15-Minute Creamy Tuna Pasta

15-Minute Creamy Tuna Pasta

PescatarianUnder 15 MinsHigh ProteinStovetopLunch • DinnerItalian
Easy
15min
750kcal
2people

MACROS

per serving
gProtein
gFat
gCarbs
gSugar
gFiber
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A lightning-fast, comforting pasta dish featuring a rich cream sauce, sweet bell peppers, and protein-packed tuna.

When you need a satisfying meal fast, this 15-Minute Creamy Tuna Pasta is the ultimate lifesaver for a quick weeknight dinner. Making a 15-Minute Creamy Tuna Pasta doesn't mean sacrificing flavor or your nutritional goals; in fact, it is an incredible way to pack in some quick calories and protein if you are looking to build muscle or just need a hearty meal after a long day. The secret to this dish lies in the seamless pairing of simple pantry staples and fresh fridge ingredients. By utilizing canned tuna, you get an instant hit of lean protein without any tedious prep work. The bell peppers add a beautiful pop of color and a mild sweetness that cuts through the richness of the cooking cream, bringing a fresh crunch to every single bite. As the pasta cooks, the sauce comes together in just a few minutes. The cooking cream forms a velvety, luxurious base that coats every strand of pasta perfectly, while a dash of garlic powder and a generous sprinkle of parmesan cheese elevate the savory umami notes. To get the best texture, always remember to reserve a tiny bit of your pasta boiling water—its starches work magic to bind the creamy sauce to the noodles. Whether you are cooking for a date night in, a quick lunch for two, or simply trying to hit your daily macro goals with a delicious bowl of comfort food, this 15-Minute Creamy Tuna Pasta will quickly become one of your favorite go-to recipes.

Ingredients

  • 200 g Pasta (about 2 cups dry)
  • 150 g Canned Tuna (1 standard can)
  • 1 count Bell Peppers (medium size, sliced)
  • 150 ml Cooking Cream (about ⅔ cup)
  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder
  • 30 g Parmesan Cheese (about ¼ cup grated)
  • 0.5 tsp Salt
  • 0.5 tsp Black Pepper

Instructions

  1. 1
    Boil the pasta in a pot of generously salted water until al dente according to package instructions. Before draining, reserve about a quarter cup of the starchy pasta water.
  2. 2
    While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a wide skillet over medium heat.
  3. 3
    Add the sliced bell peppers to the skillet and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften.
  4. 4
    Drain the canned tuna and stir it into the skillet along with the garlic powder. Cook for 1 minute just to heat through.
  5. 5
    Lower the heat and pour in the cooking cream. Let it come to a very gentle simmer, being careful not to let it boil vigorously.
  6. 6
    Toss the cooked pasta into the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, splash in a little of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
  7. 7
    Stir in the grated parmesan cheese, then season with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve immediately.

Chef's Tips

  • To maximize your protein intake, choose tuna packed in water rather than oil, or add an extra can if you are very hungry.
  • Don't skip reserving the pasta water! The starch helps the cream sauce cling perfectly to the noodles.
  • If you want a slight kick, add a pinch of chili flakes along with the garlic powder.

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