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Easy One-Pan Creamy Tuna Pasta Skillet

Close-up of creamy tuna pasta shells mixed with bright green peas and topped with grated cheese.
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Make this simple, creamy tuna pasta skillet for a comforting weeknight dinner. It uses pantry staples and requires minimal cleanup, delivering a family favorite taste quickly.

Ingredients

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  • 12 ounces pasta (like elbow macaroni or shells)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 (5 ounce) cans tuna in water, drained
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of the cooking water. Set the cooked pasta aside.
  2. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 4 minutes.
  3. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Whisk in the flour until combined with the oil and onion mixture. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
  5. Gradually whisk in the milk and broth until the mixture is smooth. Stir in the Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
  6. Bring the sauce to a simmer, stirring often, until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 5 to 7 minutes.
  7. Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the drained tuna and frozen peas. Cook until the peas are heated through.
  8. Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
  9. Add the cooked and drained pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated in the creamy sauce.
  10. Serve immediately for a cozy dinner.

Notes

  • For a slight tang, add 1 teaspoon of lemon juice when you add the tuna.
  • If you prefer a tuna pasta bake, transfer the mixture to a baking dish, top with breadcrumbs, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
  • Use tuna packed in oil for a richer flavor, draining off most of the oil before adding it to the sauce.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookincorner.com/easy-one-pan-creamy-tuna-pasta-skillet/