One-Pan Creamy Tuna Pasta

A rich, flavorful pasta dish combining tender penne, savory tuna, and a creamy tomato-based sauce—all cooked in a single pan for easy cleanup.

Creamy, savory tuna pasta in one pan—easy cleanup, big flavor, ready in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients (US Cups & Measures):

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 shallots, thinly sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, roughly chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon sweet smoked paprika
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 2 cups uncooked penne pasta
• 2 cans (3.25 oz each) tuna in olive oil, drained
• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped parsley
• Pinch sea salt
• Dash black pepper

Instructions

Stage 1 – Sauté Aromatics:

1. Heat a large frying pan over medium heat and add olive oil.
2. Add sliced shallots and chopped garlic. Sauté for about 2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Stir in smoked paprika to release its aroma and flavor into the oil.

Stage 2 – Build the Sauce:

4. Add the diced tomatoes and stir everything together.
5. Season the mixture with sea salt and black pepper to taste.
6. Increase the heat to high and allow it to simmer for 3 minutes. This reduces the tomatoes slightly and concentrates their flavor.

Stage 3 – Cook the Pasta:

7. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring everything to a boil.
8. Stir in the uncooked penne pasta, ensuring it is submerged.
9. Let it cook uncovered for about 9 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
10. Then cover the pan with a lid, reduce the heat to medium-low, and simmer for another 4 minutes until the pasta is al dente.

Stage 4 – Incorporate Tuna and Creaminess:

11. Flake the drained tuna into the pan and gently fold it into the pasta.
12. Stir in Greek yogurt to create a luscious, creamy texture that envelops each piece of pasta.

Stage 5 – Final Touches:

13. Sprinkle with chopped parsley.
14. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
15. Serve warm with a touch of fresh parsley on top.

Preparation Time:

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories:

• Approximately 987 kcal per serving (based on 2 servings)

Tips for Perfect One-Pan Creamy Tuna Pasta

• Choose high-quality tuna: Opt for tuna packed in olive oil, as it offers better flavor and a more tender texture. The oil can even enhance the sauce.
• Use Greek yogurt for creaminess: Greek yogurt adds a tangy richness to the pasta without the heaviness of cream. It’s also higher in protein, making this meal more filling and nutritious.
• Don’t skip the paprika: Sweet smoked paprika adds a mild smokiness that deepens the flavor of the entire dish. It pairs beautifully with both the tuna and tomatoes.
• Keep an eye on the pasta: Stir occasionally while the pasta is boiling to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan. Add more broth or water if the liquid reduces too quickly.
• Customize with veggies: Feel free to toss in spinach, kale, or zucchini for added color, texture, and nutrition.
• Garnish with care: A final sprinkle of fresh parsley and a drizzle of good-quality olive oil can elevate the presentation and flavor.
• Storage and leftovers: This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of broth to loosen the sauce.

How to Prepare the Recipe

The true magic of this dish lies in its simplicity and the harmony of flavors that come from layering ingredients in stages within a single pan. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the preparation process to ensure success every time:

1. Start with aromatics: Heating the olive oil first and then sautéing shallots and garlic allows the base flavors to develop.
2. Bloom the spice: Adding paprika before the liquid ingredients helps release its essence.
3. Build the sauce: Tomatoes and broth serve as the foundation. A short simmer intensifies the tomato flavor.
4. Cook pasta in broth: This technique infuses the pasta with savory flavor and eliminates the need to boil it separately.
5. Add protein and cream: Once the pasta is cooked, the tuna is folded in gently to avoid breaking it up too much. Greek yogurt adds creaminess.
6. Finish with freshness: Chopped parsley offers a fresh contrast to the rich sauce and brings brightness to the dish.

The process is straightforward, but the layering of ingredients and attention to flavor development at each stage result in a meal that’s deeply satisfying and perfect for any day of the week.

Conclusion

One-Pan Creamy Tuna Pasta is the kind of comforting, practical, and delicious recipe that checks all the boxes. With a short prep time, pantry-friendly ingredients, and a flavor profile that balances creamy, savory, tangy, and smoky notes, it’s destined to become a staple in your weekly dinner rotation. The fact that it’s all made in one pan means fewer dishes and less cleanup, making it ideal for busy weeknights or even casual weekend meals.

Serve it with a crisp green salad, a slice of crusty bread, or enjoy it as is. This is comfort food made simple, yet indulgent—and it proves that you don’t need a fancy kitchen or complex technique to create something truly delicious.