Description
A quick and comforting pasta dish made with pantry staples—tender pasta tossed with tuna, garlic, olive oil, and herbs—all ready in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz pasta (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cans (5 oz each) tuna in oil or water, drained
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- 1/2 lemon, juiced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan (optional)
Instructions
- Cook pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes; sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add drained tuna and break it up gently with a spoon. Stir in oregano and cook for 2–3 minutes until warmed through.
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Stir in lemon juice and chopped parsley (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Top with grated Parmesan if desired, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use high-quality canned tuna for best flavor.
- Add capers or olives for a briny twist.
- For a creamier version, stir in a spoonful of cream cheese or Greek yogurt at the end.
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 25mg