Description

This Tuna Helper Creamy Pea Skillet is a simple, satisfying weeknight meal using pantry staples. It’s a family-friendly dish offering a wholesome, easy dinner that tastes homemade and special.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cans (5 oz / 142g each) canned tuna, drained
8 oz (225g) pasta (elbows, shells, rotini)
1 cup (150g) frozen peas
1 cup (240ml) milk (dairy or non-dairy)
4 oz (113g) cream cheese, softened
1 cup (113g) shredded cheese (cheddar, parmesan, or Monterey Jack)
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 cups (720ml) broth (chicken or vegetable)
0.5 tsp salt
0.25 tsp black pepper
0.5 tsp dried dill
1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

Sauté Aromatics: In a large 10-inch skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Cook Pasta: Pour in the broth and milk, then add your chosen pasta. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook until the pasta is al dente, usually 8-10 minutes, absorbing most of the liquid as it becomes tender.
Make it Creamy: Stir in the softened cream cheese and frozen peas. Continue to cook over medium-low heat, stirring gently, until the peas are tender-crisp and the sauce has thickened to your liking, about 2-3 minutes. If the sauce is too thin, simmer for an extra minute; if too thick, stir in a splash more milk or broth.
Fold in Tuna & Cheese: Remove the skillet from the heat. Gently fold in the drained canned tuna and shredded cheese until the cheese is fully melted and the tuna is warmed through.
Season & Serve: Taste and adjust seasonings with salt, pepper, or herbs like dried dill as needed. Serve hot for a satisfying and easy dinner.

Notes

For culinary extras, a squeeze of lemon juice adds brightness, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for subtle heat. Canned chicken or chickpeas can be used instead of tuna for a high-protein variation.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1.5 cups (approx 200 g)
Calories: 550 calories
Sugar: 5 g
Sodium: 950 mg
Fat: 30 g
Saturated Fat: 18 g
Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 75 g
Fiber: 5 g
Protein: 30 g
Cholesterol: 100 mg

Keywords: easy dinner, skillet meal, tuna, pasta, peas, creamy, comfort food, pantry staples, weeknight, family-friendly