A quick, comforting, one-pan tuna pasta dish with a simple creamy sauce, ready in under 30 minutes for an easy weeknight dinner.
Author:Sarah Peterson
Prep Time:10 min
Cook Time:20 min
Total Time:30 min
Yield:4 servings 1x
Category:Dinner
Method:Stovetop
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
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 or vegetable broth
1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 cup frozen peas
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water. Set the cooked pasta aside.
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Pour in the broth, milk, and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. Reduce the heat to low.
Stir in the drained tuna and frozen peas. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the peas are heated through.
Stir in the cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Stir gently to coat everything evenly with the sauce. Season with salt and pepper.
Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley. This recipe is a great alternative to complex meal planning systems.
Notes
For a lighter sauce, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
If you prefer a baked version, transfer the mixture to a casserole dish, top with breadcrumbs, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes. This is a good option if you are exploring best meal delivery services but want a homemade alternative.
You can substitute frozen corn for the peas, or add steamed broccoli florets.