This easy pasta with tuna and peas is a creamy, cheesy dinner made with pantry staples and ready in about 20 minutes. Tender pasta, canned tuna, sweet peas, and parmesan come together in a simple homemade sauce that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
If you grew up on tuna noodle casserole, this stovetop version has the same comforting flavors but comes together much faster with no baking required.
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Why You’ll Love Pasta with Tuna and Peas
- Ready in about 20 minutes.
- Made with pantry staples.
- Creamy, cheesy comfort food.
- Great for busy weeknights.
Tender pasta, chunks of tuna, and sweet peas are tossed in a creamy parmesan sauce made with butter, milk, and cheese. It’s a quick, comforting dinner that’s ready in about 20 minutes. If you enjoy Tuna Helper, you’ll love this homemade version.
Ingredients
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
- Noodles: I usually use eggless or whole wheat pasta, but any short pasta works well.
- Tuna: I use tuna packed in water, but oil-packed works too.
- Peas: Frozen peas stay firm and bright. I sometimes use a mix of peas, corn, green beans, or carrots, keeping the total to about 1 cup.
- Onion: Red, white, yellow, or shallots all work. Leave it out if you prefer.
- Cheese: Parmesan is my favorite, but cheddar or Colby Jack work too. Freshly grated melts best, but pre-shredded is fine.
- Butter: I use unsalted butter, but salted works too.
- Flour: All-purpose flour.
- Milk: I’ve only tested this with dairy milk.
- Garlic: Fresh or jarred garlic both work well.
- Black Pepper: Add more or less to taste.
Variations
- A splash of lemon juice or a bit of fresh lemon zest will add brightness.
- You can add chopped red or green bell peppers in with the onion.
- Top with chopped fresh Italian parsley for an earthy flavor.
How Pasta with Tuna and Peas Comes Together
See recipe card below for complete directions with amounts.
Cook the pasta, adding the peas during the last 3 minutes.
Cook the onion and garlic in butter until softened.
Stir in the milk, then add the tuna and parmesan.
Add the cooked pasta and peas, then toss to coat.
Storage and Reheating
- Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, adding a splash of milk if needed.
- Freezing: The sauce may separate and the pasta can soften after thawing, so this recipe is best enjoyed fresh.
Frequently Asked Questions
It’s best served fresh, but leftovers reheat well for a couple of days.
Yes. Add them when you cook the pasta since they’ll need a little longer than frozen peas.
Yes. Stir them in at the end just until heated through so they don’t become mushy.
Try These Quick Pasta Recipes Next!
- Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo – An easy one-pot dish that’s ready in 30 minutes!
- One Pot Chili Mac – Just as quick and easy as the popular boxed dinner.
- Alfredo Chicken Pasta & Broccoli – A complete dinner made in one pot that’s so easy!
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Easy Pasta with Tuna & Peas
Ingredients
- 8 ounces noodles
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 3 tablespoons butter
- ¼ cup red onion
- 1 teaspoon garlic
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 1 ¾ cups milk
- 2 cans chunk light tuna 5 ounces each
- ¾ cup grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the pasta al dente according to the package instructions, adding the peas in for the last 3 minutes.8 ounces noodles, 1 cup frozen peas
- Melt the butter in a large skillet, add the onion and cook over medium heat 3-4 minutes or until the onion begins to soften, add the garlic and pepper and cook for a minute.3 tablespoons butter, ¼ cup red onion, 1 teaspoon garlic, ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Add the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for a 1-2 minutes or until the flour is hot and bubbly. Stir in the milk and cook stirring constantly until thickened, about 3-5 minutes.3 tablespoons flour, 1 ¾ cups milk
- Stir in the drained tuna and parmesan cheese. Add the cooked pasta and peas, then cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring until heated through.2 cans chunk light tuna, ¾ cup grated parmesan cheese
- Top with additional grated parmesan, if desired.
This turned out super yummy! I didn’t have peas but I substituted corn and it still worked! Thank you so much!!
I’m so glad you like it! Thanks for commenting, Mindy