Tuna Recipes with Pasta – Great Tuna Meal Ideas

Craving a satisfying meal that’s quick to make and bursting with flavor? Look no further than tuna recipes with pasta! Whether you’re a busy parent, a student on a budget, or just someone who loves a good meal without spending hours in the kitchen, these recipes are sure to become staples in your repertoire. Let’s dive into some irresistible tuna and pasta combinations that will leave your taste buds singing!

15 Tuna Recipes with Pasta

1. Classic Tuna Pasta Salad
   Main Ingredients. Pasta, canned tuna, celery, onion, bell peppers, dressing (mayonnaise or vinaigrette), fresh herbs (optional)
   This classic salad is a crowd-pleaser. Cook pasta according to package instructions, then mix with flaked tuna, diced celery, onion, and bell peppers. Dress with your favorite dressing, whether it’s a creamy mayo-based one or a tangy vinaigrette. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or dill for an extra burst of flavor.

2. Tuna Alfredo Pasta
   Main Ingredients. Pasta, canned tuna, butter, cream, Parmesan cheese, black pepper
   Upgrade your classic Alfredo sauce by adding flaked tuna into the mix. Cook your pasta al dente, then toss it with a rich and creamy Alfredo sauce made with butter, cream, and Parmesan cheese. Fold in the tuna, and finish with a sprinkle of black pepper and grated Parmesan.

3. Spicy Tuna Arrabbiata
   Main Ingredients. Pasta, canned tuna, garlic, chili flakes, diced tomatoes, basil, Pecorino Romano cheese
   For those who like a bit of heat, this dish is perfect. Prepare a spicy tomato sauce with garlic, chili flakes, and diced tomatoes. Stir in canned tuna and cooked pasta, and let them simmer together to allow the flavors to meld. Garnish with fresh basil and grated Pecorino Romano cheese for an authentic Italian touch.

4. Tuna and Lemon Linguine
   Main Ingredients. Linguine, canned tuna, olive oil, garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, parsley
   Brighten up your meal with the fresh taste of lemon. Cook linguine until al dente, then toss with a sauce made from olive oil, garlic, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Add flaked tuna and chopped parsley, then season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Tuna Puttanesca Pasta
   Main Ingredients. Spaghetti, canned tuna, olives, capers, anchovies, garlic, canned tomatoes, basil, extra virgin olive oil
   Transport yourself to the Mediterranean with this flavorful dish. Cook spaghetti until al dente, then toss with a sauce made from olives, capers, anchovies, garlic, and canned tomatoes. Add canned tuna and let everything simmer together until heated through. Finish with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of chopped fresh basil.

6. Tuna Pesto Pasta
   Main Ingredients. Pasta, canned tuna, basil pesto sauce, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese
   Combine the fresh flavors of basil pesto with the richness of tuna in this satisfying dish. Cook your favorite pasta until tender, then toss with basil pesto sauce. Add canned tuna and stir until well combined. Serve with a sprinkle of pine nuts and grated Parmesan cheese on top.

7. Creamy Tuna Mushroom Pasta
   Main Ingredients. Pasta, canned tuna, mushrooms, butter, heavy cream, nutmeg
   Indulge in a comforting bowl of creamy pasta loaded with mushrooms and tuna. Sauté sliced mushrooms in butter until golden brown, then stir in cooked pasta and canned tuna. Pour in heavy cream and simmer until the sauce has thickened slightly. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg for a warming flavor.

8. Tuna Carbonara
   Main Ingredients. Spaghetti, canned tuna, eggs, bacon, Parmesan cheese, black pepper
   Put a twist on the classic carbonara by adding tuna into the mix. Cook spaghetti until al dente, then toss with crispy bacon, beaten eggs, grated Parmesan cheese, and flaked tuna. The heat from the pasta will cook the eggs, creating a creamy sauce. Finish with a generous sprinkle of black pepper.

9. Tuna Tomato Basil Pasta
   Main Ingredients. Pasta, canned tuna, cherry tomatoes, garlic, basil, olive oil, red pepper flakes
   This simple yet flavorful dish is perfect for busy weeknights. Cook pasta until al dente, then sauté cherry tomatoes and garlic in olive oil until softened. Add flaked tuna and chopped basil, then toss with the pasta. Season with red pepper flakes for a kick of heat.

10. Tuna and Spinach Pasta Bake
    Main Ingredients. Pasta, canned tuna, spinach, marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, breadcrumbs
    This hearty pasta bake is a comforting meal the whole family will love. Cook pasta until al dente, then mix with canned tuna, chopped spinach, and marinara sauce. Transfer to a baking dish, top with shredded mozzarella cheese and breadcrumbs, then bake until golden and bubbly.
11. Tuna Mac and Cheese
    Main Ingredients. Macaroni, canned tuna, cheddar cheese, milk, butter, breadcrumbs
    Take your classic mac and cheese to the next level by adding tuna. Cook macaroni until al dente, then make a creamy cheese sauce with cheddar cheese, milk, and butter. Stir in flaked tuna, then transfer to a baking dish, top with breadcrumbs, and bake until golden and crispy.
12. Tuna and Vegetable Stir-Fry Noodles
    Main Ingredients. Noodles, canned tuna, mixed vegetables (such as bell peppers, carrots, and snap peas), soy sauce, garlic, ginger
    For a quick and healthy meal, try this tuna and vegetable stir-fry. Cook noodles according to package instructions, then stir-fry mixed vegetables with garlic and ginger until crisp-tender. Add flaked tuna and cooked noodles to the pan, then drizzle with soy sauce and toss until well combined.
13. Tuna and Artichoke Pasta
    Main Ingredients. Pasta, canned tuna, artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, fresh parsley
    This Mediterranean-inspired pasta is light yet flavorful. Cook pasta until al dente, then toss with canned tuna, chopped artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, and minced garlic. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice, then garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
14. Tuna and Corn Pasta Salad
    Main Ingredients. Pasta, canned tuna, corn kernels, red onion, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar
    This refreshing pasta salad is perfect for picnics and potlucks. Cook pasta until al dente, then mix with canned tuna, corn kernels, and finely chopped red onion. Dress with a creamy dressing made from mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar. Chill before serving for optimal flavor.

With these easy and delicious tuna recipes with pasta, you’ll never be short on meal ideas again. From classic salads to indulgent bakes, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So, the next time you’re in a pinch for dinner, reach for a can of tuna and get cooking!