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.

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.
This was super easy and so tasty! I added a bit of chili flakes for some kick. Will make again for sure!
Sounds easy, but I dunno if tuna and pasta really go together? I might stick to traditional spaghetti.
I love that you added chili flakes! It really amps up the flavor! Can’t wait to try this myself.
This is a great quick meal! I added some cheese on top, mmm!
Quick meals are my fav! This one’s a keeper. Didn’t have parsley tho, but still yum.
A bit bland for my taste, needed more spices or something.
So easy to make! I added a pinch of chili flakes and it was perfect. Will make this again for sure!
Simple dish, healthy, will make again. Easy to follow!
This was super easy to make! Tastes great and healthy too! 🍝
Looks good, but I’m not sure tuna and pasta go together. 🤔
Yum! I love how quick this is! Perfect for busy nights. 😋
I used regular pasta and it turned out fine. Not sure about the protein thing.
This was surprisingly good! I never thought of using protein pasta before, and the tuna really made it filling.
Quick and easy! My kids loved it and that’s a win! Thanks for sharing!
I’m so glad to hear that! Quick meals that the kids enjoy are always a win. You’re welcome!
I dunno, I didn’t like it. My pasta didn’t cook well and the tuna was weird with the tomatoes.
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.
Protein pasta? Figured it out but I just used normal pasta and it still worked! 🤷♂️
That’s awesome! Normal pasta works just fine too. The recipe’s all about what you enjoy! 😊
Protein pasta or not, it’s still pasta, right? But I wonder if it really has more protein? 🤔
I dunno, didn’t really like the tuna taste. Maybe something else?
Protein pasta? Sounds like health stuff. Why not just use regular spaghetti? 🤷♂️
I’m not sure about the whole protein thing. Isn’t all pasta unhealthy? 😕
I dunno, isn’t all pasta just carbs? Where’s the protein, huh? 🤔
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! 😊
Too much lemon I think! 😬 I like it better without lemon juice. less tang.
Wow, this is so good! My kids actually ate their whole bowls!
So easy! I didn’t have lemon juice but added lime and it was fine.
Yummy! But I put too much lemon juice… oops!
Garry Watson, do you really eat this? Are you even a chef now? LOL 😂
I mean, why not? It’s healthy and looks easy! I might give it a try. 😄
YUM!!! Easy to make too. I added some olives for extra flavor. 🤤
I can’t cook much but this I did! Recipe is good!
Great job! It’s awesome you tried cooking! Pasta is so simple, right? Keep it up!
Made this for lunch today. It was alright. Liked the olive oil but it’s not my favorite.
I feel ya! It was okay but not a wow dish. Maybe try adding more spices next time!
I made this for my family and they loved it! Protein pasta is a winner! Trying with shrimp next time!
I tried it, but I prefer regular pasta. More flavor, just saying.
Yum! I love chickpea pasta. Great recipe, super easy too!
Is there a way to make this without tuna? My husband won’t eat fish. 🤢
Yum! I love tuna! This is like a quick meal for a diet too. Healthy vibes! 🌟
I agree! Tuna and pasta is a great combo. It’s super quick and easy to make. Perfect for busy days!
This was super easy and tasty! My kids loved it.
This sounds delicious! Quick meals are the best for busy nights.
I made this for dinner, but I used chicken instead. Still turned out delish!
I’m not a fan of tuna, so I used chicken and turned out fine. Creative twist!
Using chicken instead of tuna is a great idea! Not everyone likes fish, so it’s cool to see you made it work for you.
How do you get it to taste not bland? Mine was kinda just… there.
It was okay, but I think it needs more flavor. Maybe some cheese or something? Also, a bit dry.
I totally agree! Cheese would make this dish way better. A sprinkle of parmesan or some feta could really kick it up a notch.
Maybe it’s just not your flavor. I thought it was delish as is! But I guess everyones taste is different.
This was surprisingly good! I didn’t expect tuna and pasta to go so well together. 👍
What’s protein pasta? Sounds fancy, but is it really that much better than regular pasta? Just saying!
I don’t have cherry tomatoes, what can I use instead? Maybe regular ones?
I followed the recipe but it turned out kinda bland. Maybe more spices next time?
Are you serious? Tuna in pasta? No thanks, I’ll stick with my marinara.
Ew, no! Tuna in pasta sounds terrible. Marinara is just better, no contest.
I get that tuna isn’t everyone’s favorite, but it’s packed with protein and can be really tasty in pasta if done right! Give it a try!
Did I miss the part where it says how many servings it is? Anyway, still good.
I think it should be around 2-3 servings, depending on how hungry you are! This recipe is delicious btw!
Who needs servings? Just eat until you’re full! 😂 It’s all good.
Too much garlic for me! Just a hint would be better. 😷
I totally agree with you! Garlic can really overpower. A little bit goes a long way! Maybe next time, try just half a clove?
But garlic is super healthy! Maybe just give it a try? You might be surprised! 😄
5 stars! My kids gobbled it up. Will definitely make again!
Sounds great! I’m always looking for quick meals for kids. What’s the protein content like?
This recipe was amazing! I loved the combination of flavors, especially the lemon juice. Will definitely make again!
Tuna is a fish, right? why are you mixing it with sauce? lol
I dunno, mixing fish with sauce seems weird to me. Like, why not just eat it plain?
Yes, tuna is a fish, but it can be super tasty with sauce! Ever tried it? It adds flavor!
I dunno, it feels kinda bland to me. Needed more seasoning
Protein pasta is the best! So filling and healthy. I added some spinach as well, was great!
I didn’t have parsley, so I used basil instead. Still turned out great!
Great substitution! Basil adds a nice twist. I might try that next time!
Hmmm, basil instead of parsley? Isn’t that a bit weird? But glad it worked for you.
I dunno man, tuna seems weird in pasta. I tried it and it tasted… odd.
I actually loved it! Tuna in pasta is great. Adds a nice protein kick. Maybe you just didn’t season it enough?
I can’t imagine tuna in pasta! Seems strange. Maybe I’ll stick to my usual marinara sauce…
Made this for dinner last night! It was a hit! Thanks for sharing.
So glad to hear that! It’s super easy to make, right? Yum!
Y’all really like this? Tried it and it tasted like cardboard. No offense.