20-Min Tuna Pasta

Cook This Meal

Ingredients

• 8 oz short pasta penne, rotini, shells, or whatever you have
• 2 cans canned tuna drained; use tuna in olive oil if possible
• 2 tbsp olive oil for the sauce
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 lemon zest and juice
• 1/2 cup reserved pasta water use as needed
• 1 cup frozen peas or spinach optional, for vegetables
• 1/4 cup parmesan optional
• 1/2 tsp black pepper to taste
• 1 pinch red pepper flakes optional

Steps

1. Boil pasta in salted water until just tender. Reserve about 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
2. Warm olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add tuna, lemon zest, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir gently so the tuna stays in small flakes instead of turning mushy.
4. Add peas or spinach if using, then add drained pasta and a splash of reserved pasta water.
5. Toss until glossy and lightly sauced. Add lemon juice at the end and parmesan if you want a richer finish.
6. Taste before serving. Add more lemon, pepper, or a small drizzle of olive oil if it tastes flat.