6 Italian Canned Tuna Pasta Recipes.
Canned tuna pasta is one of the simplest ways to make seafood pasta! In fact, it’s so popular in Italy that it’s one of the first things young Italians learn to cook for themselves! However, there is more than one delicious Italian recipe for pasta with tuna.
Tuna in the Italian diet.
Sicilians and other Southern Italians have fished tuna for centuries. In fact, tuna is a mainstay of the Sicilian and Southern Italian seafood diet. However, fresh tuna has always been most plentiful during the spring and summer. So, many Sicilians and Southern Italians living on the islands and in coastal areas traditionally preserved their own tuna in olive oil. They then used this tuna during the winter or sold it inland and further north.
Fusilli pasta with tuna black olive pesto
Some Italians still do this themselves to this day! But, there are, of course, many tuna canning factories in Italy and, nowadays, tuna in olive oil is readily available in every supermarket. As a result, canned tuna has a place in every Italian larder. It is particularly popular as a salad ingredient, pizza topping and with pasta.
Elbow pasta with cannellini beans and tuna
In fact, pasta with canned tuna is one of the first pasta dishes that many young Italians learn to make. It’s well known as a staple among university students and young singles. But, there are many tasty Italian canned tuna pasta recipes. Some are traditional and others more contemporary. Some are super simple, others a bit more complicated. All are delicious!
Check out these canned tuna pasta recipes here on The Pasta Project! I’m sure you’ll enjoy them as much as the Italians do!
Spaghetti with tuna, capers and mint from the Aeolian Islands .
This fresh and summery traditional canned tuna pasta recipe is made with a no-cook sauce. So, it is very fast and easy to make. A super summer pasta dish! Click here for recipe.
Elbow pasta with tuna and cannellini beans.
This very nutritious dish can also be eaten tepid as a salad instead of hot. If you have never tried pasta with canned tuna and beans, you are bound to be impressed with how flavourful this recipe is. Click here for recipe.
Conchiglioni pasta shells with tuna and ricotta.
These delicious stuffed pasta shells are great as party finger food. The filling requires no precooking and you can prepare this dish in advance. My guests love this pasta with canned tuna and yours will too! Click here for recipe.
Fusilli pasta with black olive pesto and tuna.
If you like olives, this recipe from Calabria for pasta with black olive pesto and canned tuna is for you. Plus,it takes no time at all to make, it’s very flavourful and you can eat it warm or as a salad! Click here for recipe
Garganelli with tuna Bolognese
This super simple but delicious three ingredient pasta with canned tuna recipe from Bologna is probably the easiest Italian pasta recipe I know. However, despite its simplicity, it was recently registered as a traditional recipe from Emilia-Romagna with the Italian academy of cuisine (L’Accademia Italiana della Cucina). A great weeknight dinner option! Click here for recipe
Tuna carbonara.
This seafood version of carbonara is so easy to make, creamy and delicious! There are only 4 ingredients, not counting the pasta and you can have this dish on the table in no time at all! This is a great canned tuna pasta recipe for entertaining too! Click here for recipe
If you do try any of these canned tuna pasta recipes, I’d love to hear what you think. Please write a comment here on the blog or post a comment on the Pasta Project Facebook page.
Your feedback means a lot to me!
Buon appetito!
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Lathiya says
Wow..These are some amazing pasta recipes using Tuna…Never known with same basic ingredients , you can create such lovely different recipes
Mimi says
I’ve been cooking the same tuna pasta over and over again. So you won’t believe how I excited I am to have these 6 new recipes to try – fantastic finding!
April says
Incredible recipe! I believe it should be one of the dishes young Americans learn to cook, too – it is simple, delicious and filling – just what everyone likes!
Maman de sara says
Great Tuna Pasta recipes. I pinned your post for later use, thank you.
Jeannette (Jay Joy) says
I did not know that tuna pasta first things young Italians learn to cook for themselves. We think of pasta in Italy and forget just how big the fishing industry is there.
Jacqui says
Thanks for your comment Jeannette! Yes tuna fishing has long been important in Southern Italy, although sadly tuna populations are declining due to over fishing! However, the tuna here is very good and canned tuna is a larder staple for nearly all Italians!
Jere Cassidy says
I always have a can of tuna in the cupboard and I am usually at a loss of what to do with it besides making tuna salad. I love all your recipes.
Jacqui says
Thank you Jere! pasta with tuna is a great way to use the tuna you have. It’s usally very quick and esay but really delicious!