
Sweet And Sour Pasta

This chef-curated Sweet And Sour Pasta offers an authentic, wholesome dining experience. Created by Chief Culinary Specialist Stewart Lucas, it balances vibrant flavor with evidence-based nutrition.
Key Takeaways
- ✓Ready in just 30 mins using straightforward, kitchen-tested technique.
- ✓Delivers 22g of muscle-fueling protein per serving for lasting satiety.
- ✓Portion-balanced at 352 calories per serving with wholesome, unrefined ingredients.
- ✓Masterclass temperature checkpoints ensure maximum tenderness and flavor development.
The Story
This chef-curated Sweet And Sour Pasta offers an authentic, wholesome dining experience. Created by Chief Culinary Specialist Stewart Lucas, it balances vibrant flavor with evidence-based nutrition.
Culinary Heritage & Chef's Notes
In the NutriGuide test kitchen, Chief Culinary Specialist Stewart Lucas refined this classic Sweet And Sour Pasta to celebrate vibrant, wholesome ingredients. By prioritizing aromatic layering and precise thermal control, this recipe achieves remarkable culinary depth while preserving natural micronutrients and wholesome texture.
At NutriGuide, our mission is to ensure that home cooking is both accessible and culinary-grade. When executing Sweet And Sour Pasta, focus on fresh aromatics, dry surface contact for proper searing, and allowing the food to rest before serving.
Ingredients & Measurements
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 leek, chopped
- 1 small carrot, grated
- 1 (6 ounce) can tuna
- 1 (16 ounce) can crushed
- tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons light soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire
- sauce
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Chinese five-
- spice powder
- 2 tablespoons creme fraiche
- 1 (16 ounce) package penne pasta
Chef's Sourcing & Quality Tips:
- Produce & Aromatics: Always use fresh whole aromatics and seasonal herbs rather than dehydrated powders when possible.
- Cooking Oils: Utilize cold-pressed oils with appropriate smoke points such as extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil.
- Salt & Seasoning: Season from a modest height above the pan to ensure an even, uniform crystalline dispersion.
Step-by-Step Culinary Masterclass
Follow these sequential steps with careful attention to sensory cues and cooking temperatures:
Step 1: Technique & Execution
Cook penne pasta in boiling salted water until al denteStep 2: Technique & Execution
Place the onion, leek, and carrot in a saucepan with the olive oil and saute for a few minutes until the onions become translucentStep 3: Technique & Execution
Place the tomatoes, honey, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce and Chinese five spice into the saucepan and cook on medium heat for 5 minutesStep 4: Technique & Execution
Add the drained tuna fish and cook for a further 5 to 10 minutesStep 5: Technique & Execution
When you are ready to serve, season with salt, stir in a few spoonfuls of creme fraiche and pour the sauce over the cooked penne.Chef's Pro Tips & Variations
Nutritional Profile per Serving
| Metric | Amount | Dietary Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 352 kcal | Controlled caloric load for steady metabolic burn |
| Protein | 22g | High-biological-value protein for tissue maintenance |
| Carbohydrates | 16g | Complex, slow-digesting dietary fiber |
| Fat | 14g | Wholesome dietary lipids for micronutrient absorption |
Sweet And Sour Pasta
This chef-curated Sweet And Sour Pasta offers an authentic, wholesome dining experience. Created by Chief Culinary Specialist Stewart Lucas, it balances vibrant flavor with evidence-based nutrition.

Macro Nutrition Profile (Per Serving)
Ingredients
Ingredient Substitutions
| Original Ingredient | Healthy Alternative |
|---|---|
| Animal protein | Firm tofu, tempeh, or organic chickpeas |
| Cooking fat | Extra virgin olive oil or grass-fed butter |
Instructions
Technique & Execution: Cook penne pasta in boiling salted water until al dente
Technique & Execution: Place the onion, leek, and carrot in a saucepan with the olive oil and saute for a few minutes until the onions become translucent
Technique & Execution: Place the tomatoes, honey, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce and Chinese five spice into the saucepan and cook on medium heat for 5 minutes
Technique & Execution: Add the drained tuna fish and cook for a further 5 to 10 minutes
Technique & Execution: When you are ready to serve, season with salt, stir in a few spoonfuls of creme fraiche and pour the sauce over the cooked penne.
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Storage & Freezing Tips
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight glass container for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet on medium-low heat with a lid to keep the fish tender. Avoid microwaving to prevent rubbery texture.
- Freezing: We do not recommend freezing cooked fish as it degrades the texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can this recipe be prepared ahead of time?▼
Yes, this meal is excellent for weekly meal prep. Store components separately and assemble before serving.
Is this recipe gluten-free?▼
All ingredients used are naturally gluten-free. If you are highly sensitive, verify that packaged ingredients are certified gluten-free.
Tried this recipe?
Tag @stewartlucas on Instagram and hashtag it #nutriguide!
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Stewart Lucas
Chief Culinary SpecialistStewart Lucas is the Chief Culinary Specialist and lead recipe developer representing the NutriGuide team. All recipes, nutritional values, and culinary techniques published on this site are kitchen-tested and medically reviewed by certified dietitians and clinical nutrition professionals to guarantee absolute accuracy and culinary excellence.
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