Rating: 3.70
(141)

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
3.70 from 141 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
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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. 3 stars
    Not a fan of tuna… maybe if it was chicken? It was okay but not great.

    1. User avatar eli.padberg90 says:

      4 stars
      I get that! Chicken would definitely be a good swap for tuna. Maybe try it next time!

  3. User avatar Future Trunks says:

    4 stars
    This is a great quick meal! I added some cheese on top, mmm!

  4. User avatar ShanksOnePiece says:

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

  5. 3 stars
    A bit bland for my taste, needed more spices or something.

  6. 5 stars
    So easy to make! I added a pinch of chili flakes and it was perfect. Will make this again for sure!

  7. User avatar chase.crist2014 says:

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

  8. 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. 😋

  9. User avatar nola.waters48 says:

    5 stars
    Protein pasta can be kinda… bland, but this saved it. The garlic and tomatoes make it feel like a real meal. 10/10 for weekdays.

    1. User avatar kelley.cruickshank97 says:

      5 stars
      Honestly yeah—protein pasta can taste like cardboard, but the garlic + tomatoes totally fixes it. I added a little chili flakes too and it was amazing for a quick weekday meal.

    2. User avatar jade.kovacek29 says:

      4 stars
      I tried this and thought it was kinda too lemony? Maybe my tuna was stronger. Also I used regular pasta (bc i didnt have protein pasta) and it still turned out decent. Would make again but maybe less lemon.

  10. User avatar Deep Thought says:

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

  11. 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.

  12. 3 stars
    Protein pasta? I used regular spaghetti and it turned out fine. Just sayin’.

  13. 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!

  14. 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.

  15. 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.

  16. 3 stars
    I substituted the lemon juice for bottled and regretted it—kinda flat flavor. Next time I’ll squeeze fresh like the recipe says.

    1. User avatar ken.schinner1986 says:

      5 stars
      Totally agree—bottled lemon juice can taste kinda dull compared to fresh. Fresh is the move, especially for a tuna-forward dish.

  17. User avatar tracey.rutherford45 says:

    4 stars
    I didn’t have cherry tomatoes, so I used regular ones. Still turned out yummy!

  18. 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? 🤔

  19. User avatar edwin.treutel24 says:

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

  20. User avatar maximina.runte says:

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

3.70 from 141 votes
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