Creamy Tuna Pasta Skillet
This Creamy Tuna Pasta Skillet is a quick, comforting one-pan meal loaded with tender pasta, savory tuna, sweet peas, and a luscious Parmesan cream sauce.
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 20 minutes mins
Total Time 30 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Large skillet or sauté pan
Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula
Knife and cutting board
Measuring cups and spoons
Colander
- 8 oz pasta penne or fusilli preferred for their sauce-holding shapes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 can (15 oz) tuna in water drained
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- salt and pepper to taste
- chopped parsley for garnish
Creamy Tuna Pasta Skillet: How It’s Done
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the 8 oz of pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in your skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Stir in the drained tuna, breaking it up gently with your spoon. Add the frozen peas, and cook for 2 minutes until the peas are heated through.
Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Let the sauce cook for a minute or two, thickening slightly. Season with salt and pepper to your taste.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated in the creamy sauce. Heat it through for another minute or so.
Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle chopped parsley over the top for a fresh burst of color and flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy.
- Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for dietary preferences.
- Swap peas for spinach or broccoli florets for a different veggie twist.
- Reserve some pasta water before draining and add a splash to the sauce if it gets too thick.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat gently with a splash of cream or milk.
- Choose high-quality tuna packed in water for the best flavor and texture.
Keyword Comfort Food, Creamy, Easy, one pan, Quick, Tuna