This canned tuna pasta recipe is quick, healthy, and comforting. The perfect recipe when you don't have a lot in your pantry!
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.
She'd sometimes chop up celery leaves instead of using parsley, but I never have those on hand, so parsley it is!
I hadn't made this recipe in a while, and I really enjoyed eating it after I finished the photos. 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.
I can't believe it's September already. I'm sure everyone is saying it, but it kinda snuck up on me. I love summer, so I'm sad to see it go, and I'm so not ready for fall.
In any case, if you're busy and frazzled with back-to-school activities, this tuna spaghetti recipe is one way to save some time and keep your sanity.
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'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 (it's rare I don't have parsley).
You may also like my healthy tuna pasta salad or my creamy tuna pasta salad recipes.
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!
Easy Canned Tuna Pasta
Ingredients
- 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
- 4 ounces uncooked pasta (I used spaghetti)
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
- Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy only and should be construed as an estimate rather than a guarantee. Ingredients can vary and Salt & Lavender makes no guarantees to the accuracy of this information.
Monica says
It’s Lent, boy is this great meal going to come in handy and enjoyable!
Natasha says
Excellent! 🙂
Ella says
Love this recipe! Just wanted to know is the 400kcal per person or for the whole 2 servings? 🙂
Natasha says
So glad you liked it! It's per serving (so one serving), but keep in mind that it'll vary a lot depending on what brand of tuna you used (like whether it's oil-packed or not and the size of the can), how well you measured out the ingredients like oil and spaghetti, etc.
Kat says
Easy and tasty! I added capers and it was 💯
Natasha says
Fantastic!! 🙂
Patty says
This was delicious! And super easy, with mostly pantry items. I did add some halved green olives which added an extra element. I will definitely make this again!
Natasha says
So glad you enjoyed it, Patty!! Love olives too. 🙂
Terry says
Delicious!
Natasha says
Thank you!!
Jeanne Via says
Really good! I've made it several times now-an excellent easy , fast mea!.
Natasha says
Fabulous! Thank you 🙂
Maria O'Beirne says
Didn't have fresh parsley or garlic, I used dry and only had cheddar cheese handy, but it was still quite nice.
Gitti says
Very yummy and quick.
Natasha says
Thank you!!
Hassan says
Used this but used 2 tuna cans and sliced up a green chilli at the point of putting the garlic in just for the flavour and kick it adds and it was super yummy thank you so much!
Natasha says
You're very welcome!
Cathy says
I’ve made this twice. The first time I didn’t have tuna packed in oil, and the second time I made sure I used it. Big difference in taste but both ways were so yummy. Who needs carry-out when you can whip up something so tasty so quickly! Love your blog and recipes.
Natasha says
Aww thanks, Cathy!! 🙂 I'm so pleased you like this recipe.
Gary says
A quick and easy meal that provides both nutrition and protein. I have used this recipe several times and I am always pleased with the results.
Natasha says
Fabulous!! I like it too... definitely one of my go-tos.
Jill says
Wow, just wow. Easy, quick and so delicious!!
Natasha says
Thank you!!
fatimah says
I really struggle to eat well, often skipping eating well altogether and reaching for crisps and biscuits or take aways.
I found this recipe a couple of weeks ago and have already made it a number of times and wanted to thank you so much for sharing.
It’s simple, quick and easy and difficult to get wrong, which relieves many of my issues with cooking.
Thank you so much!
Natasha says
I'm so pleased that this recipe has been so useful to you! Thanks for your sweet comment, Fatimah! 🙂
Lou says
This recipe has been enjoyed by Italo’s here in the USA for many yrs. Suggest you add briney olives (3) and use a tablespoon of pecorino romano cheese! Bravo! Mangia
Natasha says
Yes! Delicious!
Diana says
Wow, sounds easy and I know I can’t mess it up. Thanks!!!!
Natasha says
Enjoy!
Rana says
Hi!
Can I replace pasta with noodles?
Natasha says
Sure!
Lin Winkley says
Sounds really good ! Will try it soon
Natasha says
Enjoy! 🙂
Guhan Subramaniam says
I made this last night and I have to say, it was truly delicious. I needed a quick meal and this was ready in 30mins. Thanks for this!
I replaced the fresh parsley with one teaspoon of dried parsley (cos I didn't head to the supermarket after work). Next time, I'll add maybe an extra tablespoon of pasta water and throw in the pasta as soon as I drain it, in order to keep some of the moisture.
Natasha says
So happy to hear that! 🙂
Tariq Badawi says
This is delicious! Thank you! I tried pasta with tuna 3 years ago and it was good but your recipe tastes way better. I liked the garlic taste the most.
Natasha says
So pleased you enjoyed it Tariq 🙂 Thanks for letting me know!
Roxie C. says
My picky 8 year old loves this and requests regularly. It's the only time she eats fish that isn't in stick form, haha!
Natasha says
That is awesome!!!
Annemarie says
Do you think i could sdd kale? I have load of tuna and kale to use
Natasha says
Sure! I'd chop it finely and it may take a little bit to wilt, but I think it would be good.
Debbie says
I made this recipe tonight with a few additions. Bacon, cream cheese, celery, onion, diced tomato, spinach, dill and lots of garlic! It is to die for! Thanks for the recipe.
Natasha says
Wonderful! You're welcome.
Mimi says
Made this tonight for myself and was sooo surprised at how full of flavor it was!! The lemon really makes it!! Can't wait to make this again! 🙂
Natasha says
That's what I like to hear! 🙂
Xenia G says
Thank you for your great and easy recipe, I have added a shallot and pepper flakes-it was delicious.
Natasha says
You're very welcome!
Mariama says
So glad I stumbled upon this recipe as it is quick and easy to prepare. A great base/starter to tweak upon your liking in which I added capers and red pepper flakes and it was yummmmyyy! Thank you for this recipe 🙂
Natasha says
I'm so happy you enjoyed it!!
Sumbul Syed says
I do not like the smell or taste of raw tuna, and i always used so much spice to cover it up. But i decided to trust this recipe and omg it worked!
However I suggest adding a lottttt more coriander/ parsley, it'll give your pasta a unique flavor. Thank you for this recipe and thank you for all the comments, it helped me decide to follow the recipe as is except to add more of the vegetable (parsley).
Natasha says
You're welcome!!
KP says
Canned tuna is not raw tuna. You cook food in the canning process.
Cassy says
It was good, I was missing almost all the ingredients but I made do, it seemed... sad in the sauce department so I just put in a little cream cheese and mayo and it became real creamy and just give it a little more flavor for my taste buds
Natasha says
Well that's good you were able to make it work! 🙂
Susan says
I agree that I wanted it a little more saucy. I also added mayo because it just so happened to be sitting on the counter next to me. I would’ve added cream cheese as well but a couple of us are dairy free. Next time I may split the batch and do one with cream cheese and one without. I made 2 pounds of pasta and used a 4 lb can of tuna. This really is a good base recipe. I’ve thought I might add peas as well, or whatever leftover veg I have in the fridge. And if you like it Asian-y maybe some teriyaki sauce and rice seasoning, with peas or broccoli.
Natasha says
Yes! It's definitely a good base if you want something more creamy. I'm glad you liked it and it got the brain gears turning haha. Thanks for commenting!
Caroline says
I made this on a night when I didn’t feel like cooking and wanted something quick and easy. I doubled the recipe and used four small 95g tins of tuna in chilli oil that I had in the cupboard. I also drained the pasta before remembering to add some of the water to the pan, but I just added a little plain water from the tap. It was absolutely delicious. It was a hit and I will definitely make this again! Thank you. 👍😋
Natasha says
Awesome!! You're welcome! XO
Evelyn says
Delicious! Luckily had everything except fresh parsley - used dried which is never the same. Thrilled to come across your recipe when feeling particularly jaded. It hit the spot and shall definitely make it again. Thank you.
Natasha says
You're very welcome!! 🙂
Nancy says
Excellent dish! I had an abundance of tuna and pasta and came across this recipe. I happened to have the lettuce leaves so I chopped those along with some fresh chopped spinach otherwise I followed your recipe. It was excellent and I will make it again!
Natasha says
I'm so glad to hear it, Nancy! 😀
Anabelle says
I had a busy day so I tried your easy recipe. I liked it! I made it with chickpea pasta, high protein meal 🙂
Natasha says
Awesome!!
Joan Thompson says
Thank you so much. I have been busy all day. I have made this tonight and it is so delicious. I didn't have parsley. But I used lots of young celery from my garden. Yummy meal. Thank you. Joan - from Johannesburg South Africa
Natasha says
That's wonderful! So happy you enjoyed it, Joan.
Kayla says
Love this quick and easy dinner, as did all my family. I added capers, artichokes, red chilli flakes & cherry tomatoes. Deeeelicious! Thank you for the inspo!
Natasha says
Wonderful!! You're welcome!
Teresa Redmond says
Great for a quick fix...I made with chopped coriander and was very nice!
Natasha says
Wonderful!
Rona says
I removed the oil from the canned tuna. My bad. I ended up with a dry tuna pasta 😅
Natasha says
Ah nuts! Oh well, can always try it next time without draining or add more olive oil as needed.
Brinda says
I thought this recipe was great... I was really hungry for tuna didn't feel really like cooking and found this ...and it got me going ...add alittle this a little that and it was so good and fast too...thank you so much for the inspiration its a keeper...i cleanded the fridge...i added asparagus.red bellpepper chopped up alittle mao and alittle red pepper flakes..and followed your recipe and added to it....cant wate to creat with you again...thank you...
Natasha says
Awesome!!
Nancy says
I was looking for an easy pasta and tuna recipe. This was quick and tasty. Will make again adding a vegetable. Thanks for posting.
Natasha says
You're very welcome!
Neil says
Just amazing thank you. Was staring at a packet of pasta and googled for an idea. I will do this a lot. Added tinned peas. Really good!
Natasha says
I love that!! So happy you enjoyed it, Neil!
Mario Harika says
Super!! Really!!
Natasha says
Excellent!
Vicki Taber says
Who knew such a simple recipe could be so flavorful? I didn't have parsely but did have fresh dill. Will def make again with parsley.
Natasha says
I'm so glad you enjoyed it!!
Bigadika says
A culmination of inexpensive and common ingredients surely to ignite a mouthful of gustatory fireworks. I came skeptical and left impressed. I recommend adding mayo in the absence of quality tuna as it’ll provide a creamy and juicy flavor.
Natasha says
Haha so glad you ended up enjoying it! 😉
Beverly says
I followed the recipe exactly & found it dry & tasteless,. Maybe the addition of some burst cherry tomatoes or better still cooked as a one pot pasta in chicken broth as well.
Natasha says
Sorry you didn’t like it! You’re definitely in the minority if you look thru the comments. Very odd! But yes, cherry tomatoes are delicious in here. You probably also should use good quality tuna packed in oil.
Julie K says
This is a lovely recipe - thank you, Natasha!
Natasha says
You're welcome!! 🙂
Colleen says
What a cheap, easy, delicious meal! Used dried parsley, fresh parm, lots of red pepper flakes and it was amazing! Will be a go-to.
Natasha says
So glad you liked it!!
Nycole says
Delicious! I added a little Vidalia onion capers and crushed red pepper I also used veggie spaghetti. Will for sure make again! Ooooh and I used the center ribs and leaves of celery 🙂
Natasha says
Awesome! Glad you enjoyed it 🙂
Emma says
This one of my favorite 'clear-out-the-cupboards' recipes. I always forget how good it is, too — sometimes I find myself eyeing up a forgotten tin of tuna with a little reluctance, but this delivers every time. I also love how versatile it is: this evening I swapped the olive oil for butter and the parsley for dill (all that was in the house) and it worked just as well. Thanks for opening to my eyes to the world of tuna + pasta!
Natasha says
That makes me so happy!! I always love hearing how readers tweak the recipe too... it's definitely versatile. 🙂
Pamela Burke says
Made it with basil instead of parsley. Wow!
Natasha says
Great! So happy you enjoyed it. 🙂
Tom says
Love this!! So simple but so delicious. We like to add mushrooms, spinach or peas to this recipe. A great dinner! Be sure and use good quality tuna. It makes a big difference
Natasha says
Awesome! And totally agree on the tuna quality. 🙂
Yassien Kareem says
I like different kinds of pasta,but this one was unique and I love trying anything new, especially with seafood
But I see the recipe wasn't that good
I gave it 4/10....you can give it a try
Natasha says
Strange... you're one of the few people who didn't like it! Oh well... can't win them all.
Marissa says
I made this tonight when I was pressed for time...In my rush I dumped all the pot water from the noddles unfortunately and therefore mine is sticking together a bit...the taste was not affected at all however and I think this recipe is a keeper. It's light yet yummy and comforting..thanks for sharing!
Natasha says
I'm glad you still liked it! I think it'll definitely be even better next time 🙂
José A says
I love love love this recipe. I made it as written the first time. The second time I added fresh spinach and capers. Next time I will try with peas an maybe some artichokes. Yumers!
Natasha says
Wonderful!! I love how people change it up. So many good ideas! 🙂
T says
Thank you so much for this recipe. Made it and everyone loved it even the very fussy eaters. Thanks again.
Natasha says
You're very welcome!
Elizabeth King says
Never knew I could have tuna and pasta hot - always used to make a salad - however tried your recipe Natasha and I am absolutely hooked on it!!! Thank You! Having it again tonight for supper and tomorrow for lunch (I stay alone in a Home for the Aged). It's absolutely delicious!!! (with or without parsley)
Natasha says
I'm so happy to hear that!! 🙂 Yes, it's definitely one of my favorites. It's really amazing what a humble can of tuna can transform into!
Thilesha Kain Padayachee says
This was so easy & so delicious.
Natasha says
Great!!
Barbara LaCroix says
I just LOVE your recipes! And I'd like to be able to call them up when I want to. You are so fabulous!
Natasha says
Aww thank you!
Deneen says
I made it and my teenager loved it.
Natasha says
Excellent!
Stephanie Savage says
I am yet to make this but do you think it would be nice eaten cold?
Natasha says
Hmm if I recall, a reader did that and liked it. I don't think it would be bad at all, but I always eat it hot.
Josee Pelletier says
I don’t have any parsley- could I use basil instead?
Natasha says
Yes! I think that would be yummy.
Jocelyn N Jones says
My tuna sticks together and is really chewy, what did I do wrong???
Natasha says
I wonder if it’s just not the best quality tuna? I make mine with oil packed tuna and it works well. Maybe try that? I’m sure you didn’t do anything wrong. ♥️
KP says
Don't cook the sauce with the tuna so long. Canned tuna only needs heated a bit because its already cooked. When you cook fish too long it gets chewy.
Elizabeth King says
What an absolutely delightful meal!
Tuna and pasta was literally all that was left in my cupboard and had no idea how to make a meal of the two. Plenty of parsley in the garden, used Avocado oil because I did not have olive oil, dried crushed garlic because I did not have fresh - but the end result was DELICIOUS!!!
As I live alone it was too much for one meal so intend enjoying the balance for supper tonight topped with a grated apple and mayonnaise!
A big THANK YOU Natasha for the inspiration!
Will definitely consult your site again.
Natasha says
You're very welcome!! I'm so pleased it worked out for you. 🙂
Gay Stern says
I add some capers and a little tapenade if I have it. Most excellent
Natasha says
Wonderful!
Kerstin Tieng says
I have problems with my skin, so i need to cut down on my intake of chicken, and eat more fish specially, sardines, albacore tuna, herring and salmon. I cannot find fresh albacore tuna in our grocery store, but there is the canned type
Natasha says
I'm glad that this recipe helps you eat more fish! 🙂
Gertie says
Great stuff, I am so tired and this is exactly what I'm serving for dinner tonight.
I've got some Chinese Cabbage, Rosa Tomatoes and Mushrooms that I'll be adding for more substance.
Thank you.
Natasha says
Awesome!! You're welcome!
Elle says
Delicious!!! Quick easy meal.
Natasha says
Thank you!
Pamela says
Quick and easy, even during a heat wave! Delicious with lots of garlic!
Natasha says
Wonderful! So glad you liked it.
Emily says
Amazing! Made for the BF who hates tuna Fish and he couldn’t get enough of it. Excellent recipe. Thank you for sharing this with the world.
Natasha says
Ha that's awesome!!
Linda says
Delicious! I make it with Spaghetti squash. Super easy, perfect last minute meal.
Natasha says
Great!! So glad you liked it.
Jenna Smith says
How long does this pasta last in the fridge for? Can it be reheated? Or re-served cold on another day ? 🙂
Natasha says
Hi! Sure, you can definitely re-heat or serve it cold. It really depends how comfortable you are re: leftovers. I'm the type of person that usually won't touch leftovers older than 3-4 days, but by mom goes a lot longer haha. Up to you, really. It'll definitely be fine for a few days.
Xenia says
I always put creme fraiche in there. Its soooo yummy and creamy that way
Natasha says
Good idea!
Bree says
I added oven roasted cherry tomatoes for a bit of sweetness.I absolutely love this recipe, gave my husband a bite of this and he vigorously nodded his head so I guess this means we'll be having this soon!!!
Natasha says
Love the oven roasted tomatoes idea!! I often add little tomatoes too. I'm so glad you both like the recipe! 🙂
Angela says
I love it~ I did add some heat and a few stewed Tomatoes and fresh herbs from my garden. Extra lemon....Yummy
Natasha says
That sounds delish!!
Anita says
Wasn't in the mood for my usual tuna mayo pasta. This was a Godsend! I've made it twice in as many weeks. Thanks
Natasha says
Excellent! 🙂
Joe Townsend says
I tried this for my wife and I a few times. I added a small amount of Parmesan cheese. We love this recipe! Thanks for sharing!
Natasha says
Wonderful! You're very welcome.
Isaac says
What kind of wine could you pair with this 😋
Natasha says
How about a Chardonnay?
Tony Mowatt says
This was so good!! I added some sriracha to give it a little spice! And I added some celery and it came out so delicious! Thank you for providing such a wonderful recipe!
Natasha says
You're very welcome, Tony!!
Anonymous says
Very nice indeed, although I have made one or two additions to this recipe; one can if mushroom soup adds even more flavor. I recommend either linguine or spaghetti with this.
Natasha says
So glad you like it!!
Sasha says
Quick and easy and SO delish ! Thanks so much for sharing this recipe 🙂 It made def made me happy :)) The only difference is that I did the whole thing in just one pot and added chili flakes for bit of extra spice!
Natasha says
You're very welcome! XO
Sophia says
My go-to dish when I need a quick and delicious dinner!! My boyfriend loves it too! Only change I make is that I always add some red pepper flakes with my garlic.
Natasha says
I'm so pleased it's become a staple in your home! XO
Cliff says
Hi I just made this as I need to do a celiac test so need to make sure I have taken in some gluten...but wow! The only difference I made was adding chilli flakes as I like heat in most thing I eat but thank you it was marvellous! Cant wait to try it again if my test is negative!
Natasha says
I'm so happy you enjoyed it!! Good luck with the test... I hope it's negative!
Lynn says
This recipe is an absolute blessing. Living in a hostel with limited ingredients has its perks. So easy to make and it tastes so good! Thankyouuu
Natasha says
Awww so happy that you like it!! Thanks for commenting! XO
Evelyn Q. Tan says
Hi! I was looking for a simple menu I will prepare for breakfast tomorrow & I wanted pasta for a change. I saw this post from you. I copied the ingredients as well as the instructions so I would be ready tomorrow. Thank you for sharing this. I am sure my husband will live it since he loves pasta so much.
Natasha says
Enjoy! 🙂
Candace Chatman says
So simple and good. I made this tonight when i realized that i didn't have any other protein except tuna. I mixed in the sautéed vegetables I made and it's perfect.
Natasha says
I'm so glad you enjoyed it!
Victoria says
I love that this dish manages to be both delicious and simple/forgiving at the same time. The possibilities are truly endless. I've made it exactly as is, but have also tried throwing in red pepper flakes, capers, cherry tomatoes, asparagus, zucchini, sometimes a pat of butter (if I am feeling especially indulgent). Everything works. This is the perfect way to use up all those odds and ends hanging out in your fridge. The only problem is resisting the urge to eat the entire portion after you make it. 🙂
P.S. I am a huge fan of your other recipes as well. Thank you so much for your time, effort, and generosity. <3
Natasha says
Aww thanks for your sweet comment, Victoria!! I'm so glad you like this recipe (and others)! 🙂 XO
Rhett says
This was sooooo delish! I added red pepper flakes, green onion, diced baby tomatoes, olives, and used gluten free pasta! Yummmmm!!
Natasha says
I'm so happy you enjoyed it, Rhett! Love the additions!
Elma says
This was awesome!!! I added some tomato paste!I also added some curry and it came out so yummy. Thank you for providing such a wonderful recipe!
Natasha says
You're welcome! 🙂
Pierrette says
Added peas and flaked red pepper. Delicious!
Natasha says
Great!!