Imagine twirling your fork into a plate of perfectly cooked spaghetti, bursting with bright lemony flavors, tender chunks of protein-packed tuna, and vibrant green broccoli - all ready in just 25 minutes! This Lemon Spaghetti with Tuna and Broccoli isn't just another pasta dish; it's a culinary escape that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal right in your own kitchen. Whether you're a busy professional, a health-conscious foodie, or someone craving a quick yet delicious dinner, this recipe is about to become your new weeknight hero.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 1 can (5 oz) tuna, drained
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 8 oz of spaghetti, 1 can (5 oz) of drained tuna, 2 cups of broccoli florets, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, the juice of 1 lemon, 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Once the water is boiling, add the spaghetti to the pot. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
- While the spaghetti is cooking, prepare the broccoli. In the last 3-4 minutes of cooking the spaghetti, add the broccoli florets to the pot. This will allow the broccoli to cook until tender but still vibrant in color.
- Once the spaghetti and broccoli are cooked, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the rest in a colander. Return the spaghetti and broccoli to the pot.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Pour this mixture over the spaghetti and broccoli, tossing gently to combine.
- Add the drained tuna to the pot, breaking it up gently with a fork. Toss again to evenly distribute the tuna throughout the pasta.
- If the mixture seems dry, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
- Finally, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top and toss everything together one last time. Adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve the lemon spaghetti with tuna and broccoli immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips
- Always salt your pasta water generously - it's your first chance to add flavor to the dish.
- Cook broccoli simultaneously with pasta to save time and preserve its bright green color and nutrients.
- Reserve pasta water before draining; its starchy goodness helps create a silky sauce.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the brightest, most vibrant flavor.
- Break tuna into small, delicate pieces for even distribution.
- Add pasta water gradually to control sauce consistency.
- Grate Parmesan cheese fresh for maximum flavor and meltability.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the perfect pasta texture and temperature.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 25mg
