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Creamy Tuna Pasta

Featured in 30-Minute Weeknight Meals.

This Creamy Tuna Pasta is a quick and satisfying meal that combines al dente linguine with a rich, garlic-infused cream sauce and chunks of tender tuna. The dish is elevated with fresh herbs like dill and parsley, while lemon adds a bright, citrusy note. Ready in just 30 minutes, it's an ideal weeknight dinner that's both comforting and elegant. The sauce is made silky and luxurious with the addition of pasta cooking water, ensuring the perfect consistency. While simple to prepare, the combination of flavors creates a restaurant-quality meal that serves four generously.
Comfort Cravings Recipes
Updated on Mon, 24 Feb 2025 13:23:15 GMT
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Creamy Tuna Pasta | comfortcravingsrecipes.com

A comforting pasta dish combining tender noodles with creamy sauce, flaky tuna, and fresh herbs. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners.

Key Components

  • Linguine pasta
  • Cream sauce
  • Tinned tuna
  • Fresh herbs
  • Citrus elements
  • Aromatics

Essential Ingredients

Base Elements: Dried linguine, heavy cream, canned tuna, fresh dill, lemon, spring onions.

Sauce Components: Butter, garlic, parsley, sea salt, black pepper, pasta water.

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Perfect Preparation

Cooking Steps:
Boil pasta. Make sauce. Combine tuna. Mix components. Adjust seasoning. Add pasta water
Critical Points:
Al dente pasta. Smooth sauce. Gentle tuna handling. Proper seasoning. Right consistency. Fresh herbs

Variations & Serving Guide

Pasta Options

Long Pasta: Linguine, spaghetti, fettuccine, angel hair, bucatini, tagliatelle.

Short Pasta: Penne, fusilli, rigatoni, shells, farfalle, orecchiette.

Sauce Adaptations

Creamy Base: Heavy cream, half & half, light cream, coconut cream, cashew cream, Greek yogurt.

Add ins: Capers, peas, spinach, cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, sun dried tomatoes.

Storage Tips

Short Term: Airtight container, up to 3 days, refrigerate promptly, separate portions, cover well.

Reheating: Low heat, add splash of cream, stir gently, check consistency, season again.

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Velvety Garlic Tuna Pasta | comfortcravingsrecipes.com

Serving Suggestions

Side Dishes: Crusty bread, green salad, roasted vegetables, garlic bread, steamed broccoli, fresh asparagus.

Garnishes: Extra dill, lemon wedges, cracked pepper, parmesan, red pepper flakes, fresh parsley.

Perfect For

  • Weeknight dinners
  • Meal prep
  • Light lunches
  • Quick meals
  • Family dinners

Remember: The key to perfect tuna pasta is not overcooking and maintaining a silky sauce consistency.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, while linguine is recommended, any pasta shape will work. Long pasta varieties tend to work best with this creamy sauce.
→ Why save the pasta water?
The starchy pasta water helps create a silky sauce that clings to the pasta better and helps achieve the perfect consistency.
→ Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
While fresh herbs provide the best flavor, you can use dried herbs in a pinch. Use about 1/3 of the amount called for fresh herbs.
→ How long can I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of cream or milk.
→ What can I substitute for heavy cream?
While heavy cream provides the best results, you could use half-and-half or light cream, though the sauce won't be as rich.

Creamy Tuna Pasta

A comforting pasta dish combining tender linguine with chunks of tuna in a creamy garlic sauce, brightened with lemon and fresh herbs.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes

Category: Quick & Easy

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Italian

Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Pasta

01 340g (12 oz) dried linguine pasta
02 1 cup reserved pasta cooking water

→ Sauce Base

03 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
04 3 spring onions/scallions, finely chopped
05 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
06 1¼ cups (300ml) heavy cream

→ Flavorings & Protein

07 3 teaspoons lemon zest
08 2½ tablespoons lemon juice
09 2 tablespoons fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
10 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped
11 370g (13 oz) tinned tuna in spring water, drained
12 Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Step 01

Bring a large pot of water to boil. Salt water and cook pasta until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining.

Step 02

In a large, deep frying pan over medium-high heat, melt butter and cook spring onions for 3-5 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1-2 minutes more.

Step 03

Add cream, lemon juice, and zest. Bring to simmer and cook 3-4 minutes.

Step 04

Stir in tuna, dill, and parsley. Break up large tuna chunks with a wooden spoon. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 05

Add cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to combine. Add reserved pasta water as needed to reach desired consistency. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Notes

  1. Best served immediately
  2. Leftovers can be stored for up to 3 days
  3. Not suitable for freezing

Tools You'll Need

  • Large saucepan
  • Large deep frying pan
  • Wooden spoon
  • Colander

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy
  • Fish
  • Gluten (pasta)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 710
  • Total Fat: 35 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 68 g
  • Protein: 31 g