One Pan Creamy Tuna Pasta – Easy, Cozy & Ready in 30 Minutes

Introduction

When comfort meets convenience, you get this One Pan Creamy Tuna Pasta—a warm, hearty dinner made entirely in one skillet. With tender pasta simmered in a savory, creamy sauce and chunks of flaky tuna throughout, it’s the ultimate 30-minute meal for busy nights.

This recipe is inspired by the nostalgic tuna casseroles of the past, but it’s streamlined, modernized, and far more elegant. No canned soup, no baking, no fuss—just pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients cooked together to create a cozy, protein-rich dish that feels both satisfying and effortless.

Perfect for weeknight dinners, quick lunches, or even meal prep, this pasta delivers richness and depth of flavor with just one pan to clean.

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Ingredients Overview

This one-pan meal is built on humble ingredients that work together to create something special. Here’s what you’ll need:

Pasta

• Short pasta like penne, fusilli, or rotini works best for one-pan cooking.

• Avoid long noodles as they tend to clump in a single pan.

• Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for dietary needs.

Tuna

• Canned tuna in oil gives the best flavor and texture—drain lightly before using.

• Tuna in water works too but may need extra oil for richness.

• Look for wild-caught or solid albacore for premium results.

Aromatics

• Garlic and onion build flavor from the base.

• Use shallots for a slightly sweeter, more delicate flavor if preferred.

Broth & Milk

• A mix of vegetable or chicken broth and milk creates a light but creamy sauce.

• Use unsweetened oat or almond milk for a dairy-free version.

• For extra creaminess, sub in a splash of cream or canned coconut milk.

Parmesan or Nutritional Yeast

• Adds depth and umami—grated Parmesan is traditional.

• Nutritional yeast works beautifully for dairy-free versions.

Peas or Spinach (Optional)

• Adds color, texture, and nutrition.

• Frozen peas or a couple handfuls of baby spinach stirred in at the end work perfectly.

Seasonings

• Salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning give a classic flavor.

• Add a dash of chili flakes or lemon zest to brighten and balance the richness.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

This recipe keeps things simple—no draining, no complicated steps, just a few pantry ingredients and one skillet.

1. Sauté Aromatics

• Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

• Add ½ diced onion and 2–3 cloves minced garlic.

• Sauté for 3–4 minutes until translucent and fragrant.

2. Add Liquids and Pasta

• Stir in:

  • 8 oz uncooked short pasta

  • 2 cups broth (vegetable or chicken)

  • 1 cup milk (or unsweetened non-dairy milk)

  • ½ tsp Italian seasoning

  • Salt and pepper to taste

• Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer.

• Cover and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

3. Add Tuna

• Once pasta is nearly cooked, stir in:

  • 1–2 cans of tuna, lightly drained and flaked

  • ½ cup frozen peas or 2 handfuls of baby spinach (optional)

4. Stir in Creaminess

• Add ⅓ cup grated Parmesan or 2 tbsp nutritional yeast.

• Stir until melted and creamy. Adjust with a splash of milk if needed to loosen the sauce.

5. Finish and Serve

• Taste and adjust seasoning.

• Optional: Top with lemon zest, black pepper, or a drizzle of olive oil.

• Serve warm, straight from the pan.

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Tips, Variations & Substitutions

Expert Tips:

• Stir pasta often to prevent sticking, especially in the last 5 minutes.

• If the sauce thickens too quickly, add a bit more broth or milk.

• Let it sit for 5 minutes after cooking to allow the sauce to thicken naturally.

Flavor Boosters:

• Add lemon juice or zest for a fresh, bright finish.

• Stir in capers, dijon mustard, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra depth.

• For spice lovers, add Calabrian chili paste or red pepper flakes.

Substitutions:

• No milk? Use all broth or a bit of coconut cream for richness.

• No Parmesan? Nutritional yeast or a dairy-free shredded cheese works well.

• No tuna? Sub with canned salmon or chickpeas for a vegetarian twist.

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Serving Ideas & Occasions

This creamy tuna pasta is wonderfully flexible and fits many occasions:

Ideal For:

• Quick family dinners

• Lunch meal prep

• Budget-friendly meals

• Cozy nights in

Serve With:

• A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette

• Roasted broccoli or steamed green beans

• Garlic toast or crusty bread to scoop up the sauce

Make it a complete meal with a refreshing drink like sparkling water with lemon or iced tea with herbs.

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Nutritional & Health Notes

This meal balances protein, carbs, and healthy fats in one bowl—ideal for everyday fueling:

Approximate Per Serving (serves 4):

• Calories: ~400–450

• Protein: 25–30g

• Carbs: 35–40g

• Fat: 15–18g

• Fiber: 3–5g

To lighten:

• Use low-fat milk or plant-based alternatives

• Add more vegetables to bulk up without extra calories

• Choose whole wheat pasta for extra fiber

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FAQs

Q1: Can I make this ahead of time?

A1: Yes, store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Add a splash of milk or broth when reheating to refresh the sauce.

Q2: What kind of tuna should I use?

A2: Solid white albacore or chunk light tuna in oil works best for flavor. Drain lightly to retain richness.

Q3: Can I use a different protein?

A3: Absolutely! Try canned salmon, cooked shredded chicken, or chickpeas for variety.

Q4: Is this freezer-friendly?

A4: It’s best eaten fresh. The pasta can get mushy when frozen and thawed. You can freeze the sauce separately if needed.

Q5: How do I make it dairy-free?

A5: Use unsweetened almond or oat milk and swap Parmesan for nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese.

Q6: Can I use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta?

A6: Yes—just adjust the cook time and liquid slightly. Whole wheat may need more time; gluten-free pasta may soften faster.

Q7: What if I don’t have broth?

A7: Use water with a pinch of salt and a splash of lemon juice or white wine for flavor.

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