Description
This creamy tuna pasta recipe combines tender pasta with a rich, flavorful sauce and flaky tuna. It’s a comforting dish, perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a cozy dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 ounces pasta (such as penne, rotini, or shells)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk (whole milk or 2%)
- 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon dried dill (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 (5 ounce) cans tuna in water or oil, drained and flaked
- 1/2 cup frozen peas, thawed
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Sprinkle the flour over the onion and garlic. Cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes to create a roux.
- Gradually whisk in the milk and broth, a little at a time, to prevent lumps. Continue whisking until the sauce thickens and comes to a simmer.
- Reduce heat to low. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, softened cream cheese, and Dijon mustard until melted and smooth. If using, stir in the dried dill.
- Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Gently fold in the drained and flaked tuna and thawed peas. Cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the peas to warm through.
- Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat evenly.
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh chopped parsley.
Notes
- For a richer sauce, use heavy cream instead of some of the milk.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth if needed to thin the sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Comfort Food
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 60mg