How would YOU spice this up?

Made this recipe from a magazine tonight (my edits as we made it in parenthesis) and while I like the gist of it I thought it was bland. What would you suggest to make it better. Note: I like the idea of using more fish in the diet. It was good, just not GREAT and if I make something I sure want to say that it was GREAT after all the effort. :) By "spice it up" I don't mean adding heat, but more flavor.


Orecchiette with Tuna

16 oz orecchiette pasta
1 T olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
pinch red-pepper flakes
2 cans (5.5 oz each) V8 juice (we used the SPICEY one and omitted the red pepper flakes)
1 pint grape tomatoes, halved (we used can diced with herbs oregano, basil in it)
1 (6 oz) can tuna, drained
1 T lemon juice (we used a fresh one off our tree)
2 T butter
1/2 c chopped basil (bought the fresh just to try this recipe)
and added just a bare sprinkle of shredded cheese atop all.....

1) Cook pasta according to package directions.

2) Meanwhile in lg nonstick pan heat oil over med heat. Add red-pepper flakes and cook 30 seconds, stir in garlic and cook 1 more min. Add V8 juice, increase heat to high and bring to boil.

3) Reduce heat to low. Add tomatoes, cook 4 mins.

4) Stir in tuna, lemon juice, butter and basil. Toss with pasta.

If you have leftovers serve at room temp the next day.

Serves 6.