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Creamy Tuna Pasta Recipe Easy & Ready in 20 Minutes

creamy tuna pasta - featured image

This creamy tuna pasta recipe is quick, comforting, and delicious, perfect for busy weeknights or when you need dinner fast.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz (225 g) pasta (penne, fusilli, spaghetti, or any shape)
  • 5 oz (140 g) can of tuna, drained (preferably packed in olive oil)
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 23 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/4 cup (25 g) Parmesan cheese, grated
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz (225 g) of pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup (120 ml) of pasta water before draining.
  2. In a medium skillet, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
  3. Stir in the drained tuna, breaking it up gently with a wooden spoon. Let it warm through for about 1 minute.
  4. Pour in 1 cup (240 ml) of heavy cream and stir. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  5. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat. If the sauce feels too thick, stir in a splash of reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
  6. Stir in 1 tbsp of lemon juice for brightness and garnish with chopped parsley.
  7. Plate the creamy tuna pasta and serve immediately while warm.

Notes

Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Use tuna packed in olive oil for richer flavor. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts better and enhances taste.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy tuna pasta, quick dinner, easy pasta recipe, comfort food, weeknight meal