If you love pasta that sings with bold flavors yet wraps you in a creamy, comforting hug, then this Tuna Pasta with Creamy Fra Diavolo Sauce Recipe is going to be your new favorite go-to. It brings together al dente pasta, tender flakes of tuna, and a luscious Fra Diavolo sauce that’s both spicy and smooth. Rich with garlic, tomato, and just the right hint of heat balanced by cream, this dish feels like an Italian-American celebration in every bite. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or a cozy dinner with friends, this recipe promises a flawless blend of flavors that’s surprisingly simple to prepare.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is key here because each one brings a vital layer of flavor, texture, and color to the dish. The simplicity of these staples is exactly what makes this Tuna Pasta with Creamy Fra Diavolo Sauce Recipe so special and accessible for any home cook.
- 12 oz penne or spaghetti: Choose your favorite pasta shape for that perfect bite and sauce cling.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds richness and helps sauté the garlic and spices to bloom.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the sauce with bold aroma and depth.
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes: Provides a gentle kick; adjust to your preferred level of heat.
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes: The robust base for your spicy, tangy Fra Diavolo sauce.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Brings luxurious creaminess to mellow the spice and add body.
- 2 (5 oz) cans tuna in olive oil, drained and flaked: Delivers succulent tuna flavor that’s perfectly tender.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley: Adds vibrant color and a fresh, herbaceous note at the end.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential for enhancing all the flavors.
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional): Gives a nutty, salty finish to the plate if you like a cheesy touch.
How to Make Tuna Pasta with Creamy Fra Diavolo Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Cook Your Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cooking your pasta until it’s al dente ensures you get that perfect tender but slightly firm texture that holds up beautifully when tossed with the sauce. Make sure to reserve a bit of pasta water before draining—you never know if you’ll want to loosen the sauce later.
Step 2: Build the Flavor Base
While your pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing just until fragrant, about one minute. This step awakens the aromatic oils in the garlic and spicy heat in the flakes, laying the foundation for a lively sauce.
Step 3: Simmer the Tomato Sauce
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for around 10 minutes, stirring every so often. This slow simmer gives the flavors time to marry and the sauce to reduce slightly for a more concentrated taste that complements the tuna perfectly.
Step 4: Add Cream and Tuna
Turn the heat low, then stir in the heavy cream. This is where the sauce gets irresistibly silky. Next, fold in the flaked tuna, letting everything simmer together for another 3 to 5 minutes so the tuna heats through and absorbs some of the spicy tomato cream magic.
Step 5: Combine and Season
Season the sauce with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Add your cooked pasta directly into the sauce and toss gently to coat every strand or bite of pasta. This step ensures each forkful bursts with balanced flavor.
How to Serve Tuna Pasta with Creamy Fra Diavolo Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley sprinkled over the top is a must for a pop of color and brightness that cuts through the richness. If you’re a cheese lover, a generous dusting of freshly grated Parmesan adds an extra layer of savory depth that perfectly complements the creamy spice.
Side Dishes
For a well-rounded meal, serve this pasta alongside a crisp green salad dressed simply with lemon and olive oil. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette works beautifully to help scoop up every last bit of that flavorful sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests, try serving the Tuna Pasta with Creamy Fra Diavolo Sauce Recipe in individual shallow bowls with a sprinkle of parsley and a Parmesan shard resting on top. A drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil just before serving also adds a lovely sheen and aromatic flourish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Tuna Pasta with Creamy Fra Diavolo Sauce Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making it an even tastier lunch or dinner the next day.
Freezing
This dish freezes well. Portion leftovers into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to two months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the sauce’s creamy consistency.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, adding a splash of water or additional cream if the sauce feels too thick. This will help restore the luscious sauce texture while keeping the tuna tender.
FAQs
Can I use fresh tuna instead of canned for this recipe?
While fresh tuna can be delicious, this Tuna Pasta with Creamy Fra Diavolo Sauce Recipe is designed with canned tuna in olive oil in mind for convenience and flavor. Using fresh tuna would require a different cooking method and timing to avoid overcooking.
How spicy is the Fra Diavolo sauce in this recipe?
The red pepper flakes add a moderate heat that can be easily adjusted. If you’re sensitive to spice, start with less and add more gradually. The cream also tones down the spiciness, creating a balanced flavor.
Can I substitute the heavy cream with a lighter alternative?
You can try using half-and-half or a full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free option, but keep in mind the sauce won’t be as thick and creamy. Adjust seasoning accordingly to keep the rich flavor profile intact.
Is there a recommended pasta shape for this recipe?
Penne and spaghetti both work beautifully, but feel free to use linguine or rigatoni if you prefer. The goal is to choose a pasta that holds onto the creamy Fra Diavolo sauce well.
Can I make this recipe vegan or vegetarian?
To keep the spirit of this dish but make it vegetarian, you might swap the tuna for sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based tuna alternative. Also, use a non-dairy cream substitute to maintain that luscious sauce.
Final Thoughts
This Tuna Pasta with Creamy Fra Diavolo Sauce Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. The bold flavors, the creamy texture, and the ease of making it all come together to create something truly special. I can’t wait for you to try it out and make it your own—it’s a delicious way to bring a touch of Italian-American comfort right to your dinner table.
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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-American
- Diet: Pescatarian
Description
This Tuna Pasta with Creamy Fra Diavolo Sauce combines tender pasta with a zesty and creamy tomato sauce infused with garlic, red pepper flakes, and chunks of tuna. It’s a flavorful, easy-to-make Italian-American dish perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner that balances spice and creaminess.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz penne or spaghetti
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 (5 oz) cans tuna in olive oil, drained and flaked
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional Garnish
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta thoroughly and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing until the garlic is fragrant and slightly golden, about 1 minute, being careful not to burn.
- Simmer Tomato Sauce: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to thicken and develop the sauce’s flavors.
- Add Cream and Tuna: Lower the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream evenly. Add the drained and flaked tuna, stirring gently to combine. Let it simmer for an additional 3 to 5 minutes until the tuna is heated through.
- Season and Combine: Taste the sauce and season with salt and black pepper as desired. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
- Serve and Garnish: Remove from heat. Sprinkle the dish with chopped fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese if using. Serve immediately while hot for the best flavor.
Notes
- For extra richness and creaminess, stir in a tablespoon of butter at the end of cooking.
- If using tuna packed in water instead of olive oil, drain well and consider adding a bit more olive oil to enhance flavor.
- This recipe also works well with other pasta shapes like linguine or rigatoni.
