• Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • X
 Trending:  Easy Recipes
Erren's Kitchen
  • Home
  • Recipes
    • Recipe Finder
    • All Recipes
    • Course
      • Breakfast
      • Appetizer
      • Lunch
      • Dinner
      • Side
      • Dessert
      • Drinks
    • Type
      • Quick and Easy
      • Vegetarian
      • Pasta
      • Soups
      • Salads & Dressings
      • Rice Dishes
      • Comfort Food
      • Slow Cooker
    • Protein
      • Chicken & Poultry
      • Seafood
      • Beef, Pork, & Lamb
    • Cuisine
      • Italian Food
      • Asian Food
      • American
      • Mediterranean
      • Mexican Food
      • Southern
    • Method
      • Slow Cooker
      • One Pot/One Pan
      • Oven-Baked and Roasted Recipes
      • Stovetop
    • Desserts
      • Brownies & Bars
      • Cakes & Cupcakes
      • Cookies
      • Pies & Tarts
      • Muffins, Breads & Donuts
      • Ice Cream Recipes
  • Videos
  • Conversions
    • US Sticks of Butter Conversion Charts
    • Basic ounces to grams weight conversions
    • Oven Temperature Conversions
    • Butter in the US and the Rest of the World
    • British Dessert Spoon Conversions
    • US Cups to ounces & grams for common ingredients
    • Basic Volume Conversions
  • About
    • Erren’s Kitchen
    • Meet the Team
    • Meet Erren
    • Collaborate
    • Life Stories
    • Contact
    • Our Philosophy

Specialties:

Quick & Easy
Italian
Poultry
Better Than Takeout!
Desserts
Meat
Pasta
Home / Italian Food

Tuna Pasta

Quick, easy, and absolutely delicious, this recipe makes a pasta in tomato sauce using canned tuna, olives and other pantry staples.

Erren Hart

|

last Updated:

03/03/2025
5 from 9 votes
Jump to Recipe
Serves: 4
Prep: 10 minutes mins
Cook: 15 minutes mins
Pasta With Tuna and Olives served and ready to eat
A plate of tuna pasta with olives and tomato sauce
Pasta With Tuna and Olives served and ready to eat

A plate of tuna pasta with olives and tomato sauce

This site runs ads and generates income from affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy.

This easy Tuna Pasta is perfect for a delicious, nutritious meal that will satisfy your family without breaking the bank.

A plate of tuna pasta with olives and tomato sauce

Are you looking for a quick and easy meal that is both budget-friendly and nutritious? Look no further than this delicious Tuna Pasta recipe! This simple dish requires just a few ingredients, which can be found in most pantries. The best part is, ready in less than 30 minutes!

The flavors in this delicious pasta dish are sure to please even the pickiest eaters. So if you’re looking for an affordable and tasty dinner option that can be on your table fast, give this Tuna Pasta recipe a try!

Why This Recipe Works

  • Using canned tuna keeps this recipe flavorful and is economical to make.
  • The garlic and onions add a great aroma and flavor to the dish.
  • The tomatoes provide a slight acidity that balances the sauce perfectly.
  • The parsley adds color and freshness.
  • Red Pepper flakes add a spicy kick to the sauce.

Canned Tuna In Italian Food

Believe it or not, canned tuna is very common in Italian cuisine.  It’s one of the easiest ways to make a seafood pasta dish. In Italy, it’s so popular that it’s one of the first things young cooks learn to make!

Ingredient Notes

canned tuna, garlic, onions, parsley, canned tomatoes, salt and pepper

Olive Oil – Don’t use extra virgin oil as it has a low smoke point and can burn easily. Instead, use light olive oil or vegetable oil to withstand cooking heat.

Parsley – Fresh is best for this recipe as it has a brighter flavor. Dried parsley doesn’t have much flavor, so we recommend using dried oregano if you want a dried herb.

Onion – Yellow or white onions are recommended for this recipe. It adds a great flavor and sweetness to the dish. You can also use red onion, but it will be a much sweeter flavor profile.

Tomatoes – Canned crushed or chopped tomatoes are great options, but you can also use passata if that’s all you have.

Olives – Black olives work well, but Kalamata olives also add subtle hints of fruity umami.

Garlic – Fresh garlic is always our recommendation, but you can also use garlic powder if it’s all you have.

Tuna – This recipe was developed using canned tuna, but you can also use fresh or cooked tuna if that’s what you have available.

Red Pepper Flakes – This is completely optional, but it adds a nice subtle warmth to the dish without being overpowering.

Salt – Salt is essential for seasoning this dish, but keep in mind that tuna can be salty, so use it in moderation and taste to adjust salt levels before serving.

How To Make Tuna Pasta

For the pasta, start by boiling the water in a large pot with salt and cook it until just underdone. Then reserve some of the pasta water before draining.

pasta cooking in a pot of boiling water

Heat the olive oil in a deep skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until they’re transparent and softened. Then add the garlic and cook until it’s fragrant – This should only take about 30 seconds.

garlic and onions cooking in olive oil

Add the tomatoes and parsley to the pan with the onions and garlic.

the parsley added to the pan with the sauce.

Don’t Have Fresh Herbs? Dried herbs can be used in place of fresh. Dried Italian seasoning, basil, or oregano have the most flavor.

Season to taste with salt, and add pepper and red pepper flakes if you choose to use them.

The salt and pepper added to the sauce in the pan

Drain the tuna and add it to the sauce.

drained canned tuna added to the sauce in the pan

Stir in the olives, bring the sauce to a boil, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes while the pasta cooks.

The cooked sauce ready to serve

Mix in the pasta, coat with the sauce, and cook until the pasta is done. Add the reserved pasta water to loosen it if necessary. Taste for seasoning before serving and add more salt as needed.

Pasta With Tuna and Olives served and ready to eat
Pin This Recipe For Later!

Erren’s Top Tips

  • Be sure to salt your pasta water – This is the only time you’ll be able to season your pasta, so salt like you mean it to avoid bland pasta.
  • When seasoning the sauce, salt in moderation, as tuna can be salty. Then taste to adjust salt levels before serving.
  • Be sure to stir your sauce occasionally as it cooks to avoid burning the bottom.
  • Don’t add oil to your pasta water – this will make the pasta slippery and cause the sauce to slide right off.
  • Taste your tuna – If it’s salty, wait until the end to season your sauce. Taste, and then season accordingly.
  • Dried herbs can be used in place of fresh ones. – Dried Italian seasoning, basil, or oregano have the most flavor.
  • This dish can also be made with other types of seafood. Shrimp, scallops, and calamari are all delicious options that go well with this recipe.

Storage & Freezing Instructions

This Tuna Pasta dish is a great meal to make and store for later. It can be stored in the fridge for up to three days in an airtight container.

To Freeze: We recommend freezing the sauce and making the pasta fresh. Let the sauce cool completely before transferring it into an airtight, freezer-safe container. Then freeze for up to three months.

To Reheat: When ready to use, just thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat it on the stovetop or microwave until warm. You can also freeze individual portions to have easy meals throughout the week!

Rate This Recipe

Click here to leave a star rating!

A plate of tuna pasta with olives and tomato sauce

Recipe

Tuna Pasta

Quick, easy, and absolutely delicious, this recipe makes a pasta in tomato sauce using canned tuna, olives and other pantry staples.
5 from 9 votes
Print
Prep Time: 10 minutes mins
Cook Time: 15 minutes mins
Total Time: 25 minutes mins
Serves 4

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 6.5 oz tuna (1 can, drained)
  • 1 onion (chopped)
  • 3 garlic cloves (minced)
  • 14 oz chopped tomatoes ((1 can))
  • 2 tablespoons flat-leaf parsley (chopped)
  • Salt and freshly ground pepper
  • ½ teaspoon dried red pepper flakes (optional)
  • ½ cup pitted black olives (such as kalamatas)
  • 1 pound pasta

Instructions

  • Start by boiling a large pot of salted water for the pasta when the water for the pasta comes to a boil. Cook until just underdone. Remove ¼ cup of the cooking water and set aside before draining.
  • Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat and add the onion and cook until translucent. Add the garlic. Cook, stirring, just until fragrant, and add the tomatoes.
  • Add the parsley and mix together.
  • Season to taste with salt and add pepper and the red pepper flakes if using.
  • Stir in the olives, and the tuna bring the sauce to a boil, cover, and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes while the pasta cooks.
  • Add the pasta, coat with the sauce, and cook until the pasta is done adding the reserved pasta water to loosen if necessary. Taste for seasoning and add more salt as needed before serving.

Tips

  • Be sure to salt your pasta water – This is the only time you’ll be able to season your pasta, so salt like you mean it to avoid bland pasta.
  • When seasoning the sauce, salt in moderation, as tuna can be salty. Then taste to adjust salt levels before serving.
  • Be sure to stir your sauce occasionally as it cooks to avoid burning the bottom.
Show Nutrition Hide Nutrition

Nutrition

Calories: 540 | Carbohydrates: 93g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 418mg | Potassium: 500mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 425IU | Vitamin C: 15mg | Calcium: 77mg | Iron: 3mg
Created by Erren Hart
Save to favoritesYour saved recipes will be right here waiting for you every time you visit, so you can easily find and make the meals you love.
5 from 9 votes (5 ratings without comment)

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Rate this recipe:




14 responses

  1. Joseph Avatar
    Joseph
    02/25/2024

    haven’t tried yet who knew , cook the canned tuna ?? not canned TUNA fan. Iwill try this recipe then report , also red onion is not necesserly sweet the round ones in the market are not , a flat shape Italian onion is sweet. whit onions usually used in South American recipes a stronger flavor compared in a yellow onion which is common to most recipes. . thankyou for your creative recipes. Joseph an old time Associate of James , Jimmy , Beard

    Reply
    1. Erren's Kitchen Avatar
      Erren’s Kitchen
      02/26/2024

      Hi Joseph, old time associate of James, Jimmy, and Beard 😊. You are so welcome and we are glad you enjoy our recipes! Please come back and let us know what you think about the tuna pasta!

      Reply
  2. David Grindel Avatar
    David Grindel
    01/19/2024

    I really like the idea. I’m not much of a tuna fish fan but I think
    I could so this salad. I would like to use angle hair as the pasta. What do you
    think ? Is there another pasta that is light like angle hair that would be better?

    Looking forward to something new.
    Thank you.

    Reply
    1. Erren's Kitchen Avatar
      Erren’s Kitchen
      01/22/2024

      Hi David. Absolutely, you can definitely give it a try with angel hair pasta! It’s a great choice for a lighter texture. If you’re looking for another pasta option that’s similar in lightness, you might also consider capellini or thin spaghetti. They would complement the dish well and offer a delicate feel. Enjoy trying out this recipe with your preferred pasta, and I hope it brings a delicious twist to your meal!

      Reply
  3. Erren Hart Avatar
    Erren Hart
    03/13/2023

    Thank you for leaving a comment about this recipe. Your feedback is appreciated, and I’m glad to hear that you enjoyed it. Please let me know if you have any questions or suggestions for future recipes. Thanks again for trying it out and sharing your thoughts!

    Reply
  4. Nick Parkes Avatar
    Nick Parkes
    06/08/2022

    Good quick meal…didn’t add chilli, did add 50pc more tuna and lots of psrsely about 25g and a tin of sweetcorn. Thanks

    Reply
    1. Erren Hart Avatar
      Erren Hart
      06/10/2022

      Hi Nick, I’m glad to see you were able to make it your own and enjoyed it so much! Thanks for sharing! 🙂

      Reply
  5. DANIELLE Avatar
    DANIELLE
    04/01/2021

    This was fantastic. I didn’t change anything.

    Reply
    1. Erren Hart Avatar
      Erren Hart
      04/01/2021

      I’m delighted to hear you liked it so much! 🙂

      Reply
  6. Erren's Kitchen Avatar
    Erren’s Kitchen
    06/11/2020

    I’m glad you liked it Sam

    Reply
  7. Patty Avatar
    Patty
    04/23/2020

    Just perfect, I literally made this out of stuff in my cupboard.

    Reply
    1. Erren's Kitchen Avatar
      Erren’s Kitchen
      04/23/2020

      Good to hear, thank you, glad you enjoyed it

      Reply
A woman with long dark hair and a dark blue shirt is smiling while leaning on a kitchen counter. In front of her are a plate of pasta and a cutting board with chopped herbs. A potted plant, a cooking pot, and a marble backsplash are in the background.

Welcome

Thank you for visiting Erren’s Kitchen! Here you will find a collection of easy & delicious recipes made with fresh, simple ingredients.

MORE ABOUT ERREN

FOLLOW ON SOCIAL!

Don’t forget to tag me on social @ErrensKitchen to be featured!

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • X

Win a $100!

Join the Made with Erren Challenge for a chance to win an Amazon gift card!

Find Out More

Trending


  • Best EVER Potato Wedges

    Best EVER Potato Wedges

  • Seriously, The Best Broccoli of Your Life

    Seriously, The Best Broccoli of Your Life

  • The Best Fettuccine Alfredo of Your Life

    The Best Fettuccine Alfredo of Your Life

  • Easy Homemade Tomato Sauce

    Easy Homemade Tomato Sauce

  • Award Winning Banana Bread

    Award Winning Banana Bread

  • Crispy Roasted Potatoes

    Crispy Roasted Potatoes

Reader Favorites


  • Easy Chocolate Chip Cookies

    Easy Chocolate Chip Cookies

  • The Best Brussels Sprouts of Your Life

    The Best Brussels Sprouts of Your Life

  • Ultimate Orange Cake

    Ultimate Orange Cake

  • Fudgy Chocolate Chip Brownies

    Fudgy Chocolate Chip Brownies

Quick
Desserts
Dinner
Comforts
Poultry
Pasta
Meat
Seafood
Sides

Favorite Recipes from 2024

These posts were seen over 4.5 million times!

  • The Best Brussels Sprouts of Your Life

    The Best Brussels Sprouts of Your Life

  • Seriously, The Best Broccoli of Your Life

    Seriously, The Best Broccoli of Your Life

  • Quick & Easy Chinese Noodle Soup

    Quick & Easy Chinese Noodle Soup

  • Quick & Easy Spaghetti Bolognese

    Quick & Easy Spaghetti Bolognese

  • Donut Glaze Recipe

    Donut Glaze Recipe

  • Crispy Roasted Potatoes

    Crispy Roasted Potatoes

Still hungry?

Subscribe to my Newsletter for all my latest recipes!

All Recipes
Dinner Ideas
Conversion Guide
Quick & Easy
Erren hart of Erren's Kitchen leaning on a kitchen island.

About your Chef

I’m Erren, I have a passion for cooking and baking from scratch to create simple, nourishing, delicious recipes made with fresh ingredients, free from artificial additives and preservatives you find in prepackaged foods.

Meet Erren
Life Updates
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • X
Contact
Work with Me
Privacy Policy
Disclaimer

© All Rights Reserved. Brand by MRD. Site by OC.

224 shares

Rate This Recipe

Your vote:




Let us know what you thought of this recipe:

This worked exactly as written, thanks!
My family loved this!
Thank you for sharing this recipe

Or write in your own words:

A rating is required
A name is required
An email is required

Recipe Ratings without Comment

Something went wrong. Please try again.