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One-Pan Creamy Tuna Pasta with Lemon

A close-up of creamy tuna pasta made with fusilli, green peas, and topped with fresh parsley.
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Make this ultimate comfort dinner quickly using pantry staples. This one-pan creamy tuna pasta comes together fast and uses simple ingredients for a satisfying weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz pasta (penne or rotini recommended)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
  • 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 (5 oz) cans tuna in water, drained
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Gruyère cheese
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of the cooking water. Set the cooked pasta aside.
  2. In the same large pot or a deep skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Do not let it brown.
  3. Whisk in the flour to create a roux. Cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute.
  4. Slowly whisk in the milk until the mixture is smooth. Then, whisk in the broth, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
  5. Bring the sauce to a simmer, stirring often. Let it cook for 3 to 5 minutes until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. This forms your creamy base.
  6. Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the drained tuna, frozen peas, and shredded cheese until the cheese melts completely into the sauce.
  7. Add the cooked pasta back into the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
  8. Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley.
  9. Serve immediately. This simple recipe is a great alternative to complex meal planning.

Notes

  • For a richer flavor, use tuna packed in olive oil instead of water.
  • If you prefer a baked casserole, transfer the mixture to a baking dish, top with breadcrumbs, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes until golden.
  • This recipe is budget friendly, using common pantry items.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://blissbatter.com/easy-creamy-tuna-pasta-one-pan-recipe/