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One-Pan Creamy Tuna Pasta Skillet Dinner

Close-up of creamy tuna pasta made with fusilli, tuna chunks, and bright green peas, served hot in a skillet.
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Make weeknight dinners simple with this one-pan creamy tuna pasta. This recipe uses pantry staples to create a comforting, rich meal with minimal cleanup, ready in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces pasta (like rotini or penne)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 cans (5 ounces each) tuna in water, drained well
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of the cooking water. Set the cooked pasta aside.
  2. In the same large skillet or pot used to cook the pasta, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Whisk in the flour until combined, cooking for 1 minute. Slowly pour in the broth while whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
  4. Stir in the milk, Dijon mustard, onion powder, pepper, and salt. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3 to 5 minutes.
  5. Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the drained tuna, frozen peas, and shredded cheddar cheese until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
  6. Add the cooked, drained pasta back into the skillet. Stir gently to coat everything evenly with the creamy sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
  7. Heat through for 1 to 2 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  8. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley.

Notes

  • For a richer flavor, substitute half of the milk with heavy cream.
  • You can add other vegetables like chopped carrots or corn along with the peas.
  • If you prefer a tangier flavor, add 1 teaspoon of lemon juice when you add the tuna.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://pureplatepath.com/easy-creamy-one-pot-tuna-pasta-skillet/