Print

One-Pan Creamy Tuna Pasta with Lemon

A close-up of creamy tuna pasta featuring penne, green peas, and fresh parsley garnish.
Print Recipe
Save Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Make this ultimate one-pan creamy tuna pasta for a quick, satisfying weeknight dinner. It uses pantry staples and comes together fast.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz pasta (penne or rotini)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 (5 oz) cans tuna in water, drained
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain, reserving about 1 cup of the pasta water. Set the cooked pasta aside.
  2. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Pour in the white wine or chicken broth and let it simmer for 2 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
  4. Stir in the chicken broth, milk, and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  5. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
  6. Add the drained tuna and frozen peas to the sauce. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the peas are heated through.
  7. Return the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is coated in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
  8. Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley.
  9. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed before serving immediately.

Notes

  • For a baked version, transfer the mixture to a casserole dish, top with breadcrumbs, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes until golden.
  • Use tuna packed in oil for a richer flavor, draining off most of the oil before adding it to the sauce.
  • Add 1/2 cup of frozen corn along with the peas for extra vegetable content.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://hearthbite.com/easy-one-pan-creamy-tuna-pasta/