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One-Pan Creamy Tuna Pasta with Lemon

Close-up of creamy tuna pasta featuring penne coated in sauce, topped with shredded tuna, bright green peas, and fresh parsley.
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Make this satisfying, creamy tuna pasta in one pan for quick cleanup. This recipe uses pantry staples and finishes with fresh lemon for a bright flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz pasta (penne or rotini)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cans (5 oz each) tuna in water, drained
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup frozen peas
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes.
  3. Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Stir in the drained tuna, chicken broth, milk, and heavy cream into the skillet. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  5. Reduce heat to low and stir in the Parmesan cheese until the sauce thickens slightly.
  6. Add the cooked pasta and frozen peas to the skillet. Stir everything together until the pasta is coated and the peas are heated through.
  7. Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the lemon juice and lemon zest. Season with salt and pepper to your taste.
  8. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley.

Notes

  • For a baked version, transfer the mixture to a casserole dish, top with breadcrumbs, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes until golden.
  • You can substitute broccoli florets for peas if you prefer a different vegetable.
  • Use tuna packed in oil for a richer flavor, draining off most of the oil before adding.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://daisyrecipe.com/easy-creamy-tuna-pasta-one-pan/