Indulge in a delicious canned tuna pasta dish, a wholesome recipe ready in under 20 minutes. Whether enjoyed warm or chilled, this albacore tuna creation is perfect for those hectic nights when time is of the essence. From start to finish, you’ll have this delightful pasta on your plate in less than 20 minutes, making it an ideal solution for busy days.
If you’re new to cooking with tuna, fear not—this recipe is beginner-friendly. Personally, I find joy in incorporating tuna into my meals not only for its delectable taste but also for its health benefits. Packed with Omega-3s, vitamins, and minerals, tuna adds a nutritious element to your dish. A can of tuna is a staple in my pantry, ensuring that this quick and easy recipe is always within reach. You might also enjoy learning how to make tuna sushi rolls with canned tuna or try smoked salmon pasta for a quick and simple dinner (swap for gf pasta if needed).
How To Make
Begin by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is heated, add finely minced garlic, creating a fragrant base for the dish. Sauté the garlic for about a minute, allowing its rich aroma to infuse into the oil.
Add the roasted red peppers to the skillet, enhancing the dish with their sweet and smoky notes. Season the mixture with a pinch of salt and a dash of freshly ground pepper.
Now, incorporate the star ingredient – tuna. Whether you’re using canned albacore or another variety, add the tuna to the skillet, allowing its flaky texture and savory taste to meld with the aromatic garlic and peppers.
Introduce the cooked linguine to the pan, ensuring that it becomes thoroughly coated in the flavorful medley. To achieve the perfect consistency and enhance the pasta’s silkiness, add a portion of the reserved cooking water. This step not only brings the elements together but also prevents the dish from becoming too dry.
Elevate the richness of the dish by generously sprinkling Parmesan cheese over the pasta. The cheese contributes a creamy texture and a depth of flavor, tying all the ingredients together into a harmonious blend.
Toss the pasta delicately, ensuring that each strand is coated with the luscious sauce. Allow the heat to gently melt the Parmesan, creating a creamy and velvety coating for the linguine.
Once well blended, serve the pasta immediately, presenting a dish that seamlessly combines the bold flavors of garlic, roasted red peppers, tuna, and Parmesan.
Which Canned Tuna Should I Use?
There can be a variety of tuna cans at the grocery store and to be honest I didn’t know which one to buy the first time I went down the aisle. Knowing the difference between the most common labels can help you decide!
White Tuna – Albacore is the only fish species that can be labeled “White Tuna”. I typically buy albacore tuna because my kids like the flavor the best and usually tell me that it tastes like chicken.
Light Tuna – When a can is labeled “light tuna” it is typically Skipjack or Yellowfin tuna. The meat is usually darker in color and has a softer texture than white tuna.
GROCERY STORE TIP: I look for tuna cans without dents, bulging or discoloration to avoid buying a compromised can.
Recipe Tips and Tricks
Roasted Red Peppers: If you have time, roast fresh red peppers at home for a richer, smokier flavor. Alternatively, choose high-quality jarred roasted red peppers. Ensure they are well-drained and pat them dry with a paper towel to prevent excess moisture in the dish.
Seasoning: Experiment with a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of dried basil to add depth to the seasoning. Adjust the salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.
Tuna Selection: Choose sustainable and high-quality tuna for the best taste. If using canned tuna, opt for one packed in olive oil for added richness. Consider trying different varieties of tuna for a unique flavor profile.
Linguine Texture: Cook the linguine al dente, so it retains a slight firmness when bitten. This ensures a satisfying texture in the final dish.
Reserved Cooking Water: Save a bit more cooking water than suggested in case you need additional moisture when tossing the pasta. The starch in the water helps create a silky sauce.
Tossing Technique: Toss the pasta gently to prevent breakage and ensure even coating of the ingredients. Take your time to blend the flavors thoroughly.
FAQ
If you don’t have roasted red peppers, you can try using sun-dried tomatoes for a slightly different flavor profile. Alternatively, fresh bell peppers can be sautéed along with the garlic for a similar sweet and savory effect.
Absolutely! Enhance the dish with your favorite vegetables like spinach, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus. Add them during the sautéing step for a nutritious boost.
Yes, you can use fresh tuna. Simply cook the fresh tuna in the skillet before adding other ingredients. Flake it into bite-sized pieces to achieve a texture similar to canned tuna.
Omega-3s are essential fatty acids, which means that our bodies CANNOT make these fatty acids and we NEE to find ways to add these fatty acids to our diet by food or supplements. Eating tuna is a great & affordable way to add Omega-3s into the diet to meet recommendations. Tuna offers both eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which are two essential Omega-3 fatty acids that provide heart-healthy benefits.
Storage Instructions
To store the tuna pasta for later enjoyment, allow it to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate the dish promptly and label the container with the preparation date. Keep the tuna pasta in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days to maintain its freshness. Avoid freezing, as the texture may be compromised, especially with the inclusion of dairy like Parmesan cheese.
When ready to reheat, add a splash of water or broth to prevent dryness, and use the stovetop or microwave until it reaches the desired temperature.
More Seafood Recipes
CKC Features both Gluten-Free Guidance and Kids Cooking Instructions: If you’re new to eating gluten-free we understand it’s overwhelming trying to figure out which foods may contain gluten and which ones don’t. All of our gluten-free recipes marked with this symbol ✅ represent foods that need to be checked for gluten or cross-contamination.
The ⭐️ symbol in the recipe below denotes the steps in which kid cooks may need a helper (depending on age). If there is no ⭐️ symbol, that step (or recipe) doesn’t require a helper.
Canned Tuna Pasta
Ingredients
- 2 6 ounce cans oil packed tuna ✅
- 8 ounce gluten-free linguine, cooked per package instructions – reserving 1/2 cup cooking water
- 1/2 cup jarred roasted red peppers, chopped ✅
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese ✅
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- ⭐️ Saute garlic. In a large skillet over medium heat, saute olive oil and garlic. Cook 1 minute.
- ⭐️ Add in peppers, tuna, and pasta. Add roasted red peppers, season with salt and pepper. Stir in tuna. Add linguine and reserved cooking water. Add parmesan cheese. Toss the pasta until well blended.
- Serve. Serve hot or cold.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
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Betsy says
Could I use tuna packed in water instead?
Create Kids Club says
Hi Betsy! Yes, you can certainly use tuna packed in water. I think that the flavor of the oil-packed tuna compliments this dish, but the other variety would work well too!