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This canned tuna pasta recipe is quick, healthy, and comforting. It’s the perfect recipe when you don’t have a lot in your pantry!
You may also like my Healthy Tuna Pasta Salad or my Canned Salmon Pasta recipes.
Why you’ll love it
This tuna garlic pasta recipe takes me back to my childhood. My mom used to make something similar when I was a kid, and I just loved it. I’ve even made this with just tuna, garlic, and olive oil when I’m in a rush and I really have nothing in the fridge.
I never put this recipe on the blog because I wasn’t sure people would like it even though I know it tastes great. I did a little research, and there definitely is demand for canned tuna pasta, so I figured I’d do it! If you’re busy with after school activities, this tuna spaghetti recipe is one way to save some time and keep your sanity.
What you’ll need
- Pasta – I use spaghetti
- Olive oil – for the base of the sauce
- Garlic – use even more than suggested if you’re a big fan. I like using a garlic press to easily mince the cloves.
- Tuna – the star of this inexpensive pasta recipe! I recommend using a can of tuna packed in oil for maximum flavor.
- Lemon juice – for a pop of acidity and brightness
- Parsley – a little freshness and herb flavor
Pro tip
Check out the comments section below for reader suggestions to change up this simple tuna pasta!
How to make tuna pasta
This is an overview with step-by-step photos. Full ingredients & instructions are in the recipe card below.
Cook the pasta until al dente. Meanwhile, prep the other ingredients. When the pasta is almost done, heat up the oil in a saucepan. Once hot, add the garlic and cook until fragrant. Stir in the tuna, lemon juice, and chopped parsley.
Let it heat through. Once the pasta is done, drain it, reserving some of the pasta water. Add a couple of tablespoons of it to the sauce. Toss the spaghetti with the sauce, and season with salt & pepper as needed.
Substitutions and variations
- This healthy tuna pasta recipe can be jazzed up or even made more simple than it already is. For the photos I added some grated parmesan cheese and a little lemon zest (I used the same handy tool to do both so it took me like 30 seconds), but in real life I don’t usually bother.
- I like to add a handful of fresh spinach and let it wilt at the end. Sometimes I cut a handful of little tomatoes (grape, cherry, etc.) into halves and then toss them in and cook until they’ve softened.
- My mom would sometimes chop up celery leaves instead of using parsley, but I never have those on hand, so parsley it is!
What to serve with tuna pasta
- Try a big slice of Cheesy Garlic Bread or fresh crusty bread to round it out.
- I like serving this pasta with a salad. My Super Simple Parmesan Arugula Salad is really quick.
Leftovers and storage
- This tuna pasta is best eaten fresh, but it’ll keep for a few days in the fridge in a covered container.
- Reheat leftovers in a saucepan over a low heat until warmed through.
- I don’t recommend freezing the sauce. Because it’s a small quantity and so simple, it’s worth making fresh each time.
Will you give this easy canned tuna pasta a go? What’s your favorite clean-out-the-pantry recipe? Questions? Talk to me in the comments below! You can also find me on Instagram.
Easy Canned Tuna Pasta
Ingredients
- 4 ounces uncooked pasta (I used spaghetti)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 large cloves garlic minced
- 1 (5 ounce) can tuna, drained I prefer tuna packed in oil
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Boil a salted pot of water for your pasta and cook it al dente according to package directions. Prep your other ingredients while it cooks.
- When the pasta is close to being ready, add the oil to a small pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the garlic and cook it for 30 seconds.
- Stir in the tuna, lemon juice, and parsley. Let it heat through.
- Once the pasta is done, add some of the pasta water (a couple tablespoons) to the sauce and then drain the pasta and toss with the sauce. Season with salt & pepper as needed. Optional: serve pasta with freshly grated parmesan cheese and lemon zest.
Notes
- See blog post for some ideas on recipe variations!
- This pasta can also be found on page 27 of the Salt & Lavender: Everyday Essentials hardcover cookbook.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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I added mushrooms and fresh baby spinach. I didnโt have any fresh parsley so I added some dried parsley. I also added a bit of butter to the oil to sautรฉ the mushrooms & spinach. This a a quick and simple dish to make. Love the flavour. Will definitely make this again!
I’m so glad you enjoyed it! Love those additions. ๐
Thanks for this amazing delicious and super yummy recipe of Tuna Pasta! I make it prepare for my kids any time ๐๐..hoping to see your next recipes โค๐๐๐
So glad you enjoyed it!!, Adelfa! ๐ I add new recipes every week, so I hope you try something else as well.
This is really, really delicious! So simple and with so few ingredients I was dubious it would be tasty but it really was. We loved it, and I’ll definitely make it again soon.
So happy you liked it, Annella! ๐
Very Tasty. I used basil oil instead of regular olive oil. The flavors came together very nicely.
Sounds delicious! Glad you enjoyed it, Louise!
Had $25 can of imported Italian tuna that I didnโt want to mess up. Was very glad that your easy recipe worked! It was so delicious and came together in a matter of minutes! 10/10. Will definitely make this again.
That’s so nice to hear!! ๐ Thanks for your review!
i try already….my son and my nephew like it so much…simple ingredients but it’s healthy….Thank you for share this recipe ๐
That’s so nice to hear!! Thank you! ๐
I like 2 make this the night before a long run or race with a little bit of red pepper flake.. Goes nice with a Pinot Grigio or light beer for some extra carbs…
That’s awesome!! ๐ I love that.
Delicious!!! So easy and quick!! I didnโt have any parsley and I sort of doubled it. Outstanding. Lemon is the game changer. Thanks!
Fantastic!! You’re welcome! ๐
Such a great, quick recipe! I also added a tiny pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking the garlic (kiddo is 18mo so I put less than I’d do for just myself), plus some grated parmesan at the end. I also mixed in some peas, because it’s a loved veggie in our home (I also love the bit of sweetness it adds). I cut up the noodles to make it easier for my kiddo to grab and eat…he can use a fork/spoon, but prefers his hands ยฏ\_(ใ)_/ยฏ
Anyways, first time visitor on your site, but I look forward to trying out more of your recipes!
Fantastic! I’m so glad you found my site, Cait! ๐
Easy and very delicious recipeโฆlooked in my pantry and saw I had some canned tuna in oil, 1/4 box of spaghetti, lemon and stumbled upon this after some quick searching (luckily had parsley too). Used avocado oil and added a little onion to the micro-planes garlic. Parmesan is a very nice add plus some red chili flakes.
Hits the spot!
Fabulous!! Thanks for your review, Bradley!