Description
This creamy tuna pasta with peas is a quick and delicious weeknight meal combining tender pasta, savory sautéed garlic, sweet peas, and rich Parmesan-infused half and half, all tossed with flaky tuna for a satisfying and comforting dish that comes together in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Pasta & Protein
- 8 oz. pasta
- 12 oz. can solid Albacore tuna, drained
Dairy & Butter
- 2 Tbsp butter
- 1 cup half and half
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup frozen peas
Seasonings
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until tender according to package instructions. Drain using a colander and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: Meanwhile, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about one minute until soft and fragrant, taking care not to brown it.
- Cook Peas: Add the frozen peas to the skillet. Season lightly with salt and pepper, and sauté for 2-3 minutes until the peas are heated through.
- Simmer Half and Half: Pour in the half and half, stirring frequently to prevent a skin from forming or burning. Allow it to come to a gentle simmer and reduce slightly for 3-5 minutes.
- Combine Pasta and Cheese: Add the drained pasta to the skillet and stir well to combine with the sauce. Sprinkle the shredded Parmesan over the pasta and continue stirring until the cheese melts fully. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Add Tuna and Serve: Fold the drained tuna into the pasta carefully to avoid breaking it up too much if it’s chunk light tuna. Serve the creamy tuna pasta warm.
Notes
- Using half and half adds richness without being as heavy as cream. You can substitute with light cream if preferred.
- To save time, you can cook the pasta and prepare the sauce simultaneously.
- Adjust salt cautiously since Parmesan and canned tuna already carry some salt.
- This dish can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta.
- For added flavor, garnish with fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.
