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My tuna pea pasta recipe comes from busy weeknight dinners when I need something quick but satisfying. The combination of sweet peas tender pasta and flaky tuna creates such a comforting meal. I love how the lemon brightens everything up making each bite feel fresh and light even though it takes just minutes to prepare.
Simple Ingredients Big Flavor
This tuna pea pasta proves that simple ingredients can create something extraordinary. The sweet pop of fresh peas against the savory tuna and salty parmesan makes every forkful perfectly balanced. It's become my go-to recipe when I want something that feels special but doesn't keep me in the kitchen all evening.
What You'll Need
- Pasta: 8 oz bowties are my favorite here.
- Peas: 1 cup fresh or frozen both work great.
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon use the good stuff.
- Onion: 1 medium diced small.
- Garlic: 2 cloves fresh minced.
- Chili Flakes: ¼ teaspoon adjust to taste.
- Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon fresh squeezed.
- Tuna: 1 can in oil for best flavor.
- Parsley: A good handful chopped.
- Parmesan: ⅓ cup freshly grated.
- Seasoning: Sea salt and fresh pepper.
Let's Cook
- Start with Pasta
- Get your water boiling and time those peas perfectly with the pasta.
- Build Flavor
- Sauté those aromatics until your kitchen smells amazing.
- Add Some Heat
- That touch of chili and bright lemon juice makes everything pop.
- Bring It Together
- Toss everything gently the tuna should stay in nice chunks.
- Final Touch
- Fresh herbs and cheese make it restaurant worthy.
Make It Special
Want to elevate your tuna pea pasta? Always grate the parmesan fresh it makes such a difference. Sometimes I'll splash in some white wine with the onions or add extra vegetables whatever's in season. The recipe is wonderfully flexible just keep those core ingredients of tuna and peas.
Keep It Fresh
This tuna pea pasta is just as delicious cold as it is warm making it perfect for lunch the next day. Just store it in an airtight container and give it a quick stir before serving. The flavors actually get even better after they've had time to mingle together.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why cook peas with the pasta?
Adding peas in the last 2 minutes of cooking pasta saves time and ensures they're perfectly tender without overcooking.
- → Can I use frozen peas instead?
Yes, frozen peas work well in this recipe. Add them in the last 2 minutes of cooking just like fresh peas.
- → Why be careful not to break up the tuna too much?
Keeping the tuna in larger chunks provides better texture and makes the dish more satisfying than if it's completely broken up.
- → Can I make this ahead?
This dish is best served immediately while the pasta is fresh and the flavors are bright. The peas may lose their vibrant color if made too far ahead.
- → Why use freshly grated Parmesan?
Fresh Parmesan provides better flavor and melts more smoothly into the pasta than pre-grated versions.
Conclusion
This spring-inspired pasta dish combines tender bowtie pasta and fresh peas with flaky tuna, all tossed in a light garlic and lemon sauce with Parmesan cheese.