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    Home » Fish & Seafood

    Easy Canned Tuna Pasta (Ready in 15 Minutes!)

    Published: Sep 3, 2018 / Updated: Mar 4, 2021 / 642 Comments

    This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my affiliate disclosure for more details.

    Jump to Recipe

    This canned tuna pasta recipe is quick, healthy, and comforting. The perfect recipe when you don't have a lot in your pantry!

    healthy 15 minute canned tuna pasta in a white bowl

    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.

    healthy 15 minute garlic tuna pasta in a bowl with spaghetti twirled on a fork

    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.

    easy canned tuna pasta in a white bowl

    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!

    This healthy 15 minute canned tuna pasta is a great time-saver when you're short on time and ingredients!

    Easy Canned Tuna Pasta

    This canned tuna pasta recipe is quick, healthy, and comforting. The perfect recipe when you don't have a lot in your pantry!
    4.78 from 221 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Saved!
    Prep Time 5 mins
    Cook Time 10 mins
    Total Time 15 mins
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine Italian
    Servings 2
    Calories 400 kcal
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    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.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 44gProtein: 21gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 26mgSodium: 180mgPotassium: 253mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 83IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 29mgIron: 2mg
    Keyword canned tuna pasta, tuna garlic pasta
    Author Natasha Bull
    « Honey Garlic Salmon Recipe
    Instant Pot Honey Sriracha Chicken »

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    1. Rachel says

      March 17, 2023 at 2:18 PM

      1 star
      Unfortunately we all found it very dry too. We did use tuna in oil but perhaps flaked tuna instead of solid tuna would have been better.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        March 17, 2023 at 3:36 PM

        Try adding some of the hot pasta water to it prior to serving. I sometimes also add cherry tomatoes in while cooking it until they burst.

        Reply
    2. Mick says

      March 6, 2023 at 8:41 PM

      Very dry

      Reply
      • Miranda @ Salt & Lavender says

        March 6, 2023 at 8:51 PM

        Weird. Did you use oil-packed tuna?

        Reply
    3. Stefanie says

      February 15, 2023 at 5:26 PM

      5 stars
      I made this for dinner tonight, and it was wonderful! I used light tuna in water. We doubled the recipe, added some oregano, a few anchovies and a tablespoon of capers. It was a grown up version of tuna casserole, but simple weeknight "fancy". I'd serve it to guests with a nice crisp salad. Perfect to use pantry items up, so tasty!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        February 15, 2023 at 5:39 PM

        So glad it was a hit!! 🙂

        Reply
    4. Felicia says

      February 15, 2023 at 1:43 PM

      We love it !
      I fried an onion as well and the garlic and added some capers, deliiicouso!!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        February 15, 2023 at 1:55 PM

        Love those additions!

        Reply
    5. Carolyn says

      February 12, 2023 at 5:37 PM

      5 stars
      I added mashed avocado because I needed to use it. It was Great!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        February 12, 2023 at 6:08 PM

        That's awesome! Glad you liked it!

        Reply
    6. Oliver Weiler says

      February 8, 2023 at 5:15 AM

      5 stars
      Great recipe! Simple and fast to make, and you almost always have all the ingredients at home.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        February 8, 2023 at 12:17 PM

        Thank you so much!

        Reply
    7. Fabi says

      January 22, 2023 at 8:42 PM

      Loved it! Perfect recipe when in a rush!
      I used gluten free spaghetti and added a cup of frozen peas at the end.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        January 23, 2023 at 9:31 AM

        Thank you!! 🙂 Glad you like it!

        Reply
    8. Harj says

      January 17, 2023 at 10:47 AM

      5 stars
      Love this recipe. As do my kids!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        January 17, 2023 at 11:17 AM

        That's fantastic!! 😀 Thank you!

        Reply
    9. Yaron says

      January 12, 2023 at 11:28 AM

      Hi Natasha, can I substitute parley with spearmint? Thanks.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        January 12, 2023 at 1:43 PM

        Hi! I think spearmint may overpower the flavors, so I'd use it very sparingly to see if you like it first.

        Reply
    10. Tracey Robertson says

      January 7, 2023 at 10:41 AM

      1 star
      Nobody liked it all at. Sorry.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        January 7, 2023 at 7:06 PM

        Too bad! It's a favorite for thousands of people around the world as well as in my own home. Not sure why that deserves a 1-star review, but ok.

        Reply
        • Odalis Rivera says

          January 11, 2023 at 10:51 AM

          4 stars
          This was yummy. I just wanted a simple recipe that didn’t require me running to the store for an ingredient and this was super easy and turned out delicious. I did sauté a little onion first and added some extra lemon juice. Thank you for the inspiration,

          Reply
          • Natasha says

            January 11, 2023 at 11:18 AM

            You're very welcome!

            Reply
      • Melody Robin says

        January 30, 2023 at 6:22 PM

        5 stars
        Sorry Tracey didn’t like it. She probably made it wrong. Not every recipe needs to be complicated or gourmet. Simple and affordable.

        Reply
    11. Rebekah Jane Wilson says

      January 4, 2023 at 6:46 PM

      5 stars
      You just rescued my evening meal. Due to low funds, we have had to shop sparingly, and I wanted to do something different and very easy due to a late visit we have to make tonight. Thank you so much for making this available on the net.
      Sincerely Rebekah.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        January 4, 2023 at 8:58 PM

        I'm so happy it worked out!! 😀

        Reply
      • Karen says

        February 24, 2023 at 1:10 PM

        5 stars
        I cooked all in 1 skillet starting with the spaghetti in a bit of chicken broth, added green beans at the halfway point of the pasta being done. Added the rest of the ingredients at the end along with sliced almonds and French's onions. Thanks for the inspiration:)

        Reply
        • Miranda @ Salt & Lavender says

          February 24, 2023 at 6:53 PM

          So happy it inspired you, Karen! The fried onion addition sounds delicious.

          Reply
    12. Sally says

      November 29, 2022 at 4:08 PM

      5 stars
      This was so yummy and really hit the spot! Just what I was craving! Easy to make and can easily add in other ingredients. I added olives and thinly sliced celery. I added celery leaves at the end and really liked this unique addition.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        November 30, 2022 at 8:08 AM

        I am so glad you liked it, Sally! 😀

        Reply
      • Samantha says

        January 13, 2023 at 3:48 AM

        5 stars
        We all loved this recipe.
        Would Riccotta cheese go well?

        Reply
    13. Cheryl says

      November 21, 2022 at 3:11 PM

      5 stars
      This was surprisingly delicious. I'm not huge fan of tuna, and I didn't think I'd like hot tuna, but I really enjoyed this. Very quick to make, and basic ingredients. Would definitely make this again. Thanks!!

      Reply
      • Miranda @ Salt & Lavender says

        November 21, 2022 at 4:01 PM

        That's awesome! Glad you liked it, and thanks so much for your review, Cheryl. 🙂

        Reply
    14. Angelo says

      November 21, 2022 at 7:05 AM

      4 stars
      Sounds like a great recipe and definitely will be trying it but I would never think of topping it with grated cheese. Speaking as an Italian born and raised in Sicily cheese and fish don't usually mix. I make an excellent pasta con sarde dish with translates to bucatini pasta with sardines, fennel, pine nuts, and raisins. It's a classic Sicilian dish from my childhood and my mother always topped it with molica which is bread crumbs pan toasted in olive oil. I would think molica would go great over your canned tuna with pasta dish.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        November 21, 2022 at 10:47 AM

        That sounds delicious!! You can definitely skip the parmesan. I usually don't add it when I make it. 🙂 Hope you enjoy the recipe!

        Reply
      • Rose says

        January 5, 2023 at 12:42 PM

        5 stars
        Tried this for lunch , very simple and basic but great tasting ! Thank you.

        Reply
        • Natasha says

          January 5, 2023 at 2:58 PM

          You're very welcome, Rose!

          Reply
    15. Steve Sands says

      November 19, 2022 at 5:28 PM

      4 stars
      First try and the family enjoyed it, thanks!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        November 19, 2022 at 5:31 PM

        You're welcome, Steve!

        Reply
    16. Marlene dougherty says

      November 18, 2022 at 2:57 PM

      5 stars
      Delicious and so easy. I added chopped celery and chopped spring onions and sautéed them lightly before continuing with recipe. Also added a little fish sauce.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        November 18, 2022 at 5:48 PM

        Love that twist!

        Reply
    17. Breaze Humphries says

      November 5, 2022 at 3:37 PM

      5 stars
      I made this last week and my 3-year-old loved it so much that he ate it for breakfast the next day!! I'm making it again tonight! Thank you for this recipe. I am always looking for more ways to make tuna!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        November 5, 2022 at 3:53 PM

        Fantastic!! 🙂 So glad it was a hit!

        Reply
    18. Alice Martinez says

      November 5, 2022 at 1:14 PM

      5 stars
      Made this today and it was super delicious. thank u for posting !!!!

      Reply
      • Miranda @ Salt & Lavender says

        November 5, 2022 at 1:19 PM

        You're welcome, Alice!! Thanks for giving it a try! 🙂

        Reply
    19. JT says

      November 2, 2022 at 8:40 PM

      5 stars
      Eating this now! Quick, easy, and delicious! (and leftovers for lunch tomorrow!) Next time I'll try some capers in there. Thanks for the recipe!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        November 2, 2022 at 9:21 PM

        Awesome! I'm so glad you liked it! You're welcome. 🙂

        Reply
    20. Leslie C says

      October 19, 2022 at 9:58 AM

      5 stars
      just finished making this and added parmesan romano right as i removed the pasta from the heat! really good and simple recipe, thank you so much

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        October 19, 2022 at 12:01 PM

        You're very welcome! Glad you like it!

        Reply
      • Steve says

        November 1, 2022 at 4:12 AM

        5 stars
        I want to try but I have a question first. So your liquid for the sauce is basically the pasta water and the small amount of oil please? And how much oil?

        Reply
        • Natasha says

          November 1, 2022 at 8:50 AM

          Hi! Quantities are listed in the recipe card. You must've scrolled past the recipe card to leave me a comment, so just scroll back up a little bit and you'll see it. Hope you enjoy the recipe! 🙂

          Reply
    21. Lorie Stinson says

      October 4, 2022 at 9:20 PM

      It was fantastic. Thank you.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        October 4, 2022 at 10:07 PM

        🙂

        Reply
    22. Dave Jones says

      September 18, 2022 at 8:02 AM

      Wow this was dreadful. I was deceived by the high rating.

      Reply
      • Miranda @ Salt & Lavender says

        September 18, 2022 at 8:37 AM

        That's a little harsh, Dave. Hundreds of people disagree. Sounds like something went wrong in your kitchen!

        Reply
    23. Dwayne M says

      August 21, 2022 at 12:42 AM

      This recipe has been a go to staple for me for about 3 years now. When the fridge is empty, I just turn to this every now and then. It's simple, tasty and filling.

      Reply
      • Miranda @ Salt & Lavender says

        August 21, 2022 at 9:28 AM

        That's fantastic to hear, Dwayne!! Thanks so much!

        Reply
    24. Kelli Culpepper says

      August 10, 2022 at 5:16 PM

      5 stars
      We’ve been making this since last year when I discovered it.

      We at least double it. Add capers, olives, and lemon rind, if we have it a splash of white wine.

      We also add some pasta water back to it. Delicious!!!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        August 10, 2022 at 5:53 PM

        Yay!! I love those additions!

        Reply
      • Melissa says

        October 7, 2022 at 9:07 AM

        I was thinking of doing the same, adding capers and olives!

        Reply
    25. Jennifer Wright says

      August 9, 2022 at 10:57 AM

      5 stars
      So easy and so much tastier than I expected! Going in the meal rotation for sure!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        August 9, 2022 at 10:59 AM

        Fantastic!! 🙂 Thanks for your review!

        Reply
    26. Natalie says

      July 25, 2022 at 4:36 AM

      I made this with my friend once but instead of parmesan, we used feta and cream cheese and it was so tart and delicious.

      Reply
    27. Ronda says

      July 9, 2022 at 9:30 AM

      Made this but times by four with Angel hair pasta , with the celery leaves & a couple shakes of celery salt. Yum , no left overs.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        July 9, 2022 at 12:40 PM

        I'm so glad it was a hit! 🙂

        Reply
      • Ava says

        January 24, 2023 at 7:00 PM

        5 stars
        Delicious and simple! Just wondering if it is safe to microwave the leftovers the next day? Thank you!

        Reply
        • Natasha says

          January 25, 2023 at 11:05 AM

          Glad you liked it!! I think that should be fine. I'd do it on a fairly low heat in intervals, stirring in between.

          Reply
    28. Unya says

      July 5, 2022 at 5:35 PM

      I made this into a cold salad with roasted sweet potato and pumkin as well as lettuce great after school snack thank you

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        July 5, 2022 at 5:36 PM

        You're welcome!

        Reply
      • Sherry says

        January 28, 2023 at 8:53 AM

        Can you explain to me the steps you did to make it into a cold salad because I want to make it that way too....sounds interesting & yummy! Thank you.

        Reply
        • Natasha says

          January 28, 2023 at 9:45 PM

          You could try this cold tuna pasta salad of mine: https://bit.ly/3wEpokM

          Reply
    29. T Schrager says

      June 18, 2022 at 7:30 PM

      Has anyone tried this cold for lunch? Thanks

      Reply
      • Sherry says

        January 28, 2023 at 8:54 AM

        I want to make this into a cold salad dish....

        Reply
    30. Joe says

      May 30, 2022 at 5:21 PM

      5 stars
      Simple and tasty recipe. My wife doesn't like canned tuna but really liked this.

      I added one cooked onion, sliced black olives and extra lemon juice.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        May 30, 2022 at 7:20 PM

        I'm so glad even she enjoyed it! 🙂 Thanks for your review!

        Reply
    31. John smith says

      May 25, 2022 at 8:38 AM

      3 stars
      Nice but needs tweaking to our taste as was a bit bland for us

      Reply
    32. Nour says

      May 13, 2022 at 9:32 AM

      5 stars
      So delicious and simple it's my favorite pasta recipe now i love it thank you for this amazing recipe!!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        May 13, 2022 at 10:14 AM

        Awesome!! You're very welcome, Nour! 😀

        Reply
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