This Canned Tuna Pasta with Lemon can be ready in just about 15 minutes, making it perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something delicious, without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s a great way to use up pantry staples for a fresh and satisfying meal.
Why You Should Make This Tuna Pasta Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This canned tuna pasta can be ready in about 15 minutes.
- Affordable: If you’re looking for a quick and delicious meal, this Canned Tuna Pasta with Lemon is perfect, as most of the ingredients are common pantry staples, you likely already have on hand.
- Flavorful: Anchovies add a touch of umami to this pasta dish, while fresh lemon juice and zest, add a burst of flavor.
- Healthy: Tuna is a great source of protein and healthy fats.
Ingredients
The following substitutions allow flexibility based on what you have on hand, ensuring you can still enjoy this quick and delicious pasta dish:
- Spaghetti or linguine: Can be substituted with your favorite pasta shape.
- Canned tuna in olive oil: Yellowfin or Albacore tuna in olive oil are best. Easily substitute with any drained, canned tuna.
- Anchovy filets: Can be substituted with anchovy paste, or omitted if preferred.
- Crushed red pepper: Substitute with a pinch of cayenne pepper, or omit for less heat.
- Parsley: Try other herbs like fresh basil or dill.
How to Make Canned Tuna Pasta with Lemon
- Start boiling the water for the pasta. Be sure to salt the water just before you drop the pasta.
- Heat up the olive oil with the anchovies in a deep sauté pan. Break apart the anchovies. You will notice they will melt into the oil.
- Add the crushed red pepper, garlic and black pepper. Sauté for another minute.
- Add in a ladle of pasta water to start developing the sauce.
- As soon as the pasta is just before al dente, transfer directly to the sauce with another ladle of pasta water.
- Add in the tuna, lemon juice, lemon zest, and fresh parsley. Gently toss to combine, adding additional pasta water as needed to form a sauce.
How to Serve and Store Lemony Tuna Pasta
Serving Suggestions:
- Salad: A simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette compliments the tuna pasta, nicely.
- Bread: Serve this quick pasta dish with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Storing Leftovers:
- Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheat: Reheat this Canned Tuna Pasta with Lemon gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or olive oil, to refresh the sauce.
More Canned Tuna Recipes to Love
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Canned Tuna Pasta with Lemon
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Canned Tuna Pasta with Lemon is perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something delicious to eat, but are short on time.
Ingredients
- 1 pound spaghetti or linguine
- 2 cans tuna in olive oil, drained
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 anchovy filets
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley
- Cracked black pepper and olive oil, for finishing
Instructions
- Start boiling the water for the pasta. Be sure to salt the water just before you drop the pasta.
- Heat up the olive oil with the anchovies in a deep sauté pan. Break apart the anchovies. You will notice they will melt into the oil.
- Add the crushed red pepper, garlic and black pepper. Sauté for another minute.
- Add in a ladle of pasta water to start developing the sauce.
- As soon as the pasta is just before al dente, transfer directly to the sauce with another ladle of pasta water.
- Add in the tuna, lemon juice, lemon zest and fresh parsley. Gently toss to combine, adding additional pasta water as needed to form a sauce.
- Serve on a platter or individual bowls garnished with more fresh parsley. Finish with a drizzle of olive oil and cracked black pepper.
- ENJOY!
Notes
- Use a high-quality tuna in olive oil. Yellowfin or Albacore are great choices.
- Don’t overcook the pasta. The pasta should have a bit of “tooth” when transferring to the sauce. The pasta will continue cooking.
- Reserve pasta water. Add in, as needed.
- Let the anchovies melt completely into the olive oil to enhance the umami flavor.
- Modify the amount of crushed red pepper to suit your taste preference.
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest for a vibrant, tangy flavor.
- Taste the pasta before serving and adjust the seasoning with salt and lemon juice, as needed.
- This dish is best enjoyed fresh, so serve it right away for the best texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Pasta
- Method: Easy
- Cuisine: American, Italian
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