Tuna Pea Pasta

Featured in Seafood.

Made this spring pasta—wow, it's tasty! Done in 25 minutes. The peas are fresh, tuna adds heartiness, and the lemon sauce is zesty. Extra Parmesan on mine? Always. Great when you need a quick but classy meal.
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Updated on Sun, 13 Apr 2025 04:42:15 GMT
A plate of bowtie pasta mixed with green peas, flaky tuna pieces, and grated cheese. Garnished with parsley and served alongside a lemon slice. Pin it
A plate of bowtie pasta mixed with green peas, flaky tuna pieces, and grated cheese. Garnished with parsley and served alongside a lemon slice. | tasteofmoms.com

I throw this tuna pea pasta together when my evening's packed but I still want something tasty. The sweet peas, al dente pasta and chunky tuna mix into such a soul-warming dish. What I really dig is how the lemon cuts through everything, giving each mouthful a crisp, light feel despite being whipped up in no time flat.

Basic Items Amazing Taste

This tuna pea combo shows how everyday ingredients can turn into something really special. Those sweet peas popping against rich tuna and tangy parmesan creates the perfect balance in every bite. I've made this my fallback when I'm craving something nice without spending all night cooking.

What You'll Need

  • Pasta: 8 oz farfalle works best in my kitchen.
  • Peas: 1 cup whether they're fresh or frozen doesn't matter.
  • Onion: 1 medium chopped into tiny bits.
  • Garlic: 2 cloves finely chopped.
  • Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon grab your premium bottle.
  • Tuna: 1 can packed in oil for extra flavor.
  • Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon straight from the fruit.
  • Chili Flakes: ¼ teaspoon more or less as you like.
  • Parmesan: ⅓ cup grated right before using.
  • Parsley: A big handful diced up.
  • Seasoning: Sea salt and cracked pepper.

Let's Cook

Final Touch
Sprinkle herbs and cheese for that fancy restaurant feel.
Bring It Together
Mix everything carefully so the tuna stays in big pieces.
Add Some Heat
The chili and zingy lemon really boost the flavor.
Build Flavor
Cook those onions and garlic until your whole house smells fantastic.
Start with Pasta
Boil water and time those peas to finish with the pasta.

Make It Special

Wanna take your tuna pea pasta up a notch? Don't skip grating fresh parmesan, it truly changes everything. I sometimes add a splash of white wine while cooking the onions or toss in whatever veggies are hanging around. This dish bends with whatever you've got, just don't forget the tuna and peas at its heart.

Keep It Fresh

This dish tastes great hot or cold, making it awesome for tomorrow's lunch too. Just pop it in a sealed container and mix it up before you dig in. The funny thing is, all those flavors actually get even tastier after they've sat together overnight.

A black bowl filled with farfalle pasta, green peas, chunks of tuna, and garnished with parsley and grated cheese. Pin it
A black bowl filled with farfalle pasta, green peas, chunks of tuna, and garnished with parsley and grated cheese. | tasteofmoms.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why do peas cook with pasta?

It’s faster this way and ensures the peas come out just soft enough without turning mushy.

→ Can I use frozen instead of fresh peas?

Definitely. Frozen peas work just as well—just toss them in during the last couple of minutes of pasta boiling.

→ Why shouldn’t I break the tuna too much?

Leaving the tuna in bigger pieces gives the dish a nicer texture and makes it heartier.

→ Is this something I can make ahead?

It’s best eaten right away. Cooking it too early might make the peas dull in color and the pasta slightly sticky.

→ Why is fresh Parmesan better?

Freshly grated Parmesan melts smoother and tastes better than the pre-grated kind, which can be a bit dry.

Conclusion

Enjoy this bright and fresh pasta mix with bowtie noodles, sweet peas, chunky tuna, and a light Parmesan garlic sauce. It's easy to whip up for lunch or dinner.

Tuna Pea Pasta

Fast and easy pasta featuring bowtie noodles with peas, tuna, and cheese. A bright, fresh choice for a casual lunch or simple dinner.

Prep Time
5 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
20 Minutes
By: Ashley

Category: Seafood

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 Servings (4 servings)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

01 Parmesan cheese, about 1/3 cup (30g), freshly grated.
02 8 oz (225g) of bowtie pasta.
03 A medium onion, diced into small bits.
04 1 cup (150g) peas that are fresh.
05 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
06 Two large garlic cloves, minced up finely.
07 Red chili flakes, about 1/4 teaspoon.
08 Juice from one fresh lemon, 1 tablespoon.
09 A can of tuna (5 oz/140g), drained completely.
10 Salt and black pepper as you like.
11 Some chopped parsley, roughly 2-3 tablespoons.

Instructions

Step 01

Boil pasta in salted water until just tender. Toss peas in during the last two minutes to warm them up.

Step 02

Heat olive oil in a pan and sauté diced onion for a few minutes until soft. Add garlic and let it cook a bit. Toss in chili flakes and squeeze in lemon juice.

Step 03

Combine the drained pasta and peas with the sauce in the skillet. Carefully stir in the tuna, keeping the chunks intact.

Step 04

Mix in parsley and Parmesan at the end. Sprinkle a little salt and black pepper, and serve right away.

Notes

  1. Tastes best when eaten right away.
  2. Frozen peas work just fine if that's what you have.

Tools You'll Need

  • A large skillet.
  • Big pot for boiling.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains fish.
  • Includes dairy.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 320
  • Total Fat: 7 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 52 g
  • Protein: 13 g