Creamy Tuna and Pea Pasta Recipe

Craving a quick and satisfying meal that feels like a gourmet treat? Look no further than this delightful Tuna Pea Pasta recipe! In just 25 minutes, you can have a dish that combines the sweet pop of fresh peas, the heartiness of tuna, and the zing of a lemon garlic sauce. It’s a perfect harmony of flavors that will have your taste buds dancing.

I love how this Tuna Pea Pasta recipe effortlessly marries simplicity with sophistication. The tender pasta, savory tuna, and salty Parmesan create a symphony of flavors in every bite. The freshness of the lemon juice adds a light and bright touch, making this dish a go-to for busy weeknights when you want something special without the fuss.

Ready to take your Tuna Pea Pasta to the next level? Consider grating fresh Parmesan for a richer taste or experimenting with additional veggies or a splash of white wine. This recipe is wonderfully versatile, allowing you to customize it while savoring the core ingredients of tuna and peas. Whether enjoyed hot off the stove or chilled the next day, this dish is a true winner that will have you coming back for more.

Quick Benefits

• Quick and easy to make in just 25 minutes, perfect for busy weeknight dinners
• Balanced flavors with sweet peas, savory tuna, and salty Parmesan
• Versatile recipe that can be customized with additional vegetables or white wine for extra flavor
• Can be enjoyed both warm and cold, making it a great option for leftovers

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Tuna and Pea Pasta Recipe Recipe

• Quick and easy: Ready in just 25 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights when you want a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Fresh and flavorful: The combination of sweet peas, flaky tuna, and zesty lemon garlic sauce creates a bright and light dish that’s perfect for spring.
• Versatile and adaptable: You can easily customize this recipe by adding extra veggies, wine, or other seasonal ingredients while keeping the core flavors of tuna and peas.
• Perfect for leftovers: Enjoy this tuna pea pasta cold the next day for a delicious lunch option that’s just as tasty as when freshly made.
• Balanced and comforting: The sweet peas, savory tuna, and salty Parmesan come together to create a well-balanced dish that feels special and comforting at the same time.
• Freshness guaranteed: By adding the peas at the last minute and using fresh Parmesan, you ensure that the flavors are vibrant, and the textures are just right.
• Satisfying and filling: The combination of pasta, tuna, and Parmesan creates a hearty meal that will leave you feeling satisfied and full of energy.

Ingredients for Creamy Tuna and Pea Pasta Recipe

• 1 medium onion, finely diced.
• 8 oz (225g) bowtie pasta.
• 1 cup (150g) fresh peas.
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil.
• 1 can (5 oz/140g) tuna, drained.
• 1/3 cup (30g) freshly grated Parmesan.
• 2 large garlic cloves, finely chopped.
• Salt and black pepper to taste.
• 1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes.
• 2-3 tablespoons fresh parsley, roughly chopped.

Pro Tips for Creamy Tuna and Pea Pasta Recipe

Pro Tip 1: For added flavor, try sautéing the onions in a splash of white wine before adding the garlic and chili flakes. This simple step can elevate the taste profile of your tuna pea pasta.

Pro Tip 2: Make extra and enjoy this dish cold the next day for a delicious lunch option. The flavors will have had time to meld together, resulting in an even more flavorful meal.

Pro Tip 3: To keep the peas vibrant and perfectly cooked, add them to the boiling pasta water during the last 2 minutes of cooking. This ensures they maintain their fresh taste and texture in the dish.

How to Make Creamy Tuna and Pea Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Step 01

Cook pasta in salted water until al dente, then add peas for the final 2 minutes of cooking.

Step 2: Step 02

Cook onion in olive oil until soft, about 2-3 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Mix in chili flakes and lemon juice.

Step 3: Step 03

Combine drained pasta, peas, and tuna in the skillet, gently mixing to preserve tuna chunks.

Step 4: Step 04

Mix in parsley and Parmesan, then season with salt and pepper. Serve promptly.

Storage Tips

To store the tuna pea pasta for later consumption, allow it to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Ensure that the lid is securely sealed to maintain freshness. Store the pasta dish in the refrigerator and consume it within 2-3 days for the best taste and texture. Before serving leftover tuna pea pasta, give it a quick stir to redistribute the flavors and textures for a delicious meal.

While this spring-inspired pasta is delightful when served warm, it can also be enjoyed cold. If you intend to enjoy the tuna pea pasta as a chilled dish, storing it in the refrigerator overnight allows the flavors to meld and intensify, enhancing the overall taste. The pasta will retain its delicious flavors when properly stored in an airtight container, making it a convenient and tasty option for a quick and satisfying lunch the next day.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have bowtie pasta on hand, you can easily swap it out for any other short pasta shape like penne, fusilli, or farfalle. These shapes will also hold the sauce well, providing a similar texture to the dish.

Fresh peas can be substituted with frozen peas without compromising the taste or texture of the dish. Just add the frozen peas in the last 2 minutes of cooking the pasta to ensure they are cooked through while maintaining their vibrant color and sweet flavor.

For a vegetarian version of this dish, you can omit the tuna and instead add in some sautéed mushrooms or artichoke hearts for a different flavor profile. The dish will still be delicious and satisfying with these substitutions.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative twist on this tuna pea pasta, try serving it in individual parmesan cups. Simply line muffin tins with grated parmesan cheese, bake until crispy, then fill each cup with the pasta mixture for an elegant presentation that adds a crunchy texture to each bite.

Another fun serving suggestion is to turn this tuna pea pasta into a refreshing summer salad. Toss the cooked pasta with a bit more lemon juice and olive oil, then chill it in the fridge. Just before serving, add some cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and a handful of arugula for a vibrant and filling salad that’s perfect for a picnic or light lunch.

FAQs for Creamy Tuna and Pea Pasta Recipe

Can I use frozen peas instead of fresh peas in this recipe?

Yes, frozen peas work well in this recipe. Add them in the last 2 minutes of cooking just like fresh peas.

How should I store leftovers of this tuna pea pasta?

This tuna pea pasta is just as delicious cold as it is warm, making it perfect for lunch the next day. Just store it in an airtight container and give it a quick stir before serving. The flavors actually get even better after they’ve had time to mingle together.

Is there a way to elevate the flavor of the tuna pea pasta?

Want to elevate your tuna pea pasta? Always grate the parmesan fresh – it makes such a difference. Sometimes I’ll splash in some white wine with the onions or add extra vegetables based on what’s in season. The recipe is wonderfully flexible; just keep those core ingredients of tuna and peas.

Why should I keep the tuna in larger chunks in this recipe?

Keeping the tuna in larger chunks provides better texture and makes the dish more satisfying than if it’s completely broken up.

Conclusion

I hope you enjoy making and savoring this delightful Tuna Pea Pasta as much as I do! It’s truly a versatile dish that can be customized to suit your preferences and whatever ingredients you have on hand. Remember, cooking should always be a fun and creative experience, so don’t be afraid to experiment and make this recipe your own.

Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a delicious lunch option for the next day, this Tuna Pea Pasta is sure to satisfy your cravings. The combination of flavors and textures in this dish creates a truly comforting and enjoyable meal that you’ll want to make again and again. So, gather your ingredients, get cooking, and indulge in a bowl of this tasty pasta dish that’s bound to become a new favorite in your recipe collection.

Creamy Tuna and Pea Pasta Recipe

Spring into a quick, vibrant delight with a lemony Tuna Pea Pasta, a perfect blend of bowtie pasta, fresh peas, tuna, and Parmesan cheese.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time5 Minutes

Cook Time15 Minutes

Total Time20 Minutes

CuisineAmerican

Skill LevelEasy

Servings4 Servings (4 servings)

Ingredients

• 1 medium onion, finely diced.
• 8 oz (225g) bowtie pasta.
• 1 cup (150g) fresh peas.
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil.
• 1 can (5 oz/140g) tuna, drained.
• 1/3 cup (30g) freshly grated Parmesan.
• 2 large garlic cloves, finely chopped.
• Salt and black pepper to taste.
• 1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes.
• 2-3 tablespoons fresh parsley, roughly chopped.

Instructions

1. Step 01: Cook pasta in salted water until al dente, then add peas for the final 2 minutes of cooking.
2. Step 02: Cook onion in olive oil until soft, about 2-3 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Mix in chili flakes and lemon juice.
3. Step 03: Combine drained pasta, peas, and tuna in the skillet, gently mixing to preserve tuna chunks.
4. Step 04: Mix in parsley and Parmesan, then season with salt and pepper. Serve promptly.