Only have 20 minutes to make dinner? This tasty tuna tomato pasta is the answer! It’s quick and healthy thanks to simple, nutritious ingredients that include canned tuna, blistered cherry tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, parsley and lemon juice. Who knew simple could taste so good?

bowl of spaghetti pasta with tuna and burst tomatoes

Tuna Tomato Pasta is Healthy and Hassle-Free:

There are a few things I always have in the pantry: a box (or two) of dried pasta, canned tuna, fresh garlic, and olive oil. And that is I how I fell into this recipe one tired evening staring into the abyss wondering “WTF am I gonna cook for dinner?”.

Since then, I’ve made this recipe for tuna and tomato spaghetti (feel free to substitute whatever pasta noodle you’ve got) regularly when my energy is low but I want to eat something nutritious, comforting, and low-effort.

bowl of spaghetti with tuna, tomatoes, parmesan cheese, parsley, and olive oil

Did someone say nutritious and comforting? I’ve got an array of recipes for pasta and noodles that nourish the body AND the soul. Think high-protein cottage cheese ‘Alfredo’ or creamy baked feta pasta with tomatoes. Mmmmmm!

ingredients for tuna tomato pasta laid out on a marble countertop

Yes, Tuna and Pasta Do Go Together!

Tuna is SUCH an underrated protein source to pair with pasta. They’re both pantry staples that you’re likely to have on hand. Maybe you just aren’t sure how to combine them. The easy way to do that (which is what this tuna pasta recipe does) is to use flavours and ingredients that go well with each individually.

Tomatoes? These go well with both pasta and canned tuna. Same with garlic, parsley, and olive oil. Parmesan cheese? Well, that goes well with everything. The end result is a well-balanced and satisfying meal. My dietitian heart and busy mom heart are doubly happy!

Make it in 20 Minutes:

garlic cooking in olive oil in a pan
Warm olive oil and saute garlic until fragrant
Garlic and cherry tomatoes cooking in a pan with olive oil
Add cherry tomatoes and continue to cook
Canned tuna and cherry tomatoes cooking in a pan
Add two cans of tuna, spices, and gently press down tomatoes
Pasta cooking in a pan with tuna and tomatoes
Add the cooked pasta, lemon juice, olive oil, parsley, and pasta water
Finished tuna and tomato pasta dish in a pan garnished with fresh parsley
Taste and adjust flavours as desired.
spaghetti with tuna and cherry tomatoes garnished with parsley and basil in a pan

Before serving: Add an extra drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of parmesan cheese, and freshly cracked pepper. Thank me later!

fork twirled with spaghetti, tuna, and a piece of tomato
bowl of spaghetti pasta with tuna and burst tomatoes

Quick Tuna Tomato Pasta with Garlic & Olive Oil

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Only have 20 minutes to make dinner? This tasty tuna tomato pasta is the answer! It's quick and healthy thanks to simple, nutritious ingredients that include canned tuna, blistered cherry tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, parsley and lemon juice. Who knew simple could taste so good?
5 from 2 ratings
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Ingredients

  • 3 tbsp olive oil, divided
  • 3 large cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes, or grape tomatoes
  • 2 6 oz (170g) cans tuna , drained
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes
  • 8 oz (226g) spaghetti, dry, cooked al dente or according to package directions
  • 1/2 cup pasta water, reserved from cooking
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped *see notes for using dried parsley, plus more for serving
  • parmesan cheese, for serving

Equipment

Instructions 

  • Warm 2 tbsp olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and saute until fragrant (1-2 minutes).
    garlic cooking in olive oil in a pan
  • Stir in the tomatoes and allow them to cook for 2-3 minutes.
    Garlic and cherry tomatoes cooking in a pan with olive oil
  • Add the tuna, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Continue to stir, gently pressing down on the tomatoes with the back of a wooden spoon or spatula until they burst.
    Canned tuna and cherry tomatoes cooking in a pan
  • Add the cooked spaghetti, reserved pasta water, parsley, and remaining tablespoon of olive oil, and toss it all until well-combined.
    Pasta cooking in a pan with tuna and tomatoes
  • Serve the pasta with more parsley, a drizzle of olive oil, and grated parmesan cheese.
    Finished tuna and tomato pasta dish in a pan garnished with fresh parsley

Notes

*To substitute dried parsley for fresh, use 1/2-1 tsp dried parsley per tbsp of fresh.
Course: Main Course
Author: Hannah Magee, RD
Did you make this recipe?Be sure to take a photo and tag me at @hannahmagee_rd so I can see!