If you’re on the lookout for a pasta dish that blends bold flavors with comforting creaminess, this Tuna Pasta with Creamy Fra Diavolo Sauce Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine al dente pasta enveloped in a spicy, garlicky tomato sauce, then enriched with luscious cream and tender flakes of tuna. Each bite offers a perfect harmony of heat from the red pepper flakes, the rich umami from Parmesan, and the fresh zing of parsley. It’s vibrant, satisfying, and surprisingly easy to make, turning simple ingredients into a standout meal that’s perfect any night of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is half the fun and flavor of this dish. These essentials work together to build layers of taste, texture, and color that make the Tuna Pasta with Creamy Fra Diavolo Sauce Recipe so unforgettable.
- 12 ounces pasta (penne or rigatoni): Choose shapes that hold onto the sauce perfectly, ensuring each bite is flavorful.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds a fruity richness to the sauce base and helps sauté the garlic beautifully.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Provides a fragrant and savory backbone that awakens the sauce.
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes: For that signature spicy kick, adjust based on your heat preference.
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes: Forms the vibrant and tangy tomato base for the sauce.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances and balances the natural flavors of the sauce.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds depth and a subtle sharpness throughout the dish.
- 1 teaspoon sugar: Cuts the acidity of the tomatoes for a smoother taste.
- 2 (5-ounce) cans tuna in olive oil, drained and flaked: Brings succulent seafood richness and protein.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Creates the irresistibly creamy texture that mellows the heat and adds indulgence.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Infuses the sauce with a salty, nutty flavor that ties everything together.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional): Adds a fresh, herbal brightness and color contrast.
- Extra Parmesan for serving: Because a little more cheese never hurts and makes it extra special.
How to Make Tuna Pasta with Creamy Fra Diavolo Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water and cooking the pasta until al dente. This is crucial because the pasta will soak up the sauce, so it shouldn’t be too soft. Once cooked, drain it well and set it aside while you prepare the sauce. A good pasta base sets the stage for everything that follows.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes, stirring gently for 1 to 2 minutes until the aroma fills your kitchen. This step releases the robust flavors of garlic and infuses the oil with just the right amount of heat to wake up the sauce.
Step 3: Build the Tomato Sauce
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir carefully. Season with salt, black pepper, and sugar, which balances the acidity from the tomatoes. Let this simmer uncovered for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This time allows the sauce to thicken and the flavors to marry beautifully.
Step 4: Add Tuna and Cream
Gently fold in the drained, flaked tuna, cooking for another 2 to 3 minutes to heat it through and let the seafood flavor meld into the sauce. Then reduce the heat to low before stirring in heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, creating that irresistibly creamy, velvety texture that’s signature to this Tuna Pasta with Creamy Fra Diavolo Sauce Recipe.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until each piece is coated evenly with the luscious sauce. Heat through for a minute, then you’re ready to serve. This final step ensures every bite bursts with the perfect balance of creaminess, spice, and savory tuna goodness.
How to Serve Tuna Pasta with Creamy Fra Diavolo Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
To finish this comforting dish, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for a fresh pop of color and a hint of herbal brightness. Don’t forget a generous shower of extra Parmesan, which adds a satisfying salty, nutty crunch that elevates every forkful.
Side Dishes
Pair this Tuna Pasta with Creamy Fra Diavolo Sauce Recipe with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness, or serve alongside garlic bread that’s perfect for sopping up every last bit of that delicious sauce. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli also complement the spices and cream beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy dinner, serve the pasta straight from a warm, rustic skillet at the table, letting everyone help themselves. Or plate it elegantly in deep bowls garnished with fresh parsley and a drizzle of good olive oil for a touch of gloss and richness. Adding a twist with a sprinkle of crunchy toasted breadcrumbs on top adds texture and flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This dish keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it a great option for next-day lunches or quick dinners. Just be sure to add a splash of water or cream while reheating to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much.
Freezing
Freezing Tuna Pasta with Creamy Fra Diavolo Sauce Recipe is possible but not ideal because cream-based sauces can separate upon thawing. If you do freeze it, do so immediately after cooking and freeze in a tightly sealed container for up to one month. Thaw slowly in the fridge before warming gently.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often to prevent scorching, and add a splash of cream or water to bring back that silky sauce texture. Microwave reheating works in a pinch, but watch the time closely to avoid drying out the tuna or curdling the sauce.
FAQs
Can I use fresh tuna instead of canned in this Tuna Pasta with Creamy Fra Diavolo Sauce Recipe?
Absolutely! Fresh tuna can work beautifully. Just sear it quickly before adding to the sauce to keep it tender and flavorful. Adjust cooking times to avoid overcooking the fresh fish.
How spicy is this dish, and can I adjust the heat level?
The crushed red pepper flakes give it a medium level of heat that can easily be adjusted. Add more flakes or a pinch of cayenne for extra spice, or reduce them for a milder version while still enjoying the sauce’s rich flavors.
What type of pasta works best for this recipe?
Penne and rigatoni are excellent choices because their tubular shapes capture the sauce well. However, other sturdy pastas like fusilli or farfalle will also do the trick if that’s what you have on hand.
Can I substitute heavy cream with a lighter alternative?
Yes, half-and-half or even whole milk can be used to lighten the sauce, though the texture will be less rich and creamy. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly to prevent curdling.
Is this dish suitable for freezing?
While it’s possible to freeze, the cream-based sauce may separate when thawed. For best results, enjoy it fresh or store leftovers in the fridge rather than the freezer.
Final Thoughts
This Tuna Pasta with Creamy Fra Diavolo Sauce Recipe truly feels like a hug in a bowl—comforting, flavorful, and just a little fiery. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a casual weekend dinner, tossing together this dish will fill your kitchen with inviting aromas and your plate with delicious satisfaction. Give it a try, and you might just find your new favorite pasta to share again and again.
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Tuna Pasta with Creamy Fra Diavolo Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Pescatarian
Description
This Tuna Pasta with Creamy Fra Diavolo Sauce is a delightful Italian-inspired seafood dish that combines tender pasta with a spicy, creamy tomato sauce loaded with flaked tuna. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal, it balances heat from red pepper flakes with the richness of cream and Parmesan cheese, creating a flavorful and comforting pasta experience.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 ounces pasta (penne or rigatoni)
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 (5-ounce) cans tuna in olive oil, drained and flaked
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- Extra Parmesan for serving
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes, sautéing for 1–2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant but not browned.
- Prepare Sauce: Pour the crushed tomatoes into the skillet. Stir in salt, black pepper, and sugar to balance the acidity. Let the sauce simmer uncovered for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to meld the flavors.
- Add Tuna: Stir in the flaked tuna gently into the simmering sauce. Cook for an additional 2–3 minutes to warm the tuna through and integrate it with the sauce.
- Finish Sauce: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and heated evenly without boiling.
- Toss Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce and toss thoroughly to coat each piece evenly with the creamy fra diavolo sauce.
- Serve: Serve the pasta hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired for extra flavor.
Notes
- For extra heat, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- This dish works well with either chunk light or solid white tuna depending on your preference.
- To make a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half.
- Best enjoyed fresh but reheats well for leftovers.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
