Back to blog Light Lunch & Dinner

Tuna Spaghetti

Emily Bakes
October 23, 2025
Delicious plate of Tuna Spaghetti topped with herbs and spices.

Tuna Spaghetti is a delightful dish that combines the rich flavors of tuna, fresh ingredients, and perfectly cooked pasta. This recipe is not just quick and easy; it’s also incredibly satisfying and packed with nutrients. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner or a dish to impress friends, Tuna Spaghetti is a fantastic choice. Let’s dive into this simple yet flavorful recipe!

What Goes into This Tuna Spaghetti

Here’s a list of all the delicious ingredients you’ll need:

  • 100 g spaghetti (3.5 oz)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Vegetable oil for cooking and sautéing
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 bunch fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 medium tomato, diced
  • 1 can of tuna, drained (in oil or water)
  • Pepper, to taste
  • 40 g grated cheese (1.4 oz; such as Parmesan or any hard cheese)
  • Chili flakes, to taste

Step-by-Step Tuna Spaghetti Recipe

  1. Cook the pasta: Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente, following the package instructions. Once done, drain and drizzle with a little vegetable oil to prevent sticking.

  2. Sauté the onion: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it becomes soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.

  3. Add garlic and parsley: Stir in the minced garlic and half of the freshly chopped parsley. Allow it to cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.

  4. Incorporate the tomato: Toss in the diced tomato and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, letting it soften and release its juices.

  5. Mix in the tuna: Add the drained tuna into the skillet, breaking it apart gently while mixing it well with the other ingredients.

  6. Season the sauce: Sprinkle in salt, pepper, and chili flakes to taste. Allow it to simmer for about 2 to 3 minutes for all the flavors to meld together.

  7. Combine with pasta: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss everything together until well coated.

  8. Add cheese and parsley: Sprinkle the grated cheese on top and toss until it melts into the spaghetti. Finish by adding the remaining parsley for an extra burst of freshness.

  9. Serve: Plate the delicious tuna spaghetti and serve immediately.

How to Serve Tuna Spaghetti

To serve Tuna Spaghetti like a pro, plate the dish in shallow bowls for a more elegant touch. Top with a sprinkle of additional grated cheese and a few chili flakes for a pop of color. Pair this dish with a crisp green salad and a slice of crusty bread for a complete meal. A light white wine or sparkling water can complement the flavors beautifully.

Helpful Tricks for Tuna Spaghetti

  • Add vegetables: Feel free to toss in some chopped spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition and color.
  • Customize the cheese: Switch up the cheese according to your liking; feta cheese can add a tangy twist to the dish.
  • Herb variations: Instead of parsley, you could use basil or oregano to change the flavor profile.

Tuna Spaghetti FAQs

How can I make Tuna Spaghetti healthier?

You can opt for whole wheat spaghetti for a healthier option. Adding more vegetables will also increase the nutritional value of the dish.

Can I use fresh tuna instead of canned?

Yes! If you have fresh tuna, you can sear it and then flake it into the dish just before serving.

How should I store leftover Tuna Spaghetti?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, add a splash of water and heat gently on the stove.

Give this Tuna Spaghetti a try! It’s quick, easy, and most importantly, delicious. I hope you enjoy making and sharing it as much as I do!

Tuna Spaghetti

A delightful dish combining rich flavors of tuna and fresh ingredients with perfectly cooked pasta, making it a quick and satisfying meal.

Pasta

  • 100 g 100 g spaghetti ((3.5 oz))
  • Salt, to taste
  • Vegetable oil for cooking and sautéing

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 1 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 bunch 1 bunch fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 1 medium tomato, diced

Main Ingredients

  • 1 can 1 can of tuna, drained ((in oil or water))

Seasoning and Finish

  • Pepper, to taste
  • 40 g 40 g grated cheese ((1.4 oz; such as Parmesan or any hard cheese))
  • Chili flakes, to taste

Cooking the Pasta

  1. Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente, following the package instructions. Once done, drain and drizzle with a little vegetable oil to prevent sticking.

Sautéing the Vegetables

  1. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it becomes soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
  2. Stir in the minced garlic and half of the freshly chopped parsley. Allow it to cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.

Making the Sauce

  1. Toss in the diced tomato and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, letting it soften and release its juices.
  2. Add the drained tuna into the skillet, breaking it apart gently while mixing it well with the other ingredients.
  3. Sprinkle in salt, pepper, and chili flakes to taste. Allow it to simmer for about 2 to 3 minutes for all the flavors to meld together.

Combining Everything

  1. Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss everything together until well coated.
  2. Sprinkle the grated cheese on top and toss until it melts into the spaghetti. Finish by adding the remaining parsley for an extra burst of freshness.

Serving

  1. Plate the delicious tuna spaghetti and serve immediately.

To serve Tuna Spaghetti like a pro, plate the dish in shallow bowls for a more elegant touch. Top with a sprinkle of additional grated cheese and a few chili flakes for a pop of color. Pair with a crisp green salad and a slice of crusty bread for a complete meal. A light white wine or sparkling water can complement the flavors beautifully.

Dinner, Main Course
Mediterranean
easy pasta recipe, Healthy Meal, Quick Dinner, seafood pasta, Tuna Spaghetti

Written By

Emily Bakes

Read full bio

Leave a Comment