Easy Tuna Pasta Recipe: Quick, Creamy and Delicious

We’re so glad you found this trending article as it has taken Google and the internet by storm. For other delicious recipes and expert parenting advice, have a look at our other articles here. Tuna pasta is a staple in many households because it’s nutritious, filling, and incredibly versatile. Whether you prefer it creamy, spicy, or tomato-based, you can easily adapt this recipe to suit your taste. This version uses a light creamy sauce with garlic, onions and herbs, perfectly complementing the savoury flavour of the tuna.

It’s also a great way to use up cupboard essentials and requires minimal effort. You can use any pasta you have on hand – penne, fusilli, spaghetti, or even macaroni. Add a handful of peas, spinach, or cherry tomatoes for extra colour and nutrition.

Simple, satisfying, and endlessly adaptable, this creamy tuna pasta is bound to become a go-to meal. Let’s get cooking!

Preparation Time 

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

Quick, easy, and ideal for weeknight dinners.

Ingredients for Tuna Pasta

• 300g pasta (penne or fusilli work well)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 x 160g tin of tuna in oil or brine, drained
• 100ml single cream (or crème fraîche)
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp dried parsley or mixed herbs
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Juice of ½ lemon

Optional extras:

• A handful of frozen peas or baby spinach
• Grated Parmesan, to serve

Directions to make Tuna Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to the boil.
2. Add the pasta and cook according to the packet instructions until al dente.
3. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the rest and set pasta aside.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

1. While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent (about 4–5 minutes).
3. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.
4. Add the drained tuna and gently break it up with a spoon.
5. Stir in the cream, herbs, and season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
6. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3–4 minutes.

Step 3: Combine

1. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to combine.
2. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it.
3. Stir in any optional extras like peas or spinach, allowing them to warm through.
4. Serve hot, topped with a sprinkle of Parmesan if desired.

How to Prepare Tuna Pasta

Start by cooking the pasta in boiling salted water until it’s just tender. While that’s happening, make the sauce. In a frying pan, gently sauté the onion in olive oil until soft, then add garlic for a burst of aroma.

Next, add the tuna and stir through the cream and herbs to create a light but flavourful sauce. Season it well, then toss in your cooked pasta and stir until everything is coated. If you like, mix in some green peas or spinach for added colour and goodness.

Add a bit of the reserved pasta water if the sauce feels too thick—it helps everything stick together beautifully. Serve straight away with a squeeze of lemon juice and some grated Parmesan.

Servings

This recipe serves 2–3 people. Easily doubled for a family-sized meal.

FAQs

Is this dish suitable for children?

Absolutely. It’s mild, comforting, and quick to chew, which makes it a hit with kids. You can adjust the seasoning and skip stronger ingredients like mustard or chili.

How do I make the sauce creamy without using cream?

You can use cream cheese, a white sauce (béchamel), or a splash of milk with a bit of grated cheese to achieve that creamy texture. Some also add a spoon of Greek yoghurt or crème fraîche for a tangy twist.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Absolutely! Use a dairy-free cream alternative or a splash of pasta water and olive oil to create a light sauce.

Can I freeze tuna pasta?

It can be frozen, but the creamy sauce may separate slightly upon reheating. If freezing, cool it completely first, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month.

How can I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk or water.

Can I make this spicy?

Yes! Add a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for some heat.

Can I add vegetables to this tuna pasta?

Yes! Peas, spinach, mushrooms, cherry tomatoes or sweetcorn are great additions and boost the nutritional value. You can sauté them with garlic or stir them in at the end.

What can I serve with tuna pasta?

A green salad, garlic bread or roasted vegetables make lovely sides. It’s also hearty enough to enjoy on its own for a complete meal.

Conclusion 

This tuna pasta recipe is a brilliant example of how a few simple ingredients can come together to make something truly satisfying. It’s quick to cook, easy to adapt, and budget-friendly, making it a favourite for busy households, students, and anyone in need of a speedy dinner.

The combination of creamy sauce, flaky tuna, and perfectly cooked pasta is comforting and delicious. Whether you make it as is, or dress it up with extras like peas, spinach, chili, or cheese, it’s always a winner. You can also tweak it for dietary needs—make it lighter, dairy-free, or even gluten-free by swapping out a few ingredients.

Best of all, this dish takes under 30 minutes from start to finish and requires very little washing up. It’s perfect for a last-minute meal that still feels homemade and hearty. Serve it with a side salad or crusty bread for a more filling dinner.

So next time you’re short on time but craving comfort, whip up this easy tuna pasta—a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that delivers on flavour every time!