13 Mouthwatering Tuna Pasta Recipes

Looking for some delicious tuna pasta recipes? You’ve got options! Try a Creamy Tuna Pasta Bake for a comforting dish, or a zesty Lemon Garlic Tuna Pasta for a revitalizing kick. For something hearty, whip up Spicy Tuna Arrabbiata or a Tuna and Tomato Pasta Salad.

Incorporate nutritious ingredients with Tuna and Spinach Penne or Tuna and Broccoli Farfalle. Each recipe is quick and packed with flavor, ensuring you won’t get bored. Keep exploring for more tasty ideas!

1. Creamy Tuna Pasta Bake

Ingredients

• 12 oz (340g) pasta (penne or fusilli)
• 2 cans (10 oz each) tuna, drained
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 ½ cups heavy cream
• 1 cup milk
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp paprika

Process

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish.
2. Cook pasta according to package instructions, then drain.
3. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat, add flour, and whisk for 1 minute.
4. Slowly add milk and heavy cream, stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
5. Stir in garlic powder, black pepper, salt, and half of the Parmesan cheese.
6. Add drained tuna and cooked pasta, mixing well.
7. Transfer the mixture to the baking dish and top with mozzarella, remaining Parmesan, breadcrumbs, oregano, and paprika.
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and bubbling.
9. Serve hot and enjoy!

Pro Tip: Add a handful of spinach or peas for extra flavor and nutrition.
Cooking Time: 40 minutes

2. Lemon Garlic Tuna Pasta

Ingredients

• 12 oz (340g) spaghetti or linguine
• 2 cans (10 oz each) tuna, drained
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• Juice and zest of 1 lemon
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup chopped parsley
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Process

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions, then drain, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
2. In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté garlic until fragrant.
3. Add red pepper flakes, then stir in the tuna.
4. Add lemon juice, lemon zest, and cooked pasta, tossing to combine.
5. If needed, add some reserved pasta water for extra moisture.
6. Stir in Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley.
7. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
8. Serve hot with extra Parmesan and lemon wedges.

Pro Tip: Toasted breadcrumbs on top add an extra crunch!
Cooking Time: 25 minutes

3. Tuna Pesto Pasta

Ingredients

• 12 oz (340g) pasta of choice
• 2 cans (10 oz each) tuna, drained
• ½ cup pesto sauce
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup pine nuts (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Process

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions, then drain, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
2. Heat olive oil in a pan and sauté cherry tomatoes for 2-3 minutes.
3. Add tuna, red pepper flakes, and pesto sauce, stirring well.
4. Toss in cooked pasta and mix thoroughly.
5. Add reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
6. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and pine nuts before serving.

Pro Tip: Use homemade pesto for the freshest flavor!
Cooking Time: 20 minutes

4. Spicy Tuna Arrabbiata

Ingredients

• 12 oz (340g) penne pasta
• 2 cans (10 oz each) tuna, drained
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ cup chopped fresh basil
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Process

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions, then drain.
2. Heat olive oil in a pan and sauté garlic with red pepper flakes.
3. Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, salt, and black pepper, simmering for 10 minutes.
4. Stir in tuna and cooked pasta, mixing well.
5. Add fresh basil and toss everything together.
6. Serve hot with Parmesan cheese.

Pro Tip: Add a splash of white wine for extra depth of flavor.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes

5. Tuna and Tomato Pasta Salad

Ingredients

• 12 oz (340g) pasta (rotini or bowtie)
• 2 cans (10 oz each) tuna, drained
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ½ cup black olives, sliced
• ½ cup cucumber, diced
• ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
• ¼ cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Process

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions, then drain and let cool.
2. In a large bowl, combine pasta, tuna, cherry tomatoes, olives, cucumber, red onion, and feta.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
4. Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss to coat evenly.
5. Let sit for 10 minutes before serving for flavors to meld.

Pro Tip: Chill the salad for an hour for a refreshing taste!
Cooking Time: 20 minutes

6. One-Pot Tuna Mac and Cheese

Ingredients

• 12 oz (340g) elbow macaroni
• 2 cans (10 oz each) tuna, drained
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ cup breadcrumbs (optional)

Process

1. Cook macaroni in a large pot according to package instructions, then drain and return to the pot.
2. Add butter, milk, heavy cream, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well.
3. Mix in shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.
4. Fold in tuna and stir to combine.
5. If desired, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top and broil for 2-3 minutes until golden brown.

Pro Tip: Add a pinch of smoked paprika for a rich, smoky flavor!
Cooking Time: 25 minutes

7. Tuna Alfredo Fettuccine

Ingredients

• 12 oz (340g) fettuccine pasta
• 2 cans (10 oz each) tuna, drained
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 ½ cups heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp nutmeg (optional)
• ¼ cup chopped parsley

Process

1. Cook fettuccine according to package instructions, then drain.
2. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat and sauté garlic until fragrant.
3. Add heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
4. Stir in Parmesan cheese, black pepper, salt, and nutmeg.
5. Toss in the cooked fettuccine and mix well.
6. Add tuna and gently fold it in.
7. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.

Pro Tip: Use fresh Parmesan for the best creamy texture!
Cooking Time: 25 minutes

8. Mediterranean Tuna Pasta

Ingredients

• 12 oz (340g) penne or fusilli pasta
• 2 cans (10 oz each) tuna, drained
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ½ cup black olives, sliced
• ¼ cup capers
• ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
• 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped

Process

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions, then drain.
2. Heat olive oil in a pan and sauté red onion for 1-2 minutes.
3. Add cherry tomatoes, black olives, capers, oregano, and black pepper.
4. Stir in tuna and cooked pasta, tossing well to combine.
5. Remove from heat and top with feta cheese and fresh basil.
6. Serve warm or as a chilled pasta salad.

Pro Tip: A squeeze of lemon juice adds extra Mediterranean freshness!
Cooking Time: 30 minutess, transporting you to sun-soaked shores with every forkful. Enjoy!

9. Tuna Carbonara

Ingredients

• 12 oz (340g) spaghetti
• 2 cans (10 oz each) tuna, drained
• 2 eggs
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ cup chopped parsley

Process

1. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions, then drain, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
2. In a bowl, whisk together eggs, Parmesan cheese, black pepper, and salt.
3. Heat olive oil in a pan and sauté garlic until fragrant.
4. Add tuna and mix well.
5. Toss in the cooked pasta, then immediately pour in the egg mixture, stirring quickly to create a creamy sauce.
6. Add reserved pasta water if needed for a smoother texture.
7. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.

Pro Tip: Stir the pasta quickly to prevent scrambling the eggs!
Cooking Time: 20 minutes

10. Tuna and Spinach Penne

Ingredients

• 12 oz (340g) penne pasta
• 2 cans (10 oz each) tuna, drained
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp salt

Process

1. Cook penne according to package instructions, then drain.
2. Heat olive oil in a pan and sauté garlic until fragrant.
3. Add spinach and cook until wilted.
4. Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, black pepper, and salt.
5. Add tuna and cooked pasta, tossing well to coat.
6. Serve warm with extra Parmesan on top.

Pro Tip: Add a pinch of nutmeg to enhance the creaminess!
Cooking Time: 25 minutes

11. Garlic Butter Tuna Linguine

Ingredients

• 12 oz (340g) linguine pasta
• 2 cans (10 oz each) tuna, drained
• 3 tbsp butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes
• ½ cup white wine (or pasta water)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped

Process

1. Cook linguine according to package instructions, then drain.
2. Melt butter in a pan and sauté garlic until fragrant.
3. Add red pepper flakes and white wine, simmering for 2 minutes.
4. Stir in tuna, then toss in cooked linguine.
5. Mix in Parmesan cheese, black pepper, and parsley.
6. Serve hot with extra Parmesan.

Pro Tip: Use fresh garlic for the best aroma and flavor!
Cooking Time: 20 minutes

12. Tuna and Pea Pasta

Ingredients

• 12 oz (340g) pasta of choice
• 2 cans (10 oz each) tuna, drained
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp salt

Process

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions, adding peas in the last 2 minutes.
2. Drain and set aside.
3. Heat olive oil in a pan and sauté garlic until fragrant.
4. Add heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, black pepper, and salt.
5. Stir in tuna and cooked pasta, tossing to combine.
6. Serve hot with extra cheese on top.

Pro Tip: A squeeze of lemon juice brightens the dish!
Cooking Time: 20 minutes

13. Tuna and Broccoli Farfalle

Ingredients

• 12 oz (340g) farfalle (bowtie) pasta
• 2 cans (10 oz each) tuna, drained
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Zest of 1 lemon

Process

1. Cook farfalle according to package instructions. In the last 2 minutes of cooking, add broccoli to the boiling water. Drain and set aside.
2. Heat olive oil in a pan and sauté garlic until fragrant.
3. Add heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, black pepper, salt, and red pepper flakes, stirring well.
4. Stir in tuna, cooked farfalle, and broccoli, tossing to coat everything in the sauce.
5. Remove from heat and sprinkle with lemon zest for a fresh finish.
6. Serve hot with extra Parmesan on top.

Pro Tip: Lightly roast the broccoli before adding for a smoky depth of flavor!
Cooking Time: 25 minutes

Conclusion

With these 13 delicious tuna pasta recipes, you’ve got a world of flavors at your fingertips! Whether you’re in the mood for something creamy and comforting or zesty and fresh, there’s a dish here to satisfy every craving.

Tuna is not only versatile but also packed with nutrients, making these meals both tasty and healthy. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy creating these delightful pasta dishes that are sure to impress family and friends!