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Easy Lemon Tuna Recipe

This easy lemon garlic tuna pasta is a quick Mediterranean-inspired dinner made with pantry staples, olive tapenade, parmesan, and fresh lemon. Ready in just 30 minutes!
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 19 minutes
Servings: 2
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian, Mediterranean
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 5 ounces penne pasta
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1 garlic clove minced
  • 1 5-ounce can tuna, drained
  • 1 lemon, zested
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1/4 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp olive tapenade
  • Optional: grated parmesan, fresh parsley or red pepper flakes for garnish

Method
 

  1. Boil a pot of salted water and cook the pasta al dente according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta and return back to the pot to keep warm.
  2. Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in the tuna (breaking up into pieces), lemon zest, lemon juice, salt and pepper and toss to combine.
  3. Remove from heat and add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss until the pasta is evenly coated.
  4. Top with olive tapenade. Sprinkle with parmesan, fresh parsley or red pepper flakes if desired.

Notes

Tips for the Best Tuna Pasta

  • Use oil-packed tuna for the richest flavor.
  • Fresh lemon juice makes a big difference in brightness and acidity.
  • Reserve pasta water to help create a silky sauce that coats the noodles.
  • Add spinach, capers, or cherry tomatoes for extra Mediterranean flavor.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or olive oil to loosen the sauce.