If you think tuna pasta in tomato sauce sounds ordinary, let me change your mind! 🍅✨ Picture tender pasta paired with canned tuna, all wrapped up in a rich and flavorful tomato sauce, enhanced with sautéed onion, garlic, and a touch of grated carrot for natural sweetness. The finishing touch? Melted cheese that takes this dish to the next level of comfort food bliss. 🧀🍝
You can use any pasta you like—spaghetti, penne, or even fusilli—whatever matches your mood or pantry staples. This recipe is the ultimate quick and delicious dinner idea, perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you’re craving something hearty and satisfying. ❤️Ready to wow your taste buds? Let’s get cooking!
Watch how to make it! ♥
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
It’s Tuna-tastic! Canned tuna gets a glow-up in this dish, proving it can be more than just a sandwich filler. 😉
Comfort Food Meets Gourmet: The creamy melted cheese and rich tomato sauce will have you feeling like a master chef in no time.
Veggie Boost Without the Fuss: A sneaky bit of grated carrot adds sweetness and nutrients—your taste buds won’t even notice, but your body will thank you. 🥕
Ready in a Flash: This recipe is faster than waiting for takeout, making it the perfect midweek dinner hero.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Pasta – Any type you prefer: spaghetti, penne, fusilli… whatever makes you smile!
Onion – Sautéed until golden and sweet.
Garlic – Because it makes everything better.
Canned Tomatoes – The base for that rich, flavorful sauce.
Canned Tuna – In oil, water, or olive oil – your choice!
Tomato Paste – Optional, but adds extra depth of flavor.
Carrots – Grated for a touch of natural sweetness.
Oregano or Italian Herbs – For that perfect Italian vibe.
Salt & Pepper – To taste, for the ideal balance of flavor.
Cheese – Gouda, Cheddar, Mozzarella – any one of these will melt beautifully into the dish.
Fresh Parsley – To top it all off with a pop of color and freshness.
How to Make Tuna Pasta in Tomato Sauce (Step by Step)
STEP 1.
Cook the pasta in salted water, ideally al dente. Once cooked, drain it in a colander and set aside. Heat some oil in a pan, and I recommend adding a spoonful of butter as well. When the oil is hot, add finely chopped onion and sauté for about 3 minutes, then add grated garlic, stir, and cook for another minute.
STEP 2.
Next, add the grated carrot to the pan, stir it with the onion, and cook everything for about 3 minutes. Then, add canned tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano or Italian herbs, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything well and let the sauce simmer on low heat for about 6-8 minutes until it thickens.
STEP 3.
Add the drained tuna from the cans, break it up in the pan, and mix it with the sauce. Keep it on the heat for about 2 minutes, then add the cooked pasta and stir well so the sauce coats the pasta evenly.
STEP 4.
Finally, sprinkle the grated cheese over the pasta, cover the pan with a lid, and keep it on the heat for 3-4 minutes until the cheese melts. You can top it with fresh parsley. Serve immediately.
Tips for the Tuna Tomato Pasta
Add a Kick with Red Pepper Flakes: If you like a little heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes into the sauce for an extra zing!
Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil or parsley can elevate the flavor of your sauce. Add them at the end for a burst of freshness.
Make It Creamy: For a richer sauce, stir in a splash of cream or a dollop of mascarpone cheese.
Customize with Veggies: Feel free to sneak in other vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini for a more colorful and nutritious dish.
Tuna Variations: Experiment with different types of canned tuna – in olive oil for extra richness, or in water for a lighter version.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I store leftovers?
You can store leftover Tuna Tomato Pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Reheat in a pan or microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.
Can I use fresh tuna instead of canned?
Yes! You can use fresh tuna, just cook it and break it up into chunks before adding it to the sauce. The flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious.
Can I make this pasta gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply swap the regular pasta for a gluten-free variety. It will work just as well with the sauce.
I hope you love this dish as much as I do. Wishing you a wonderful and blessed day! 😊
I also have some other great ideas for quick pasta dinners for you. I especially recommend:
Easy Tuna Pasta Bake ♥ – Pasta Mama Cooks
Canned tuna pasta with tomato sauce! – Pasta Mama Cooks
Creamy Mushroom Chicken Pasta – Pasta Mama Cooks
Creamy Mushroom Orzo Recipe (One Pot). So easy, so good! – Pasta Mama Cooks
Eggplant Pasta: Italian-Inspired Pasta alla Norma Recipe – Pasta Mama Cooks
Creamy Tomato Pasta with Cheese – A Quick and Easy Fix for Busy Weeknights! – Pasta Mama Cooks
TUNA PASTA IN TOMATO SAUCE. PRINTABLE RECIPE
Tuna Tomato Pasta
Ingredients
- 10.5 oz (300 g) of your favorite pasta (dry weight)
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 large garlic cloves, minced
- 28 oz (800 g) canned tomatoes (two standard 14 oz cans or 400 g each)
- 9 oz (260 g) canned tuna, drained (about two 5 oz cans or 130 g each)
- 1 heaping teaspoon tomato paste (optional, but adds a richer flavor)
- 2 medium carrots, grated (about 7 oz / 200 g)
- 1 heaping teaspoon oregano or Italian herbs
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 5.3-7 oz (150-200 g) of cheese, such as Gouda, Cheddar, Mozzarella, or Edam
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in salted water, ideally al dente. Once cooked, drain it in a colander and set aside. Heat some oil in a pan, and I recommend adding a spoonful of butter as well. When the oil is hot, add finely chopped onion and sauté for about 3 minutes, then add grated garlic, stir, and cook for another minute.
- Next, add the grated carrot to the pan, stir it with the onion, and cook everything for about 3 minutes. Then, add canned tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano or Italian herbs, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything well and let the sauce simmer on low heat for about 6-8 minutes until it thickens.
- Add the drained tuna from the cans, break it up in the pan, and mix it with the sauce. Keep it on the heat for about 2 minutes, then add the cooked pasta and stir well so the sauce coats the pasta evenly.
- Finally, sprinkle the grated cheese over the pasta, cover the pan with a lid, and keep it on the heat for 3-4 minutes until the cheese melts. You can top it with fresh parsley. Serve immediately.
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