Creamy Tuna Mushroom Pasta
This creamy tuna mushroom pasta offers a delightful combination of savory flavors, perfectly balanced with the richness of a lemon garlic cream sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s the ultimate comfort food for busy weeknights.
The earthy baby bella mushrooms and fresh rosemary bring a depth of flavor, while the addition of spinach adds a healthy touch. The canned tuna delivers protein, making it a filling and well-rounded dish.
Whether you choose to keep it creamy or lighten it up with extra lemon and Parmesan, this dish is versatile and guaranteed to satisfy. Serve with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan for the perfect finishing touch.
Creamy Tuna Mushroom Pasta: Ingredients
The earthy baby bella mushrooms bring a rich depth of flavor, perfectly complementing the creamy sauce. Fresh rosemary infuses the dish with a fragrant, herbal kick, while garlic adds a savory punch.
The buttery base is balanced by the zesty brightness of lemon, enhancing the dish’s freshness. Spinach brings color and a burst of nutrients, while the canned tuna adds heartiness and protein to make this pasta a satisfying meal.
A generous helping of Parmesan ties everything together, adding richness and depth, while the optional cream offers a velvety texture that elevates the entire dish.
Recipe Tips
- Perfect Pasta Texture: To ensure your pasta is cooked to perfection, be sure to cook it al dente, just shy of being fully done. This will prevent it from becoming soggy once combined with the sauce. Don’t forget to reserve a cup of the starchy pasta water before draining—it’s essential for adjusting the sauce’s consistency later.
- Maximize Mushroom Flavor: Sauté the mushrooms in butter until they’re beautifully browned. This caramelization process brings out their earthy, rich flavor, which adds depth to the dish. Stir occasionally to ensure an even sear and avoid overcrowding the pan, which could cause the mushrooms to steam rather than sauté.
- Customize the Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter dish, skip the heavy cream and use extra lemon juice, Parmesan, and starchy pasta water to create a tangy, lemony base. For a richer result, feel free to add more cream to your liking. Adjust the texture by adding reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
What to Serve with Creamy Tuna Mushroom Pasta
- Garlic Bread: A warm, buttery garlic bread is the perfect side dish for this creamy pasta. Its crispy crust and garlicky, buttery flavor complement the rich, lemon-infused sauce beautifully, adding a satisfying crunch with every bite.
- Green Salad: A fresh green salad with a zesty vinaigrette can balance the richness of the pasta. The bright acidity of the dressing will cut through the creamy sauce, providing a refreshing contrast. Consider adding arugula, mixed greens, or spinach for added flavor and texture.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables like asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or zucchini make an excellent side dish. Their slightly caramelized exterior and tender interior enhance the earthy mushrooms and fresh spinach in the pasta, adding a wholesome touch to the meal.
FAQ
- Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While farfalle works wonderfully in this dish, feel free to swap it with any pasta shape you prefer. Penne, fusilli, or spaghetti would all pair beautifully with the creamy sauce. - Is it possible to make this recipe without heavy cream?
Yes, you can skip the heavy cream for a lighter version. Substitute with additional Parmesan cheese and lemon juice, along with some pasta water to create a creamy, lemony sauce that still packs plenty of flavor. - Can I use fresh tuna instead of canned?
While canned tuna is a convenient option, you can absolutely use fresh tuna. Just sear it quickly in a pan and flake it into the pasta. Keep in mind that this will alter the texture and flavor slightly, but it will still be delicious! - How can I store leftovers?
Leftover pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat it in a pan with a splash of water or cream to restore its creamy texture.
Creamy Tuna Mushroom Pasta
This delicious creamy tuna mushroom pasta features a luscious lemon garlic sauce that wraps around every strand of pasta. Made in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for a quick and comforting meal. Feel free to adjust the quantities if you’d like to make a larger batch.
Ingredients
- ounces uncooked pasta farfalle recommended
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 16 ounces sliced baby bella mushrooms
- 5 cloves garlic minced or pressed
- 1 tablespoon freshly chopped rosemary
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream optional for a lighter version
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 small lemon zested and juiced
- 2 large handfuls fresh baby spinach
- 2 5-ounce cans of canned tuna, drained
- Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Begin by cooking the pasta in a large pot of well-salted boiling water. Cook it until it is just one minute shy of al dente. For the best results, add the pasta to the water once the mushrooms have sautéed for about three minutes. Before draining, reserve one cup of the starchy pasta water for later use.
- Sauté the mushrooms: While the pasta is cooking, melt the butter in a large non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook them for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become golden brown. Next, stir in the garlic, rosemary, and crushed red pepper flakes. Continue sautéing for an additional 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Combine the ingredients: Pour in the heavy cream, Parmesan, lemon juice and zest, along with 1/4 cup of the reserved pasta water. Stir until all the ingredients are thoroughly mixed. Add the spinach and tuna, then incorporate the cooked pasta, tossing everything gently until the spinach wilts.
- Season to taste: If the pasta appears too dry, add a bit more of the reserved pasta water or a splash of extra cream to achieve the desired consistency. Taste the dish and adjust seasoning with salt and freshly cracked black pepper as necessary.
Notes
Serve: Serve the pasta warm, garnished with extra Parmesan and freshly cracked black pepper for a finishing touch. Enjoy!
