Description
20-Minute Stovetop Tuna Pasta is a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner made with pantry staples like canned tuna, pasta, garlic, and olive oil — simple, flavorful, and ready in no time.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz pasta (spaghetti or penne)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 cans (5 oz each) tuna in olive oil, drained
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add drained tuna and stir to combine, breaking up chunks gently.
- Stir in cooked pasta and reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce.
- Add lemon juice, parsley, and season with salt and pepper. Toss to combine.
- Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan if desired.
Notes
- Use tuna packed in olive oil for the best flavor and texture.
- Add capers or olives for a briny twist.
- This dish also works well with gluten-free pasta.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: tuna pasta, quick dinner, pantry recipe, 20-minute meal, stovetop pasta