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Easy Canned Tuna Pasta Recipe

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This Easy Canned Tuna Pasta is a quick, flavorful meal perfect for busy days. Using simple pantry staples like canned tuna, olive oil, garlic, and fresh parsley, this pasta dish comes together in just 15 minutes, delivering a satisfying Mediterranean-inspired flavor with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 4 ounces uncooked pasta (spaghetti recommended)

Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 large cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (5 ounce) can tuna, drained (preferably packed in oil)
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Toppings

  • Freshly grated parmesan cheese
  • Lemon zest

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the spaghetti until al dente according to package instructions. While the pasta cooks, prepare the sauce ingredients.
  2. Sauté Garlic: When the pasta is nearly done, heat olive oil in a small pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Add Tuna and Flavorings: Stir in the drained tuna, lemon juice, and chopped parsley into the garlic oil mixture. Warm through gently for about 1-2 minutes.
  4. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Before draining pasta, reserve a couple tablespoons of pasta cooking water. Drain the pasta and toss it with the tuna sauce, adding the reserved pasta water to loosen and bind the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Serve: Plate the pasta and optionally top with freshly grated parmesan cheese and lemon zest for an extra burst of flavor.

Notes

  • Use tuna packed in oil for richer flavor, but water-packed tuna can be used for a lighter dish.
  • Reserving pasta water helps emulsify the sauce and keeps it from drying out.
  • Fresh parsley adds herbaceous freshness but can be substituted with basil or chives.
  • Optional toppings like parmesan and lemon zest enhance brightness and depth.
  • This recipe is perfect for a quick lunch or dinner and can be doubled for more servings.

Find it online: https://recipefeastful.com/easy-canned-tuna-pasta-recipe/