Tuna Pasta with Creamy Fra Diavolo Sauce Recipe
If you’re looking to elevate your weeknight dinner routine, Tuna Pasta with Creamy Fra Diavolo Sauce is your secret weapon. This irresistible dish combines delicate pasta with a spicy, silky tomato-cream sauce and tender flakes of tuna, creating a meal that’s both comforting and a little bit bold. It’s the kind of recipe you pull out when you want something undeniably delicious but don’t want to fuss for hours in the kitchen. Each bite is cozy, tangy, and brimming with savory goodness—a true Italian-inspired favorite that’s so much more than the sum of its parts.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the joys of Tuna Pasta with Creamy Fra Diavolo Sauce is how these everyday staples come together to create explosive flavor. Every ingredient brings something vital—heat, richness, freshness, or depth—making this a pasta you’ll crave again and again.
- Pasta (penne or linguine): Hearty shapes like penne or linguine are perfect for catching all that luscious, creamy sauce.
- Olive oil: Provides a flavorful, fruity base to sauté the aromatics and infuse the sauce with richness.
- Garlic cloves: Minced garlic gives the sauce its classic Italian aroma and deepens the savory backbone.
- Red pepper flakes: This is the fiery heart of any fra diavolo—add more or less to tailor the spice level to your liking.
- Crushed tomatoes: A can of crushed tomatoes brings a tangy, slow-cooked tomato flavor and a little rustic texture.
- Tomato paste: Just a bit makes the sauce deeper, richer, and more concentrated.
- Sugar: A dash balances the acidity of the tomatoes and rounds out the flavors.
- Dried oregano: Classic Mediterranean seasoning—oregano adds a peppery herbal note that’s unmistakable.
- Dried basil: Basil lends aromatic sweetness to the sauce, evoking summer in every bite.
- Salt and pepper: These are essential for bringing out the full vibrancy of every other ingredient.
- Heavy cream: The secret to the luscious, creamy texture that makes this dish so memorable.
- Canned tuna (in oil or water): Flaked tuna adds hearty protein and a delightful subtle seafood flavor.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Umami-packed Parmesan gives every forkful a nutty, salty finish.
- Fresh parsley: A sprinkle of chopped parsley brings color and a refreshing herbal pop at the very end.
How to Make Tuna Pasta with Creamy Fra Diavolo Sauce
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Set a large pot of salted water over high heat and get it boiling. Pasta loves generously salted water, so don’t be shy. Cook your pasta to al dente—it should still have a little bite, because it will spend a little extra time mingling with the sauce. Once cooked, drain well and set aside, remembering to reserve a splash of pasta water just in case the sauce needs thinning later.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
While the pasta works its magic, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, stirring gently. You’re looking to release the garlic’s fragrance and let the pepper flakes start to sizzle—this is where the base of your fra diavolo sauce starts to sing. Be careful not to brown the garlic; just let it turn golden and fragrant.
Step 3: Build the Fra Diavolo Sauce
Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, oregano, basil, and a pinch of salt and pepper to the skillet. Give everything a good stir to marry the flavors. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This is where the aromatic herbs meld into the tomatoes, and the whole kitchen starts to smell incredible. If you like your sauce extra spicy, now’s the time to boost the heat with an extra shake of red pepper flakes.
Step 4: Creamy Upgrade
Lower the heat and gently pour in the heavy cream. Stir until the sauce takes on a gorgeous rosy hue and becomes silky and a touch thicker. Let it bubble for just a couple of minutes—this is the moment when the sauce goes from classic fra diavolo to something truly luxurious. You want it creamy but still pourable, so don’t let it reduce too much.
Step 5: Tuna Joins the Party
Add the flaked tuna straight into the sauce, stirring gently to distribute it evenly. The tuna should warm through without breaking up entirely, so be gentle with your spatula. It brings irresistible texture and protein, making this dish a powerhouse meal that doesn’t taste like weeknight compromise.
Step 6: Toss Pasta with Sauce and Finish
Add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing thoroughly so every noodle is bathed in luscious, spicy cream sauce. If the sauce seems a bit thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to get your perfect consistency. Once everything is just right, sprinkle with Parmesan and a shower of fresh parsley for color and lift. Now, dig in—Tuna Pasta with Creamy Fra Diavolo Sauce is best served hot and fresh!
How to Serve Tuna Pasta with Creamy Fra Diavolo Sauce
Garnishes
Take your Tuna Pasta with Creamy Fra Diavolo Sauce to the next level by finishing it with extra Parmesan and a bright scatter of fresh parsley. Both add a burst of color and fresh flavor that balance the wealth of the sauce. For a hint of extra spice or crunch, a pinch of red pepper flakes or toasted breadcrumbs never goes amiss.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs perfectly with a crisp green salad dressed simply in olive oil and lemon juice. You can also never go wrong with a loaf of warm, crusty garlic bread to mop up any remaining sauce—trust me, you won’t want to waste a drop!
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy family meal, serve right from the skillet with tongs. If you’re feeling a little fancy, twirl pasta into small nests with tongs or a carving fork and arrange on plates, topping each with extra tuna, parsley, and a curl of Parmesan. You can even serve it in individual ovenproof ramekins, topped with a sprinkle of cheese and quickly broiled for a bubbly finish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, transfer Tuna Pasta with Creamy Fra Diavolo Sauce into an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making for a most satisfying lunch the next day.
Freezing
While the creamy sauce tends to separate a bit after freezing, you can certainly stash it away if needed. Store cooled portions in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, and prepare to stir everything back together as the sauce may need to be coaxed back to creaminess.
Reheating
Gently reheat Tuna Pasta with Creamy Fra Diavolo Sauce on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to revive the sauce. Stir often to prevent sticking and ensure everything heats evenly. Microwave reheating works in a pinch—just cover the bowl and stir halfway through to restore the sauce’s consistency.
FAQs
Can I use fresh tuna instead of canned?
Absolutely! Simply sear diced fresh tuna in olive oil until just cooked and flake it into the sauce at the end. This adds a lovely, meaty bite that feels extra special.
Is there a dairy-free version of this dish?
You can swap the heavy cream for a plant-based cream alternative or full-fat coconut milk. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a dairy-free, umami-dusted finish.
How spicy is this Tuna Pasta with Creamy Fra Diavolo Sauce?
It has a gentle heat that most can enjoy, but the spice level is easily adjustable. If you want more of a kick, increase the red pepper flakes—or tame it by using just a pinch.
Will it work with gluten-free pasta?
Definitely! Any sturdy gluten-free penne, linguine, or spaghetti will soak up the sauce beautifully—just follow the pasta’s package instructions for cooking times.
Can Tuna Pasta with Creamy Fra Diavolo Sauce be made ahead?
You can make the sauce a day ahead and keep it chilled. Cook the pasta fresh, then warm the sauce and toss together just before serving for peak texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend Tuna Pasta with Creamy Fra Diavolo Sauce enough for both busy weeknights and cozy dinner parties. It’s easy, unfussy, and seriously packed with flavor. Give it a try—you might just find it becomes a new staple in your kitchen, too!
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Tuna Pasta with Creamy Fra Diavolo Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a flavorful and creamy pasta dish with a spicy kick with this Tuna Pasta in Creamy Fra Diavolo Sauce recipe. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal that’s bursting with Italian-inspired flavors.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 300g (10.5 oz) pasta (penne or linguine)
Fra Diavolo Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (or to taste)
- 1 can (400g/14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- ½ teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 can (150g/5 oz) tuna in oil or water, drained and flaked
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Boil salted water and cook pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare Sauce: Heat olive oil, sauté garlic and red pepper flakes. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add Cream and Tuna: Lower heat, stir in cream for 2–3 minutes. Add tuna and combine.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Toss cooked pasta in the sauce. Sprinkle with Parmesan and parsley. Serve hot.
Notes
- Adjust spice level with red pepper flakes
- Use light cream for a lower-fat option
- This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or garlic bread
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
