Description
This Easy Canned Tuna Pasta is a quick and delicious meal perfect for busy weeknights. Ready in just 15 minutes, it combines al dente pasta with a flavorful sauce made of garlic, olive oil, tuna, lemon juice, and fresh parsley. Simple yet satisfying, it’s a great pantry staple recipe that requires minimal ingredients and effort.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 4 ounces uncooked pasta (spaghetti recommended)
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 large cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (5 ounce) can tuna, drained (preferably packed in oil)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: freshly grated parmesan cheese and lemon zest for serving
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Boil a pot of salted water and cook the pasta until al dente according to package instructions. While pasta cooks, prepare the sauce ingredients.
- Sauté Garlic: When pasta is nearly done, heat olive oil in a small pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Add Tuna and Flavorings: Stir in the drained tuna, lemon juice, and chopped parsley. Heat through gently to combine flavors.
- Combine and Serve: Reserve a couple tablespoons of pasta water and add it to the sauce. Drain the pasta, then toss it with the sauce. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Optionally, serve topped with freshly grated parmesan cheese and lemon zest.
Notes
- Use pasta water to help the sauce adhere to the pasta better.
- Tuna packed in oil adds more flavor but you can use water-packed for a lighter option.
- Fresh parsley brightens the dish but dried parsley can be substituted if necessary.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and taste.
- Adding parmesan cheese and lemon zest enhances the flavor but can be omitted for a dairy-free version.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
