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This easy tuna pasta recipe with canned tuna and spaghetti uses a few simple ingredients to make a quick dinner in minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights and very budget friendly!
Canned tuna pasta has long been one of my go-to pantry recipes when I need a quick and easy dinner to feed the family, especially during Lent. Tuna sometimes gets a bad rap, but it’s cheap and very versatile.
My mom and grandma turned this pantry staple into casseroles and patties, but my pantry pasta is even easier and just as delicious.
Why you’ll love this easy recipe!
Tuna spaghetti takes about 15 minutes to make using just one pot and ingredients you probably already have at home. The longest part is waiting for the water to boil!
It’s super simple. I use dried spices to keep prep work minimal.
You can easily jazz up the basic recipe with different ingredients to suit your tastes.
The flavor is light and bright, and even my picky eaters love it!
What You Need
Here’s what you need to make it. Full amounts are listed in the printable recipe card below.
- Canned tuna — It really doesn’t matter what kind you use, so go with what you have. I prefer albacore in water, but tuna packed in oil is perfectly fine. Make sure to drain and flake it before using.
- Pasta — I like spaghetti or linguine for this dish
- Frozen peas — not essential, but makes it a complete meal
- Lemon — adds flavor and brightens up the dish
- Olive oil — either plain or flavored oil if you have it
- Seasonings — Sea salt, black pepper, garlic powder, Italian seasoning
- Parmesan cheese — adds flavor and a little creaminess. You can skip it if you don’t have any.
How to Make Tuna Pasta
Cook the pasta until al dente, and reserve a cup of the pasta water before draining. Add the tuna and spices to the pot, and pour the pasta and peas over the tuna. Stir in the lemon juice, olive oil and reserved pasta water, and toss to coat. Add the grated Parmesan, and you are ready to eat!
Quick Tips
I like to place the peas in the colander so the hot water from the pasta will thaw them.
This is a very light sauce. You can add more olive oil if it seems dry. Butter will add a little creaminess.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in your fridge for 3-4 days. I recommend adding a little more olive oil when reheating.
Variations
Add red pepper flakes for extra spice. You can also use minced garlic instead of dried.
If you really want to jazz it up, try chopped or sliced olives, capers, artichoke hearts, baby spinach or arugula. Like I said, this simple dinner is super versatile.
More Recipes with Canned Tuna
Try my grandma’s casserole and my mom’s tuna patties or salad next!
The Easiest Tuna Pasta Recipe with Canned Tuna
Ingredients
- 16 oz pasta linguine or spaghetti
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 8 oz canned tuna drained and flaked
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 medium lemon juice of
- 1 cup pasta water
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- chopped parsley for garnish optional
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water until al dente, reserving 1 cup of water when done
- Drain pasta in colander, and return pot to the stove
- Add tuna to the pot, and season with Italian seasoning, salt, garlic powder and pepper over low heat
- Add the pasta and peas over the tuna
- Pour the reserved pasta water, lemon juice and olive oil over the pasta mixture, sprinkle with Parmesan, and toss to coat
- Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve immediately
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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