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Easy Canned Tuna Pasta Recipe

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4 from 87 reviews

A quick and easy canned tuna pasta recipe perfect for a fast, flavorful meal ready in just 15 minutes. This dish combines al dente spaghetti with a simple garlic and tuna sauce enhanced with lemon juice and fresh parsley, making it a nutritious and satisfying option for lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 4 ounces uncooked spaghetti pasta

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

Instructions

  1. Cook Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the spaghetti until al dente according to package instructions. While the pasta cooks, prepare the sauce ingredients.
  2. Sauté Garlic: When the pasta is nearly ready, heat the olive oil in a small pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Add Tuna and Flavorings: Stir in the drained tuna, lemon juice, and chopped parsley into the garlic oil. Warm everything through gently, about 1-2 minutes.
  4. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Reserve a couple tablespoons of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta. Add the reserved water to the tuna sauce to loosen it slightly. Toss the pasta into the sauce until well coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Serve: Serve immediately, optionally garnished with freshly grated parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of lemon zest for extra brightness.

Notes

  • Using tuna packed in oil adds richness to the sauce but can be substituted with tuna in water for a lighter dish.
  • Reserve some pasta water before draining to adjust sauce consistency easily.
  • Fresh parsley can be swapped for basil or oregano for different herb flavors.
  • Adding freshly grated parmesan cheese and lemon zest brings extra flavor and balances the tuna’s savoriness.