Pesto Tuna Pasta Mug
Estimated $2.16 recipe · $2.16 per serving (US / USD)
Microwave pasta tossed with tuna, pesto, spinach, and a squeeze of lemon.
The recipe
Pesto Tuna Pasta Mug
Microwave pasta tossed with tuna, pesto, spinach, and a squeeze of lemon.
Ingredients
- 75g quick-cook pasta
- 1 tin tuna
- 1 tbsp pesto
- Handful spinach
- Lemon juice
- Black pepper
Estimated recipe cost
$2.16 for 1 serving · $2.16 per serving
US grocery planning estimate in USD. Includes the amounts used from the listed ingredients, including pantry items. Prices and portion weights vary.
Ingredient-by-ingredient breakdown
| Ingredient & price basis | Cost used |
|---|---|
| 75g quick-cook pastaPlanning assumption · $1.00 / 454 g · Uses 75g | $0.17 |
| 1 tin tunaPlanning assumption · $1.20 / 113 g · Assumes 113 g per can (drained where applicable) | $1.20 |
| 1 tbsp pestoPlanning assumption · $3.00 / 300 g · 1 tbsp ≈ 15g | $0.15 |
| Handful spinachPlanning assumption · $2.50 / 227 g · Assumes 30 g per item/portion | $0.33 |
| Lemon juicePlanning assumption · $0.60 / 30 ml · Unspecified amount: assumes 15 ml | $0.30 |
| Black pepperPlanning assumption · $3.00 / 85 g · Unspecified amount: assumes 0.25 g | $0.01 |
| Estimated total | $2.16 |
Retail references are representative products, not quotes for every variety. Other prices are editorial planning assumptions. Checked 9 October 2026; these are not live prices.
Price bases and quantity assumptions refer to the original recipe. Unspecified quantities use the assumptions shown above. Listed optional ingredients are included. Unlisted sides, extra seasoning, tax, energy and delivery are excluded. Buying full packages will cost more.
Instructions
- Cook the quick-cook pasta in a mug or small saucepan of well-salted boiling water per packet instructions — usually 4–6 min. Drain, reserving 2 tbsp cooking water.
- Drain the tuna thoroughly.
- Return the drained pasta to the mug. Add the tuna, pesto, and reserved cooking water. Stir to combine — the water helps the pesto coat everything.
- Add the spinach and stir — it'll wilt in the residual heat within 1 min.
- Squeeze over lemon juice, add a grind of black pepper, and serve.
Recipe notes
Use pre-cooked pasta pouches to cut prep to 5 minutes.
Estimated nutrition per serving
520 kcal · 35g protein. Values are estimates and vary with brands, substitutions and portions.
Recipe images may be AI-generated illustrations. Nutrition figures are estimates.