Served with long, thin, twirlable linguini (or whatever pasta you happen to have on hand) this quick and easy stovetop tuna pasta recipe is whipped up in just 20 minutes!
I was going through my recipe photos the other day and discovered I never posted this recipe. I literally took the photos for it in 2021...2021!!! At the height of covid, stuck in the house, pre-baby and everything. Since we have every other week at a minimum, I have no idea how this one fell through the cracks! Without further ado, let us discuss this easy, 20-minute stove tuna pasta.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
When it comes to dinner, there's nothing better than a meal that's both delicious and quick to make. That's why you'll love this 20-minute stovetop tuna pasta recipe. Not only is it easy, but it requires only a handful of ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry!
You can also customize it to your liking by adding different vegetables or using a different type of pasta. And if you're feeling fancy, you can even swap out the canned tuna for fresh seafood! No matter how you make it, this recipe is sure to become a go-to in your kitchen.
Tips And Tricks
- Use fresh lemon juice. Although I do always have some of the bottled stuff chilling in my fridge, I try to use freshly squeezed lemons whenever possible.
- Experiment with different types of spices to give your pasta an extra kick! Red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne powder are all great options to add some heat to your dish.
- Use high-quality canned tuna in oil. While any brand will work, investing in a better quality option can make a big difference in the overall taste and texture of your dish.
What To Serve With This Recipe
Not sure what to have alongside this stovetop tuna pasta? Some of my favorites with this dish are a simple green salad dressed or roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli. If you're looking for a heartier option, garlic bread or a crusty baguette can complement the dish well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! Feel free to add any vegetables you like such as cherry tomatoes, zucchini, or spinach. Just make sure to sauté them in the pan with the onion to ensure they're cooked through.
While this recipe is best served fresh, you can prepare the sauce (without the tuna) ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 2 days. When you're ready to serve, simply heat up the sauce, add the canned tuna, and cook the pasta.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While this recipe calls for linguini, you can use any type of long or tubular pasta you like. Spaghetti, penne, or even farfalle, would work well.
20 Minute Stovetop Tuna Pasta
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4 to 6 1x
Description
Served with long, thin, twirlable linguini (or whatever pasta you happen to have on hand) this quick and easy stovetop tuna pasta recipe is whipped up in just 20 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 lb pasta (I used linguini)
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- ½ yellow onion, diced
- 3 to 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 15 ounces diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 tablespoon red wine or red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons capers, roughly minced
- ½ cup pitted castelvetrano olives, roughly chopped
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 5 ounces canned tuna in olive oil (I used Genova's canned Yellowfin tuna)
- Crushed red pepper flakes as desired
- Parsley, roughly chopped and parmesan cheese to garnish (optional)
Get Recipe Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to box instructions. Save ¼ cup of the pasta water. Drain pasta and set aside.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil over medium high heat in a large skillet.
- Stir in the yellow onion. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, until onion is begins to turn translucent.
- Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Add the tomato paste and cook 30 seconds to 1 minute, stirring frequently, until paste begins to brown.
- Pour in red wine, scrape up any browned bits on the bottom of the pan.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, italian seasoning, olives, capers, and lemon juice. Bring to a boil, and reduce to a simmer. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until somewhat thickened.
- Add tuna and pasta, cook 1 minute, until warmed through.
- Remove from heat. Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately with parsley and parmesan cheese to garnish and crushed red pepper flakes as desired.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Diane E Young says
When do you add the pasta
Aberdeen says
In step 8 with the tuna 😊.
Mary Flickinger says
Thank you for this winning recipe. I made it exactly as written and used natural catch high quality tuna, my family really enjoyed it and it’s on our weekly menu with some garlic bread.
Would the addition of mushrooms and spinach sautéed at the time I’m sautéing the onions and garlic be a good addition? Thanks