This Canned Tuna Pasta is the easiest, budget-friendly meal for busy weeknights. Made with basic pantry staples, the dish takes minutes to whip up, but is utterly delicious. If you find yourself in need of a last-minute dinner or longing for a comforting bowl of pasta, this super simple recipe is sure to hit the spot!
You might enjoy my Easy 20 Minute Canned Tuna Pasta or my Ranch Pasta Salad.
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Why you’ll love it
- Quick & Easy – This Easy Canned Tuna Pasta takes 20 minutes to prepare so it’s a guaranteed hero on busy days that you have to eat fast. You can prepare a go-to meal with a little planning and a few basic steps — no days spent in the kitchen. It’s great for one last-minute dinner or a speedy lunch when you’re in a pinch.
- Budget-Friendly – Using basic pantry staples, including canned tuna, pasta, olive oil, and seasonings, this recipe is perfect for those looking to cut costs while still enjoying a homemade meal. Since most of the ingredients are cheap and shelf-stable, you can keep them on hand for when you need a quick and affordable meal solution.
- Healthful & Filling – Canned tuna is an amazing source of lean protein and omega-3 fats, so this dish can make you feel full and satisfied. Combined with pasta to provide some carbs, and then you can add vegetables if you like, for fiber and vitamins, it’s a complete meal that feeds you while also being super flavorful and comforting.
What you’ll need
This basic dish calls for only a few ingredients. Here are the major items you'll need:
- Canned Tuna – The primary source of protein, lending its savory, umami flavor.
- Olive Oil – Adds to the dish's richness and assists flavor melding.
- Garlic – A fragrant and flavorful ingredient that adds depth and complexity to the pasta.
- Lemon Juice – Adds a burst of sunshine and a touch of tartness to the flavors.
- Red Pepper Flakes (optional) — Adds just a touch of heat for anyone who likes a bit of spice.
- Salt & Black Pepper – This is where good seasoning (seasoning brings out the best in all ingredients) begins and salt is magic.
- Fresh Parsley (or Basil) – A garnish that brings color and freshness.
- Parmesan Cheese (optional) – Adds rich, salty, umami flavor, if you want to be extra decadent.
How to make tuna pasta
- Prepare the pasta – Fill a large pot with water, add salt, bring it to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente. But be sure to reserve some pasta water before you drain.
- Sauté the garlic- Heat some olive oil in a pan, over medium high heat, and sauté minced garlic until aromatic.
- Add the tuna – Drain the canned tuna, add it, breaking it up and combining it into the garlic.
- Season it most – Add salt, black pepper and red pepper flakes (if you’re with the spicy) for even more flavor.
- Combine with pasta — Add the cooked pasta to the pan, and toss everything together. Add enough reserved pasta water, if necessary, to help coat the pasta evenly.
- Toss with lemon and herbs — Drizzle fresh lemon juice over the top and sprinkle with chopped parsley or basil for bright flavor.
Substitutions and variations
- Creamy version — For a rich and silky sauce, add a splash of heavy cream or a spoonful of cream cheese.
- Mediterranean Style – Pair the dish with olives, capers and a generous sprinkle of feta for a refreshing and zesty touch.
- Garlic Butter Flavour – Replace the olive oil with melted butter, and bump the garlic to add a rich savoury flavour.
What to serve with tuna pasta
Serve your tuna pasta with a simple green salad, dressed with olive oil and lemon, for a refreshing contrast.
Serve with garlic bread or a crusty baguette, which adds crunchy texture to the dish. Serve with steamed or roasted vegetables, broccoli, asparagus, zucchini for a light, refreshing finish.
Leftovers and storage
- Storage – Store any leftover tuna pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat — Heat in a frying pan over low heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil to keep it moist, or microwave in short intervals.
- Freezing (Not Recommended) – It is possible to freeze it, but it might change the texture of the pasta and tuna and make it less appetizing.
Recipe FAQs
Tuna pasta can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Let it cool completely before refrigerating it to preserve freshness. Reheat properly before serving, and add a splash of water or olive oil if necessary.
You can combine canned tuna with mayonnaise, Greek yogurt or avocado for creaminess, introducing diced celery, onions or pickles for crunch. For a more substantive dish, toss it with pasta, quinoa or chickpeas and add lemon juice, herbs or spices for more flavor.
Canned tuna is a good source of lean protein, omega-3 fatty acids and important nutrients like vitamin D, B12 and selenium that help keep your heart and brain healthy. However, due to possible mercury content, it’s best to eat it in moderation, particularly for pregnant women and young children—choose light tuna (which is lower in mercury) and limit intake to 2–3 servings a week.
Tuna pasta is good with a simple green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette for freshness, garlic bread or a crusty baguette for crunchy contrast, and with steamed or roasted vegetables such as broccoli, asparagus or zucchini for good measure. For a heartier meal, serve it alongside soup, like tomato or vegetable soup. A glass of white wine or lemon-flavored water also complements the dish perfectly.
If you tried this Easy Canned Tuna Pasta (Ready in 15 Minutes!) or any other recipe on my website, please feel free to leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it goes in the 📝 comments below. And remember to tag me on Instagram!
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Recipe
Easy Canned Tuna Pasta
INGREDIENTS
- 5 ounces uncooked pasta
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 large cloves garlic minced
- 1 5 ounce can tuna, drained I prefer tuna packed in oil
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped
- Salt & pepper to taste
INSTRUCTIONS
- Prepare the pasta – Fill a large pot with water, add salt, bring it to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente. But be sure to reserve some pasta water before you drain.
- Sauté the garlic- Heat some olive oil in a pan, over medium high heat, and sauté minced garlic until aromatic.
- Add the tuna – Drain the canned tuna, add it, breaking it up and combining it into the garlic.
- Season it most – Add salt, black pepper and red pepper flakes (if you’re with the spicy) for even more flavor.
- Combine with pasta — Add the cooked pasta to the pan, and toss everything together. Add enough reserved pasta water, if necessary, to help coat the pasta evenly.
- Toss with lemon and herbs — Drizzle fresh lemon juice over the top and sprinkle with chopped parsley or basil for bright flavor.
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