Description
A rich and comforting creamy tuna pasta made with tender penne, flaky tuna, garlic, onion, and parmesan in a silky cream sauce. Perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 2 cans (5 ounces each) tuna in water, drained
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
- Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente, about 10 to 12 minutes. Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water, then drain.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and let it gently simmer for 3 to 4 minutes.
- Stir in the drained tuna and half of the parmesan cheese, mixing gently to keep the tuna flaky.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Sprinkle in chopped parsley and remaining parmesan. Stir gently until fully combined and serve warm.
Notes
- Do not boil the cream too hard to prevent separation.
- Use freshly grated parmesan for the smoothest texture.
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice for extra brightness if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: creamy tuna pasta, tuna pasta recipe, easy tuna pasta, pasta with tuna and cream, quick pasta dinner