6 Easy Dinners With Tuna and Pasta
A can of tuna and a box of pasta are pantry staples that can save any night when the fridge is empty. These six are cheap, fast, and most are done in 15 to 20 minutes.
1. Classic tuna noodle casserole
Time: 35 min · Also need: egg noodles, cream of mushroom soup, frozen peas, cheese
The retro comfort dish that is still a family favorite.
Cook 8 oz egg noodles.
Mix with 2 cans drained tuna, 1 can cream of mushroom soup, ½ cup milk, 1 cup frozen peas and 1 cup cheese.
Spread in a baking dish, top with crushed crackers and bake at 375°F for 20 minutes.
Crushed potato chips on top are a classic crunchy topping.
2. Lemon garlic tuna spaghetti
Time: 15 min · Also need: garlic, lemon, olive oil, parmesan
A light pantry pasta with big flavor.
Cook 12 oz spaghetti. Save ½ cup pasta water.
Warm ¼ cup olive oil with 3 garlic cloves for 1 minute, then add 2 cans drained tuna.
Toss with the pasta, lemon zest and juice, parmesan and a splash of pasta water.
Oil-packed tuna has more flavor in this dish.
3. Creamy tuna pasta skillet
Time: 20 min · Also need: cream cheese or cream, peas, parmesan
Creamy and comforting, all in one pan.
Cook 12 oz short pasta, adding 1 cup frozen peas for the last 2 minutes.
Melt 4 oz cream cheese with ½ cup milk in a skillet until smooth.
Add the pasta, peas, 2 cans tuna and parmesan. Toss and season.
A sprinkle of dill or parsley adds freshness.
4. Tuna pasta salad
Time: 20 min · Also need: mayo, celery, peas, pickles or relish
Make it ahead for an easy no-cook dinner on a hot night.
Cook 8 oz small shells, rinse with cold water and drain.
Stir together ¾ cup mayo, a splash of pickle juice or lemon, salt and pepper.
Mix in 2 cans tuna, chopped celery, peas and pickles or relish. Chill until ready.
Keeps 3 days in the fridge, so it makes great lunches.
5. Tuna and tomato pasta
Time: 20 min · Also need: a can of diced tomatoes, garlic, olives (optional)
An Italian-style pantry sauce in 20 minutes.
Cook 12 oz penne.
Cook 2 garlic cloves in olive oil, add a can of diced tomatoes and simmer 8 minutes.
Stir in 2 cans tuna and olives if you like. Toss with the pasta.
A pinch of red pepper flakes gives it a little kick.
6. Tuna mac and cheese
Time: 20 min · Also need: elbow macaroni, cheddar, milk, butter
Mac and cheese with protein. A kid favorite.
Cook 8 oz elbows.
Melt 2 tbsp butter, stir in 2 tbsp flour, then 1½ cups milk until thick. Add 2 cups cheddar until melted.
Stir in the pasta, 2 cans tuna and a handful of peas.
Boxed mac and cheese plus a can of tuna works in a pinch.
Quick answers
Is canned tuna safe for kids?
Yes, in moderation. The FDA lists canned light tuna as a "best choice" and suggests 1 to 2 servings a week for kids, sized for their age.
Oil-packed or water-packed tuna?
Oil-packed is richer and better in warm pastas. Water-packed is lighter and great in salads.
Can I make tuna pasta ahead?
Yes. Tuna pasta salad keeps 3 days in the fridge, and casseroles can be assembled a day ahead.
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