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
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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.
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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.
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Stir in the tuna, lemon juice, and parsley. Let it heat through.
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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.
Recipe 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.
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!