Healthy dinner in a pinch… That pretty much sums up my every weeknight. Last night was no different.

After looking in my pantry,I pulled out whole wheat pasta (always a “safe” choice for the kids), white beans, pouch of light tuna, walnuts and a packet of dry pesto. While heating the water for pasta, I mixed the pesto packet with some olive oil and water, sliced some beautiful rainbow Swiss chard and chopped some walnuts. And to save myself another pot to wash, Iused the hot pasta water to wilt the Swiss chard and warm up the beans and tuna. Then,I mixed it all together for a delicious and simple dinner!

Rich in omega-3 (heart-healthy) fats, dietary fiber and vitamin K, this meal was ready in about 20 minutes. Here’s an abbreviated recipe.Play around with it and see what additions and substitutions work for you!

Pesto Pasta w/ Tuna and Swiss chard

8 oz. whole wheat pasta
1 Tbsp. walnuts, chopped
Bunch of rainbow Swiss chard or other dark leafy green, rinsed and sliced
Family-sized pouch or can of chunk light tuna
15-oz. can of white beans, rinsed and drained
Packet of pesto (dry) + olive oil and water(make according to directions)

Cook pasta, according to directions.While pasta is cooking, mix pesto sauce (heat, if needed). Layer beans, tuna and Swiss chard in large colander (place Swiss chard on top). Place medium-sized colander inside large colander, directly on top of Swiss chard. When pasta is finished cooking, pour hot water into medium colander to wilt greens and warm up tuna and beans. Drain and mix all ingredients together. Makes about 4-6 servings. Enjoy!

TELLUS: What are you favorite recipes using pouch or canned tuna? Please share with us.We’d love to hear from you!

Written by Rima Kleiner, MS, RD