Rating: 3.66
(52)

Protein Pasta with Tuna

December 5, 2024

Protein pasta with tuna is a quick, easy, and nutritious meal that delivers big on both flavor and fuel. Perfect for busy weeknights or a satisfying lunch, this dish combines protein-packed pasta with canned tuna, fresh vegetables, and a light, flavorful dressing.

The base is protein pasta made from ingredients like chickpeas, lentils, or pea protein, offering more fiber and protein than traditional pasta. Tossed with flaky tuna, it creates a balanced meal that keeps you full and energized. The tuna adds a mild, savory flavor that pairs perfectly with the pasta and complements a variety of mix-ins.

Fresh ingredients like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, and parsley brighten up the dish with color and crunch. A simple dressing of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and Dijon mustard ties everything together with a tangy and fresh flavor. For an extra layer of richness, you can sprinkle in capers, olives, or even a little Parmesan cheese.

Protein pasta with tuna is incredibly versatile. You can enjoy it warm or cold, making it perfect for meal prep. It is also easy to customize by adding spinach, arugula, roasted veggies, or chickpeas for even more nutrition.

This dish pairs well with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or a refreshing sparkling water with lemon or cucumber. It is light yet filling, offering the perfect combination of carbs, protein, and healthy fats without feeling heavy.

Whether you are looking for a quick dinner, a high-protein meal after a workout, or a healthy dish to pack for lunch, protein pasta with tuna is a simple and delicious solution. It is nutritious, satisfying, and comes together in less than 20 minutes with pantry staples.

Protein Pasta with Tuna
Protein Pasta with Tuna
3.66 from 52 votes
A delicious and nutritious pasta dish using protein-rich pasta and tuna, perfect for a quick and healthy meal.
Servings 1 people
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 100 grams protein pasta Choose your preferred type, such as chickpea pasta.
  • 1 can tuna Drained, packed in water.
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil Extra virgin preferred.
  • 1 clove garlic Minced.
  • 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes Halved.
  • to taste salt and pepper For seasoning.
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice Freshly squeezed.
  • 1 tablespoon parsley Chopped, for garnish.

Instructions
 

  • Cook the protein pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  • Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until they start to soften.
  • Add the drained tuna to the skillet and break it into chunks with a spoon. Cook until heated through.
  • Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to combine with the tuna and tomatoes.
  • Season with salt, pepper, and fresh lemon juice. Toss to coat evenly.
  • Remove from heat, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve immediately.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 30gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 350mgPotassium: 450mgFiber: 6gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 300IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 2mg
Calories: 450kcal
Meal Type: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: healthy recipes, Pasta Dishes, Quick Meals
Time: <30 Min
Level: Easy
Tried this recipe?Mention @coolinarco or tag #coolinarco!
Join the Conversation
  1. User avatar otha.barton says:

    5 stars
    This was super easy and so tasty! I added a bit of chili flakes for some kick. Will make again for sure!

    1. 2 stars
      Sounds easy, but I dunno if tuna and pasta really go together? I might stick to traditional spaghetti.

    2. User avatar eusebio.smith says:

      5 stars
      I love that you added chili flakes! It really amps up the flavor! Can’t wait to try this myself.

  2. User avatar ShanksOnePiece says:

    4 stars
    Quick meals are my fav! This one’s a keeper. Didn’t have parsley tho, but still yum.

  3. 3 stars
    A bit bland for my taste, needed more spices or something.

  4. 5 stars
    So easy to make! I added a pinch of chili flakes and it was perfect. Will make this again for sure!

  5. User avatar chase.crist2014 says:

    5 stars
    Simple dish, healthy, will make again. Easy to follow!

  6. User avatar irving.beatty says:

    5 stars
    This was super easy to make! Tastes great and healthy too! 🍝

    1. User avatar mac.jacobson58 says:

      3 stars
      Looks good, but I’m not sure tuna and pasta go together. 🤔

    2. 5 stars
      Yum! I love how quick this is! Perfect for busy nights. 😋

  7. User avatar Deep Thought says:

    3 stars
    I used regular pasta and it turned out fine. Not sure about the protein thing.

  8. User avatar britney.parisian44 says:

    5 stars
    This was surprisingly good! I never thought of using protein pasta before, and the tuna really made it filling.

  9. User avatar karol.champlin says:

    4 stars
    Quick and easy! My kids loved it and that’s a win! Thanks for sharing!

    1. 5 stars
      I’m so glad to hear that! Quick meals that the kids enjoy are always a win. You’re welcome!

  10. User avatar Bobby Wehner says:

    1 star
    I dunno, I didn’t like it. My pasta didn’t cook well and the tuna was weird with the tomatoes.

  11. User avatar Gurney Halleck says:

    2 stars
    I tried it but didn’t really like it. The tuna was too strong for my taste. Maybe next time I’ll try chicken instead.

  12. User avatar lonny.mills39 says:

    4 stars
    Protein pasta? Figured it out but I just used normal pasta and it still worked! 🤷‍♂️

    1. User avatar tissues_with_issues says:

      5 stars
      That’s awesome! Normal pasta works just fine too. The recipe’s all about what you enjoy! 😊

    2. User avatar Super Saiyan Blue Vegeta says:

      3 stars
      Protein pasta or not, it’s still pasta, right? But I wonder if it really has more protein? 🤔

  13. User avatar edwin.treutel24 says:

    2 stars
    I dunno, didn’t really like the tuna taste. Maybe something else?

  14. User avatar maximina.runte says:

    3 stars
    Protein pasta? Sounds like health stuff. Why not just use regular spaghetti? 🤷‍♂️

  15. User avatar nelle.fahey84 says:

    2 stars
    I’m not sure about the whole protein thing. Isn’t all pasta unhealthy? 😕

    1. User avatar smartestRedditor says:

      2 stars
      I dunno, isn’t all pasta just carbs? Where’s the protein, huh? 🤔

    2. User avatar teressa.hayes7 says:

      4 stars
      I get your concern! But not all pasta is unhealthy, especially protein pasta. It’s a great source of protein and can be quite nutritious! 😊

  16. User avatar antonia.blanda7 says:

    2 stars
    Too much lemon I think! 😬 I like it better without lemon juice. less tang.

  17. User avatar rich.landlord says:

    5 stars
    Wow, this is so good! My kids actually ate their whole bowls!

  18. User avatar agnus.stanton says:

    4 stars
    Yummy! But I put too much lemon juice… oops!

  19. 4 stars
    Garry Watson, do you really eat this? Are you even a chef now? LOL 😂

    1. User avatar Leif Connelly says:

      4 stars
      I mean, why not? It’s healthy and looks easy! I might give it a try. 😄

  20. User avatar marty.runolfsson12 says:

    5 stars
    YUM!!! Easy to make too. I added some olives for extra flavor. 🤤

  21. User avatar lashaunda.dach says:

    5 stars
    I can’t cook much but this I did! Recipe is good!

    1. User avatar mickey.bechtelar44 says:

      5 stars
      Great job! It’s awesome you tried cooking! Pasta is so simple, right? Keep it up!

  22. 3 stars
    Made this for lunch today. It was alright. Liked the olive oil but it’s not my favorite.

    1. User avatar Verlie Klocko says:

      3 stars
      I feel ya! It was okay but not a wow dish. Maybe try adding more spices next time!

  23. User avatar Jarred Rohan says:

    4 stars
    I made this for my family and they loved it! Protein pasta is a winner! Trying with shrimp next time!

  24. User avatar Pizpot Gargravarr says:

    4 stars
    Is there a way to make this without tuna? My husband won’t eat fish. 🤢

  25. User avatar Vroomfondel says:

    5 stars
    Yum! I love tuna! This is like a quick meal for a diet too. Healthy vibes! 🌟

    1. User avatar Shaun Osinski says:

      5 stars
      I agree! Tuna and pasta is a great combo. It’s super quick and easy to make. Perfect for busy days!

  26. 3 stars
    How do you get it to taste not bland? Mine was kinda just… there.

  27. User avatar cami.parisian says:

    3 stars
    It was okay, but I think it needs more flavor. Maybe some cheese or something? Also, a bit dry.

    1. 5 stars
      I totally agree! Cheese would make this dish way better. A sprinkle of parmesan or some feta could really kick it up a notch.

    2. User avatar tad.tromp1963 says:

      3 stars
      Maybe it’s just not your flavor. I thought it was delish as is! But I guess everyones taste is different.

  28. User avatar Harrison Fire says:

    2 stars
    What’s protein pasta? Sounds fancy, but is it really that much better than regular pasta? Just saying!

  29. User avatar lyndon.lindgren65 says:

    4 stars
    I don’t have cherry tomatoes, what can I use instead? Maybe regular ones?

  30. User avatar jeanine.little2014 says:

    3 stars
    I followed the recipe but it turned out kinda bland. Maybe more spices next time?

  31. User avatar rich.landlord says:

    2 stars
    Too much garlic for me! Just a hint would be better. 😷

    1. 5 stars
      I totally agree with you! Garlic can really overpower. A little bit goes a long way! Maybe next time, try just half a clove?

    2. User avatar liberal.hero says:

      3 stars
      But garlic is super healthy! Maybe just give it a try? You might be surprised! 😄

  32. User avatar Marica Brekke says:

    5 stars
    This recipe was amazing! I loved the combination of flavors, especially the lemon juice. Will definitely make again!

  33. 1 star
    Tuna is a fish, right? why are you mixing it with sauce? lol

    1. User avatar jayson.weimann2004 says:

      2 stars
      I dunno, mixing fish with sauce seems weird to me. Like, why not just eat it plain?

    2. 4 stars
      Yes, tuna is a fish, but it can be super tasty with sauce! Ever tried it? It adds flavor!

3.66 from 52 votes
Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Like 165
Close
Coolinarco.com © Copyright 2025. All rights reserved.
Close
Popular Search: