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One-Pan Creamy Tuna Pasta Skillet Dinner

Close-up of creamy tuna pasta mixed with bright green peas, topped with shredded cheese.

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Make mealtime simple with this one-pan creamy tuna pasta skillet. This recipe uses pantry staples for a comforting, budget-friendly meal ready in 30 minutes or less.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  3. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Whisk in the flour until it forms a paste with the oil and onions. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
  5. Slowly pour in the milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Stir in the broth, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and paprika.
  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 the frozen peas. Cook until the peas are heated through, about 2 minutes.
  8. Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
  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 the **creamy tuna pasta** immediately for a satisfying **quick weeknight meal**.

Notes

  • For a richer flavor, use tuna packed in olive oil instead of water.
  • You can substitute frozen corn for the peas if you prefer.
  • If you want a sharper cheese flavor, use an extra sharp cheddar.

Nutrition