If you love the bold flavors of Italian cuisine with a creamy twist, the Tuna Pasta with Creamy Fra Diavolo Sauce Recipe is going to be your new go-to dinner. This dish perfectly balances the spicy kick of traditional Fra Diavolo sauce with the richness of cream and the delicate texture of tender tuna. It’s a comforting, vibrant plate that’s surprisingly easy to whip up on any weeknight yet impressive enough for sharing with friends and family. Each bite bursts with the perfect harmony of heat, creaminess, and the savory depth of tomatoes and Parmesan that will keep you coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe showcases simple ingredients that come together to create an unforgettable sauce and hearty pasta dish. Each element is carefully chosen to enhance the flavor, texture, and color, making your cooking experience joyful and your dish visually appealing.
- 12 oz pasta (penne or linguine): Your carb base that soaks up the sauce beautifully while adding satisfying texture.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds richness and is perfect for sautéing garlic and red pepper flakes.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Provides a fragrant punch that infuses the sauce with savory depth.
- 1/4–1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes: Adjust to spice preference; delivers that signature Fra Diavolo heat.
- 1 (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes: The tangy, vibrant base of the sauce, packed with rich flavor.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Brings luxurious creaminess that balances the sauce’s spiciness.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds sharp, salty notes and helps thicken the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that lifts the sauce with aromatic complexity.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential to enhance and balance all the flavors.
- 2 (5 oz) cans tuna in olive oil (drained and flaked): The star protein, flaky and flavorful, perfectly complementing the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional): Adds a fresh, green brightness and a lovely finishing touch.
- Extra Parmesan for serving: Because who doesn’t love a little more cheesy goodness on top?
How to Make Tuna Pasta with Creamy Fra Diavolo Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by cooking your pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water until it reaches the perfect al dente texture — tender but with a little bite. Reserve about half a cup of the pasta water before draining, as this starchy liquid will help loosen the sauce later and ensure it clings beautifully to each noodle.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes
While the pasta cooks, warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for about 30 seconds. You want to release those fragrant aromas and just start to toast the garlic without browning it, which gives the sauce its spicy depth right from the start.
Step 3: Build the Sauce With Tomatoes and Seasonings
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Let this simmer gently for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring every now and then to coax out the rich, tangy flavors and thicken the sauce slightly.
Step 4: Add the Cream and Parmesan
Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream along with the grated Parmesan cheese. The sauce will melt into a luxuriously smooth and creamy texture within a few minutes. This step beautifully balances the heat with velvety softness, making the dish irresistibly comforting.
Step 5: Incorporate the Tuna
Gently fold in the flaked tuna, being careful not to break it up too much. The tuna adds a savory sensitivity that harmonizes with the creamy, slightly spicy sauce, creating a remarkable flavor combination that’s both hearty and refined.
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Finally, add your drained pasta to the skillet and toss everything together. If the sauce feels too thick, splash in some reserved pasta water a little at a time until it reaches a silky consistency that perfectly coats each strand or piece of penne. Let it all mingle on the heat for another 1 or 2 minutes to fully marry the flavors.
How to Serve Tuna Pasta with Creamy Fra Diavolo Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Chop fresh parsley to sprinkle over the dish right before serving — it adds a pop of color and a refreshing herbal note. Don’t forget an extra grating of Parmesan cheese for that final indulgent touch that melts just right on the warm pasta.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed in a simple lemon vinaigrette or some garlic bread to soak up any leftover sauce. Roasted vegetables, like asparagus or zucchini, add a nice complementary texture and freshness to the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Tuna Pasta with Creamy Fra Diavolo Sauce Recipe in rustic bowls for a casual family vibe or elegant white plates to showcase the beautiful red and cream sauce contrast. A sprinkle of toasted pine nuts can provide an unexpected crunch, or a side of grilled lemon wedges adds a zesty brightness that guests will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Tuna Pasta with Creamy Fra Diavolo Sauce Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors meld even more overnight, making it an easy and delicious lunch option.
Freezing
Because of the cream in the sauce, freezing is not ideal as it can alter the texture, causing the sauce to separate. If you must freeze, cool the pasta completely, place it in a freezer-safe container, and consume within a month. Reheat gently to preserve the sauce’s creaminess.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or cream if the sauce has thickened too much. Stir often to prevent sticking and to warm evenly. Avoid microwaving to keep the texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use other types of tuna for this recipe?
For best flavor and texture, tuna packed in olive oil is recommended. However, you can use tuna in water if you prefer a lighter option, just be sure to drain it well to avoid watering down the sauce.
Is this dish very spicy?
The spice level depends on how much red pepper flakes you add. Starting with 1/4 teaspoon is a gentle introduction to heat, but you can increase to 1/2 teaspoon or more if you enjoy a spicier kick.
Can I substitute the heavy cream?
Absolutely. For a lighter sauce, half-and-half or even whole milk can be used, though the sauce will be less thick and rich. Coconut cream can be an option for a dairy-free version, but it will introduce a different flavor profile.
What pasta shape works best?
Penne or linguine both work wonderfully because their shapes help hold onto the creamy Fra Diavolo sauce. Feel free to use your favorite pasta — just adjust cooking time accordingly.
Can I make this recipe vegan or vegetarian?
You can omit the tuna and replace the Parmesan with a plant-based alternative to make it vegetarian or vegan. For protein, consider adding sautéed mushrooms or chickpeas to maintain heartiness.
Final Thoughts
This Tuna Pasta with Creamy Fra Diavolo Sauce Recipe is a fantastic way to bring bold Italian flavors into your kitchen without fuss or long prep times. It’s creamy, spicy, and loaded with that comfort factor we all crave. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or a special occasion, this dish will definitely earn a spot in your rotation. Give it a try, and I promise it will become a favorite in your home too!
Print
Tuna Pasta with Creamy Fra Diavolo Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
- Diet: Pescatarian
Description
This Tuna Pasta with Creamy Fra Diavolo Sauce is a delightful Italian-inspired main course combining tender pasta with a spicy, creamy tomato sauce enhanced by flaked tuna. Perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner, this dish balances the heat of red pepper flakes with the richness of cream and Parmesan, finished with fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz pasta (penne or linguine)
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4–1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to spice preference)
- 1 (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Protein
- 2 (5 oz) cans tuna in olive oil, drained and flaked
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- Extra Parmesan for serving
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining, then set the pasta aside.
- Saute Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for about 30 seconds until fragrant, ensuring the garlic does not burn.
- Simmer the Tomato Sauce: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally to meld the flavors and slightly reduce the sauce.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened, careful not to let it boil.
- Incorporate Tuna: Gently fold in the flaked tuna, ensuring it is evenly distributed without breaking it apart too much.
- Toss Pasta and Adjust Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat the noodles with the sauce thoroughly. Add reserved pasta water gradually if the sauce is too thick, and cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes to allow the flavors to marry.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with chopped fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve hot immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Use tuna packed in olive oil for superior flavor and texture.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level.
- For a lighter sauce, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
