Quick Creamy Tuna Pasta Recipe
A quick and easy creamy tuna pasta ready in 15 minutes, perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks. This comforting dish features tender pasta coated in a luscious, tangy cream sauce with tuna and fresh herbs.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 200g (7 oz) pasta (penne or fusilli recommended)
- 1 can (about 160g/5.6 oz) tuna in olive oil, drained but keep a little oil for flavor
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream (or half-and-half or coconut cream for lighter/dairy-free options)
- ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese (optional but recommended)
- Juice of half a lemon
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 200g (7 oz) pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, around 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Reserve ½ cup (120 ml) pasta water before draining.
- While pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add 2 cloves minced garlic and 1 small finely chopped onion. Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant, stirring often to avoid burning.
- Stir in the drained tuna (about 160g/5.6 oz), breaking it up gently with your spoon. Cook for 2 minutes until warmed through.
- Pour in 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream, stirring continuously. Let it simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened. Add ½ cup (120 ml) reserved pasta water bit by bit to loosen the sauce if it feels too thick.
- Add juice of half a lemon, ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir well until the cheese melts and the sauce is silky and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Add the drained pasta into the skillet, tossing well to coat every piece in the creamy sauce. If the sauce looks too thick, add a splash more pasta water.
- Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or basil on top before serving. Serve immediately while warm and creamy.
Notes
Keep heat medium-low when simmering cream to avoid curdling. Use reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Do not rinse pasta after draining to help sauce stick. Freshly grated Parmesan melts better than pre-grated. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta; for dairy-free, use coconut or cashew cream and vegan cheese alternatives.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/4
- Calories: 475
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 28
- Saturated Fat: 12
- Carbohydrates: 38
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 22
Keywords: quick creamy tuna pasta, easy tuna pasta, weeknight dinner, creamy pasta recipe, tuna recipes, 15-minute dinner