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Easy Creamy Canned Tuna Pasta Recipe for Quick Homemade Meals

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A quick and comforting creamy canned tuna pasta dish that comes together in under 20 minutes using simple pantry ingredients. Perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute cravings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz (225 g) dried pasta like penne, fusilli, or shells
  • 1 can (5 oz / 140 g) canned tuna packed in water or oil, drained
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese (optional but recommended)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz (225 g) pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 9-11 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Reserve 1/2 cup (120 ml) of the pasta water before draining.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Lower the heat to medium-low and stir in 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream and 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard. Let it warm gently, stirring occasionally, for 2-3 minutes until it starts to thicken slightly.
  4. Flake the drained canned tuna with a fork and add it to the skillet. Stir to combine, breaking up any large chunks. Cook for 2 minutes to heat through and meld flavors.
  5. Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently to coat, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time if the sauce feels too thick.
  6. Stir in 1/4 cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese and 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Toss again until everything is well combined and creamy.
  7. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top before serving. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.

Notes

Do not overcook the garlic to avoid bitterness. Lower heat when adding cream to prevent curdling. Use reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Drain tuna well to avoid a runny sauce. Toss pasta with sauce off the heat to maintain creamy texture. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days and reheated gently with a splash of cream or water.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy tuna pasta, canned tuna recipe, quick pasta dinner, easy pasta recipe, weeknight meals, pantry meals, creamy pasta sauce

Find it online: https://siennaspoon.com/easy-creamy-canned-tuna-pasta-recipe-for-quick-homemade-meals/