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Creamy Tuna and Mushroom Pasta in 20 Minutes

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A quick and easy weeknight dinner featuring tender tuna, earthy mushrooms, and a rich, garlicky cream sauce tossed with pasta. Ready in just 20 minutes, this comforting dish is perfect for busy nights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz (225 g) pasta (fettuccine or linguine recommended)
  • 8 oz (225 g) mushrooms (cremini or white button), sliced
  • 2 cans (5 oz / 140 g each) canned tuna, drained
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons (28 g) butter
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1/2 cup (50 g) Parmesan cheese, grated
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Boil the Pasta: Fill a large pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt, and bring to a rolling boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of starchy pasta water before draining. Drain and set aside.
  2. Sauté the Mushrooms: While pasta cooks, heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced mushrooms in a single layer. Let them sear without stirring for 2 minutes, then stir and cook for another 2-3 minutes until golden brown. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
  3. Add the Garlic: Reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic and stir constantly for 30-60 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
  4. Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it bubble for about 30 seconds.
  5. Make the Cream Sauce: Reduce heat to low. Pour in heavy cream and stir to combine. Let it simmer gently for about 1 minute, stirring occasionally. Add grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth. If sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water; if too thin, simmer for another minute.
  6. Add the Tuna and Pasta: Flake the drained tuna into the sauce with a fork and gently stir. Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until fully coated. Add more pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, if needed to reach desired consistency.
  7. Finish and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if using. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Serve immediately.

Notes

For best results, don’t overcrowd the mushrooms—cook in a single layer for proper browning. Reserve pasta water before draining; it’s key for a silky sauce. Use freshly grated Parmesan for smooth melting. Tuna is already cooked, so just warm it through gently to avoid breaking it into tiny pieces.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy tuna pasta, mushroom pasta, quick weeknight dinner, 20 minute meal, easy pasta recipe, tuna mushroom pasta

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