Description
Creamy canned tuna pasta brings Mediterranean comfort to dinner tables with minimal effort. Tangy herbs and rich sauce create a quick, satisfying meal that elevates simple ingredients into a delightful culinary experience you’ll crave again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 12 ounces (350 grams) pasta (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti)
- 2 cans tuna in oil, drained
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Aromatics and Seasonings:
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish:
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook pasta until perfectly tender, about 8-10 minutes. Set aside 1/2 cup of starchy pasta water before draining.
- In a spacious skillet, warm olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onions until translucent and softened, approximately 3 minutes.
- Introduce minced garlic and optional chili flakes, allowing aromatics to release their fragrant essence for 1-2 minutes.
- Gently fold in drained tuna, using a fork to break into delicate flakes. Warm through for 2-3 minutes.
- Stream heavy cream into the skillet, creating a luxurious sauce. Simmer for 5 minutes, allowing liquid to slightly reduce and thicken.
- Incorporate Parmesan cheese, seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Stir until cheese melts smoothly into the sauce.
- Transfer pasta directly into the sauce, carefully coating each strand. Gradually add reserved pasta water to achieve desired sauce consistency.
- Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and serve alongside bright lemon wedges for an optional citrusy tang.
Notes
- Swap canned tuna with fresh grilled fish for a more luxurious seafood experience.
- Consider using gluten-free pasta to make the dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
- Add extra vegetables like spinach or peas for increased nutritional value and color contrast.
- Use Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream to create a lighter, protein-rich sauce alternative.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 80mg