Mediterranean Tuna Pasta

Every now and then, a recipe comes along that checks all the boxes — quick, affordable, versatile, and downright delicious. That’s exactly what this Mediterranean tuna pasta is. The first time I made it, I figured it would be a decent weeknight dinner, but it blew me away. The salty olives, briny capers, fresh herbs, and that bright squeeze of lemon all mingle with creamy melted mozzarella for a dish that feels both comforting and fresh.

Now, it’s my go-to for those busy nights when I need dinner on the table in 30 minutes, and it’s just as perfect for a light lunch or a picnic spread. And yes, it tastes just as good cold the next day — maybe even better.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

• Quick and easy – Ready in about 30 minutes from start to finish.

• Make-ahead friendly – Serve it warm or chilled, and it’s just as good either way.

• Budget-friendly – Uses pantry staples like canned tuna and pasta.

• Perfect for leftovers – It holds up beautifully in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Ingredients That Bring It Together

• Fusilli pasta – The twists are great for holding onto the dressing, but penne or rotini work too.

• Albacore tuna packed in olive oil – For the best flavor and texture. Water-packed tuna works in a pinch, but oil-packed adds depth.

• Cherry tomatoes – Fresh and juicy for a burst of sweetness.

• Kalamata olives – Salty and rich, balancing the lemony dressing.

• Capers – Briny little pops of flavor in every bite.

• Red onion – Thinly sliced for a bit of sharpness.

• Parsley – Fresh herbs brighten up the dish.

• Olive oil and lemon juice – The simple “dressing” that ties it all together.

• Mozzarella cheese – Shredded, so it melts gently into the warm pasta for a creamy finish.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Mediterranean Tuna Pasta

1. Cook the pasta – Boil fusilli until al dente, then drain but don’t rinse. Save a splash of the pasta water in case you need to loosen the sauce later.

2. Build the tuna mixture – In a big bowl, combine the tuna (with its oil), tomatoes, olives, capers, red onion, parsley, lemon juice, and olive oil. Toss gently to combine.

3. Combine with the pasta – Add the hot pasta to the bowl and toss everything together so the heat gently melts the mozzarella into the mix.

4. Taste and adjust – Add more lemon juice, olive oil, or a pinch of salt and pepper until it tastes just right.

My Tips for Success

• Don’t skip the good tuna – Oil-packed albacore makes a world of difference in flavor.

• Use the pasta water trick – A splash can help create a silky coating if the pasta looks dry.

• Make it ahead – It tastes even better after the flavors meld in the fridge for a few hours.

• Add a crunch – Toasted pine nuts or crispy capers make a great garnish.

Serving Ideas

• Serve it warm for dinner with a crisp side salad and a loaf of crusty bread.

• Chill it for a picnic or light lunch; it’s refreshing and portable.

• Pair with a glass of chilled white wine or sparkling water with lemon for an easy summer meal.

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigerate – Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

• Reheat – Microwave gently until warmed through, or enjoy it straight from the fridge.

• Pack for lunch – It’s perfect as a make-ahead meal that travels well for work or school.

FAQs About Mediterranean Tuna Pasta

Can I use water-packed tuna?
Yes, but add an extra drizzle of olive oil for richness since water-packed tuna is leaner.

What other cheeses work if I don’t have mozzarella?
Feta or shaved Parmesan are great swaps and add a slightly different but equally delicious twist.

Can I make it gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use your favorite gluten-free pasta, and it’ll work beautifully.

What vegetables can I add?
Roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, or even baby spinach mix in seamlessly for extra color and flavor.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes, it scales up perfectly, making it a great dish for potlucks or family gatherings.

Continue to Content

Yield: 4

Mediterranean Tuna Pasta

Print

A quick and flavorful Mediterranean-inspired pasta dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights.

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Total Time 35 minutes

Ingredients

• 3/4 pound fusilli pasta (or rotini, campanelle, or farfalle)
• 2 (5-ounce) cans albacore tuna (preferably packed in olive oil), drained if needed
• 1 cup fresh tomato, chopped (about 1 medium tomato, seeded)
• 1/4 cup kalamata olives, pitted and roughly chopped
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon capers, coarsely chopped
• 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (or more, if using tuna packed in water)
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• A pinch of freshly ground black pepper
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, grated

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil while you prep the ingredients.
2. In a medium bowl, gently flake the tuna with a fork. Add the chopped tomato, olives, onion, parsley, capers, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined, then set aside.
3. Cook the pasta until al dente, about 6–9 minutes, depending on the shape. Before draining, reserve about 1/4 cup of the cooking water.
4. Toss the hot pasta directly into the tuna mixture and sprinkle in the grated mozzarella. Stir until everything is coated and the cheese melts slightly. If the pasta looks dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water or a drizzle of olive oil.
5. Serve warm as a light main course or as a flavorful side dish, garnished with extra parsley if desired.

Nutrition Information

Yield

4

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 415Total Fat 17gSaturated Fat 5gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 11gCholesterol 40mgSodium 602mgCarbohydrates 40gFiber 3gSugar 3gProtein 24g

Easy Shrimp Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.

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Final Thoughts

This Mediterranean tuna pasta is one of those rare dishes that feels both comforting and light. It’s just as good for a weeknight dinner as it is for a picnic or a meal-prepped lunch. Every bite has that perfect balance of bright, briny, and creamy — proof that simple ingredients can create something truly special.

Also try these Tuna recipes:-

• Mexican Tuna Salad
• Ahi Tuna Salad with Sesame Ginger Dressing
• Seared Tuna Poke Bowl