15-Minute Creamy Tuna Pasta (Easy Weeknight Dinner)

Published: 7/31/2026

The ultimate weeknight lifesaver. This pasta dish is incredibly fast, affordable, and brings a sophisticated touch with fresh dill and bright lemon zest.

Ingredients (4 servings)

• 12 oz (340 g) pasta (penne or fusilli)
• 2 cans (150 g) tuna in oil or water, drained
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream or half-and-half
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) pasta water (reserved)
• 1/2 lemon, zested and juiced
• 1/4 cup (15 g) fresh dill, chopped
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente.
2. While the pasta cooks, heat the cream in a large skillet over medium heat.
3. Add the drained tuna to the cream and break it up gently with a wooden spoon.
4. Once the pasta is done, reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water and then drain the pasta.
5. Toss the pasta into the tuna and cream mixture. Add the lemon juice, lemon zest, and dill.
6. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.
7. Season generously with black pepper and serve immediately.

Pro Tips

• Dill is Essential: Fresh dill provides the quintessential Nordic flavor profile. If you absolutely must use dried dill, use only 1 tablespoon as it is much more potent.
• Don’t Overcook: Keep the pasta al dente as it will continue to soften slightly once mixed with the hot cream sauce.

See Also

• 15-Minute Creamy Tortellini (Easy Weeknight Dinner)
• Creamy Blue Cheese Chicken Pasta
• Creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta Sauce

Categories: mains, pasta