Tuna Pasta with Lemon Cream Sauce

Indulge in the creamy, zesty goodness of Tuna Pasta with Lemon Cream Sauce, a quick and satisfying dish perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. This recipe combines tender pasta with a rich and tangy lemon cream sauce, elevated by the savory depth of Parmesan cheese and the delicate brininess of canned tuna in olive oil. Bright notes of freshly squeezed lemon juice and a sprinkle of parsley add a fresh finish, while reserved pasta water ensures the sauce clings perfectly to every strand. Ready in just 30 minutes, this simple yet elegant dish is a true crowd-pleaser, offering a delightful balance of flavors and textures. Serve with an extra garnish of Parmesan and parsley for a restaurant-worthy presentation!

Nutriscore Rating: 57/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 ounces pasta (e.g., spaghetti, linguine, or penne)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1.5 cups grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 5-ounce cans canned tuna in olive oil (drained)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 0 to taste salt
• 0 to taste black pepper
• 1 cup reserved pasta water

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining and set the pasta aside.

Step 2

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat until the butter has melted.

Step 3

Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.

Step 4

Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine with the garlic. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Step 5

Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, and grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet. Stir until the cheese has fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.

Step 6

Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 7

Carefully fold in the drained tuna, breaking it into chunks but keeping some texture. Allow the tuna to warm through for 2-3 minutes.

Step 8

Gradually add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat it evenly in the lemon cream sauce. Add reserved pasta water, a little at a time, to loosen the sauce if needed.

Step 9

Stir in the chopped parsley and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary.

Step 10

Serve the pasta immediately in bowls, garnished with extra parsley and grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1351.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2884.0

Total Fat 194.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 95.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 572.1mg	0%
Sodium 5499.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 115.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 7.7g	0%
Total Sugars 3.2g
Protein 153.1g	0%

Vitamin D 166.8IU	0%
Calcium 1436.2mg	0%
Iron 9.1mg	0%
Potassium 1021.8mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 62.0%

Protein: 21.7%

Carbs: 16.4%