Go Back
Homemade Tuna Pasta photo

Tuna Pasta

This Tuna Pasta is a quick, flavorful dish! Al dente spaghetti meets tender tuna and zesty lemon, ready in under 30 minutes!
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time25 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: Easy, Pasta, Quick, Tuna
Servings: 2 servings

Ingredients

  • 6 oz albacore tuna packed in oil
  • 8 oz spaghetti
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 lemon the zest of one
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 2 tbsp capers
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 2 tbsp parsley chopped

Instructions

How to Prepare Tuna Pasta

  • Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, reserve a cup of pasta water, then drain the spaghetti in a colander and set aside.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, kosher salt, capers, and red pepper flakes. Whisk together until well combined. This will serve as the flavorful base of your Tuna Pasta.
  • Gently flake the albacore tuna into the bowl with the sauce, taking care not to break it down too much. The goal is to maintain some nice chunks of tuna for texture.
  • Add the drained spaghetti to the bowl with the tuna sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated, adding a bit of the reserved pasta water if needed to achieve the desired consistency.
  • Finally, sprinkle the chopped parsley over the pasta and give it another gentle toss. This adds a fresh burst of flavor and color that makes the dish truly pop.
  • Plate the Tuna Pasta, garnishing each serving with extra parsley and a drizzle of olive oil if desired. Enjoy this delightful meal warm, and savor every bite!

Equipment

  • Pasta pot
  • Colander
  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • Garlic press
  • Measuring spoons
  • Serving spoon

Notes

  • Make sure to drain the tuna well to avoid excess oil in your pasta dish.
  • For a creamier texture, consider adding a dollop of mascarpone or cream cheese into the sauce.
  • Letting the pasta rest for a few minutes after mixing allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
  • Feel free to adjust the amount of red pepper flakes based on your spice tolerance.