This Lemon Garlic Tuna Pasta Recipe is fresh, light and full of flavor. It is perfect for quick lunches and easy dinners. The lemon adds brightness, while garlic brings deep taste. Tuna makes the dish filling and healthy. You can cook this meal with simple pantry ingredients.
It does not need cream or heavy sauces. If you want to learn How to make Lemon Garlic Tuna Pasta, this guide will help you step by step. The Ingredients for Lemon Garlic Tuna Pasta are affordable and easy to find. This Lemon Garlic Tuna Pasta Recipe is great for busy days and healthy eating.
The Secret Behind This Delicious
The secret behind this delicious pasta is freshness and balance. Lemon juice should be fresh, not bottled, for best taste. Garlic must be cooked gently so it does not burn. Olive oil helps carry all flavors together. Tuna adds protein without making the dish heavy.
The pasta water helps create a light sauce without cream. When everything is mixed gently, the pasta stays moist and flavorful. This simple method makes the dish taste fresh and restaurant-quality every time.
Recipe Card info
- Recipe Name: Lemon Garlic Tuna Pasta
- Servings: 4 people
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Course: Main Course
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-inspired
- Calories: 380 kcal per serving
Equipment List
- Large cooking pot
- Frying pan or skillet
- Colander
- Wooden spoon
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring spoons
Ingredients You Need for Lemon Garlic Tuna Pasta
- 300 grams pasta (spaghetti or penne)
- 2 cans tuna in olive oil or water, drained
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- ½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
- ½ cup reserved pasta water
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Grated parmesan cheese for serving
These are the main Ingredients for Lemon Garlic Tuna Pasta and they create a light and fresh meal.
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente. Reserve some pasta water, then drain.
2. Heat the Oil
Heat olive oil in a wide pan over medium heat. Let it warm gently before adding garlic.
3. Cook the Garlic
Add chopped garlic to the oil. Cook slowly until fragrant and light golden. Do not burn it.
4. Add Chili Flakes
Add chili flakes if using. Stir gently for a few seconds to release flavor into the oil.
5. Add Tuna
Add drained tuna to the pan. Break it gently with a spoon and warm it for two minutes.
6. Add Lemon Zest
Sprinkle lemon zest over the tuna mixture. Stir well to spread fresh citrus aroma evenly.
7. Add Lemon Juice
Pour fresh lemon juice into the pan. Lower heat and mix gently to avoid bitterness.
8. Combine Pasta
Add cooked pasta to the pan. Toss gently so the pasta absorbs oil and flavors.
9. Add Pasta Water
Pour reserved pasta water slowly. Stir until a light sauce forms and coats pasta evenly.
10. Season and Finish
Add salt, black pepper, and parsley. Mix well and remove from heat. Serve immediately.
Expert Tips & Variations
- Always use fresh lemon for best flavor.
- Do not overcook garlic or it will taste bitter.
- Use tuna in olive oil for richer taste.
- Add capers or olives for Mediterranean flavor.
- Use whole wheat pasta for extra fiber.
- Add spinach or arugula for more nutrition.
- Top with parmesan just before serving.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 380 kcal |
| Protein | 28 g |
| Carbohydrates | 46 g |
| Fat | 12 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sodium | 480 mg |
This recipe is balanced, light, and rich in protein.
Serving Suggestions
Serve lemon garlic tuna pasta hot for best taste. It pairs well with a fresh green salad. Garlic bread or toasted bread slices work well on the side. You can also serve it with roasted vegetables like zucchini or broccoli. For a lighter meal, enjoy it with cucumber salad or tomato slices. This pasta is also great for lunch boxes.
Storage & Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Add a little olive oil or water before reheating. Heat gently on the stove or microwave. Stir well to keep pasta moist. Avoid overheating, as lemon flavor can become strong. This dish is also tasty when eaten cold as a pasta salad.
Lemon Garlic Tuna Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
- 300 grams pasta spaghetti or penne
- 2 cans tuna in olive oil or water drained
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves finely chopped
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- ½ teaspoon chili flakes optional
- ½ cup reserved pasta water
- Fresh parsley chopped
- Grated parmesan cheese for serving
These are the main Ingredients for Lemon Garlic Tuna Pasta, and they create a light and fresh meal.
Instructions
Cook the Pasta
- Bring salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente. Reserve some pasta water, then drain.
Heat the Oil
- Heat olive oil in a wide pan over medium heat. Let it warm gently before adding garlic.
Cook the Garlic
- Add chopped garlic to the oil. Cook slowly until fragrant and light golden. Do not burn it.
Add Chili Flakes
- Add chili flakes if using. Stir gently for a few seconds to release flavor into the oil.
Add Tuna
- Add drained tuna to the pan. Break it gently with a spoon and warm it for two minutes.
Add Lemon Zest
- Sprinkle lemon zest over the tuna mixture. Stir well to spread fresh citrus aroma evenly.
Add Lemon Juice
- Pour fresh lemon juice into the pan. Lower heat and mix gently to avoid bitterness.
Combine Pasta
- Add cooked pasta to the pan. Toss gently so the pasta absorbs oil and flavors.
Add Pasta Water
- Pour reserved pasta water slowly. Stir until a light sauce forms and coats pasta evenly.
Season and Finish
- Add salt, black pepper, and parsley. Mix well and remove from heat. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Always use fresh lemon for best flavor.
- Do not overcook garlic or it will taste bitter.
- Use tuna in olive oil for richer taste.
- Add capers or olives for Mediterranean flavor.
- Use whole wheat pasta for extra fiber.
- Add spinach or arugula for more nutrition.
- Top with parmesan just before serving.
FAQs about Lemon Garlic Tuna Pasta Recipe
Can I use any type of pasta for this recipe?
Yes, you can use spaghetti, penne, fusilli, or any pasta you like. Just cook it al dente for best texture.
Is this Lemon Garlic Tuna Pasta Recipe healthy?
Yes, this recipe is light and healthy. It uses olive oil, tuna, and lemon, which are good for the body.
Can I make this recipe without chili flakes?
Yes, chili flakes are optional. You can skip them if you prefer a mild and kid-friendly flavor.
Can I use canned tuna in water instead of oil?
Yes, tuna in water works well. Add a little extra olive oil for better texture and flavor.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
You can cook it ahead, but it tastes best fresh. Reheat gently and add lemon juice if needed.
Conclusion
This Lemon Garlic Tuna Pasta Recipe is simple, fresh, and satisfying. It is easy to make and perfect for everyday meals. You now know How to make Lemon Garlic Tuna Pasta with clear steps and helpful tips.
The ingredients are simple, and the flavor is bright and comforting. This recipe fits busy schedules and healthy lifestyles. Try this dish today and enjoy a light, delicious pasta meal with your family and friends
Sofia Lane is a food lover who loves cooking and sharing easy, tasty recipes. She believes in making cooking simple and fun for everyone. On DiveCrave, Sofia shares her favorite meals, desserts and treats that anyone can make at home.