One-Pot Tuna Pasta
A hearty one-pot tuna pasta dish combining tender pasta, green beans, and flavorful seasonings, perfect for a quick, satisfying meal suitable for weeknights or busy days.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni ⓘ
- 2 1/2 cups water ⓘ
- 2 chicken bouillon cubes ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon fresh basil leaves
- 1 4-ounce jar pimiento ⓘ
- 1 9-ounce package frozen cut green beans ⓘ
- 1 cup skim milk
- 4 ounces low-fat Cheddar cheese grated
- 1 (6 1/8 ounce) can white albacore tuna packed in water drained ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Bring water, bouillon cubes, black pepper, and basil leaves to a boil in a 4-quart pot.
- Gradually add the uncooked pasta so that the water continues to boil.
- Cover and simmer for 7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add frozen green beans and continue cooking until the pasta is tender and water is absorbed.
- Stir in skim milk, grated Cheddar cheese, drained tuna, and chopped parsley.
- Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and the dish is heated through.
- Serve hot, garnished with extra parsley if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using vegetable broth instead of water for cooking the pasta. You can substitute the tuna with canned salmon or chickpeas for a vegetarian option. If you prefer a bit of heat, adding a pinch of red pepper flakes can enhance the dish. Also, feel free to mix in other vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for added nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this one-pot tuna pasta as a hearty main dish, garnished with extra parsley for freshness. It pairs well with a simple side salad or some crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce. For a complete meal, consider serving alongside roasted vegetables or a light soup. This dish is also great for potlucks or family gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of milk to the pasta to prevent it from drying out and warm it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of One-Pot Tuna Pasta contains roughly 750 calories, with 40g protein, 159g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (225% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and calcium (148% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 572mg per serving (25% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can easily make this one-pot tuna pasta gluten-free by using gluten-free elbow macaroni. Most brands offer pasta alternatives that cook similarly, ensuring you can enjoy the same creamy texture without gluten.
What can I substitute for the Cheddar cheese?
If you're looking for a different flavor profile, you can substitute low-fat Cheddar with mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese. For a dairy-free alternative, consider using a plant-based cheese that melts well, or simply omit the cheese for a lighter version of the dish.
How can I make this dish more filling?
To make this one-pot tuna pasta more filling, consider adding protein-rich ingredients like cooked chicken or beans. Additionally, incorporating whole grain pasta instead of regular elbow macaroni can provide more fiber, making the meal more satisfying. This would also complement other chicken recipes well.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).