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Canned tuna pasta dish served in a bowl with vegetables and herbs.

Canned Tuna Pasta

A quick and nutritious meal made with pasta, canned tuna, and vibrant vegetables, perfect for busy weeknights.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Vegetables
  • 3/4 pound spaghetti Classic pasta choice; you can switch it out for your favorite variety.
  • 1 1/2 cups frozen peas Sweet, vibrant addition; fresh peas work too, if in season.
  • 1 red bell pepper red bell pepper Adds color and sweetness; substitute with zucchini or orange bell pepper.
  • 6 cloves garlic (minced) Fresh garlic brings a wonderful aroma; use garlic powder if you’re in a hurry.
Main Ingredients
  • 2 cans albacore tuna Star ingredient; any canned tuna works, but go for one packed in water for lower fat.
  • 1 lemon lemon (zested and juiced) Fresh citrus brightens the dish; lime can be an interesting twist.
  • 1/2 bunch parsley (chopped) Fresh herbs brighten up flavors; basil is a fantastic alternative.
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano Adds a Mediterranean touch; thyme or Italian seasoning can replace it.
  • 6 to 8 pieces pitted Kalamata olives (sliced) A salty hit; switch to green olives or skip them if you prefer.
  • 1 jalapeno pepper jalapeno pepper (optional) Adds heat; omit if you want a milder dish.
Flavor Enhancers
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil A little drizzle goes a long way; feel free to use sunflower or canola oil in a pinch.
  • black pepper black pepper To taste; fresh cracked is best for added zing.
  • grated Parmesan cheese (for serving) Classic and scrumptious; do nutritional yeast for a vegan-friendly option.

Method
 

Cooking Pasta and Peas
  1. Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, season generously with salt. Cook the pasta until al dente according to the package directions. Add frozen peas five minutes into cooking. Reserve 3/4 cup of cooking water; then drain.
Cooking Vegetables
  1. In a large, deep pan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the bell peppers and sauté until softened, about 3 to 4 minutes. Toss in the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
Finishing the Dish
  1. Add the drained pasta and peas, tuna, lemon zest, lemon juice, parsley, oregano, black pepper, olives, and jalapeño (if using). Drizzle some olive oil and a splash of reserved pasta water. Toss everything vigorously, adjusting the texture by adding more pasta water as needed. Once combined, serve in bowls with a sprinkle of Parmesan.

Notes

Let the pasta cool completely before storing to prevent sogginess. Make it a one-pot meal by cooking everything in the same pot after the pasta. Experiment with herbs and spices to suit your family’s taste.