightness.
- Use a tablespoon of tomato powder if you have it.
- A dash of garlic powder or red pepper flakes adds depth.
https://www.trailgroove.com/forums/topic/2760-herb-pasta-with-tuna-recipe