Tuna Pasta is a quick, affordable, and satisfying dish that combines tender pasta with flavorful tuna and a creamy or light savory sauce. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, simple lunches, or meal prep, since it can be prepared in under 30 minutes with pantry staples.
The combination of flaky tuna, pasta, herbs, and vegetables creates a balanced meal that is both comforting and nutritious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Quick and easy (ready in about 20 minutes)
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Uses simple pantry ingredients
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Budget-friendly meal
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Can be served hot or cold
Ingredients
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8 oz (225 g) pasta (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti)
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1 can tuna (in water or oil), drained
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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½ small onion, finely chopped
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½ cup frozen peas (optional)
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½ cup heavy cream or cooking cream
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¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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½ teaspoon salt
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¼ teaspoon black pepper
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½ teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
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1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
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Fresh parsley for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Boil pasta in salted water according to package instructions until al dente.
Drain and set aside, reserving about ½ cup pasta water.
2. Sauté Aromatics
Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
Add chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add Tuna and Peas
Stir in the drained tuna and peas. Cook for 2–3 minutes, breaking the tuna into flakes.
4. Make the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the cream and add:
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Parmesan cheese
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Salt
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Black pepper
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Oregano
Stir until the sauce becomes smooth and slightly thick.
5. Combine with Pasta
Add the cooked pasta to the pan and toss to coat with the sauce.
If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water.
Add lemon juice for brightness.
6. Serve
Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese. Serve warm.
Serving Suggestions
Tuna pasta goes well with:
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Garlic bread
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Green salad
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Roasted vegetables
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Lemon wedges
Tips for the Best Tuna Pasta
✔ Use good quality canned tuna for better flavor.
✔ Do not overcook tuna—it should stay soft and flaky.
✔ Add lemon juice to balance the richness.
✔ Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency.
Flavor Variations
Tomato Tuna Pasta
Replace cream with tomato sauce for a lighter Mediterranean version.
Spicy Tuna Pasta
Add chili flakes or hot sauce.
Healthy Tuna Pasta
Use Greek yogurt instead of cream.
Mediterranean Tuna Pasta
Add olives, cherry tomatoes, and capers.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for 3 days.
Reheat: Warm on the stove or microwave with a splash of milk or water.
✅ Quick Tip: If you want a lighter version, skip the cream and simply toss tuna, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs with the pasta.