Indulge in a culinary delight that combines the comforting essence of Italian cuisine with the convenience of a quick weeknight meal! Our Creamy Parmesan Tuna Pasta is not just another dish; it’s a creamy, savory experience that will leave your taste buds dancing and your dinner guests asking for seconds. In just 20 minutes, you can whip up this delectable recipe using simple ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. Get ready to elevate your pasta game and discover why this dish has become a favorite for families and foodies alike!
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 1 can tuna, drained
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the sauce. In a large skillet, heat a small amount of olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to brown.
- Pour the heavy cream into the skillet with the garlic. Bring to a gentle simmer and let it reduce slightly for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Drain the canned tuna and gently break it into smaller chunks. Add the tuna to the cream sauce and stir carefully to combine.
- Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously to help it melt and incorporate smoothly into the sauce.
- Season the sauce with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Once the pasta is cooked, drain it thoroughly and add directly to the skillet with the creamy tuna sauce. Toss gently to ensure every pasta strand is coated evenly.
- Remove from heat and let sit for 1-2 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly and absorb into the pasta.
- Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips
- Perfectly Cooked Pasta: To achieve the ideal al dente texture, be sure to follow the package instructions for cooking time, but start checking a minute or two early. This will help prevent overcooking.
- Garlic Flavor: Sauté the minced garlic just until fragrant; overcooking can lead to a bitter taste. Keep an eye on it as it cooks!
- Creamy Consistency: For an extra creamy sauce, consider adding a splash of pasta water when combining the pasta and sauce. The starch in the water helps the sauce adhere better.
- Tuna Variations: While canned tuna is a convenient choice, you can also use fresh tuna steak if you prefer. Just sear it briefly before adding to the sauce for a gourmet twist.
- Cheese Options: Experiment with different cheeses! While Parmesan is classic, adding a bit of mozzarella or even some crumbled feta can create unique flavor profiles.
- Garnish for Presentation: Don’t skip the parsley garnish! It adds a pop of color and freshness that enhances the dish visually and flavor-wise.
- Leftover Love: This dish keeps well in the fridge for a couple of days. Just reheat gently on the stove with a splash of cream or milk to bring back the sauce's luscious texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 517kcal
Carbohydrates: 46g
Protein: 24g
Fat: 27g
Saturated Fat: 16g
Cholesterol: 113mg
