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One Pot Creamy Tuna and Shells

From ingredients to enjoyment, this recipe makes it easy to create something wonderful.

Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Total Time
28 mins
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 1 1 teaspoon oil
  • 1 1 medium shallot or 1/4 cup finely chopped white or yellow onion
  • 2 2 cloves garlic finely minced or 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 1 cup milk
  • 2 2 cups water
  • 2 ¼ 2 ¼ cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 16 16 ounces small pasta shells
  • 1 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ ½ teaspoon pepper
  • 2 2 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
  • 1 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 2 cans 2 cans (5-ounces each) white albacore tuna drained
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • fresh parsley chopped
  • Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. In a 4- or 5-quart pot, heat the oil over medium heat and sauté the shallot (or onion) and garlic for 2-3 minutes.
  2. Stir in the milk, water, broth, shells, salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer, and cook, uncovered, stirring often (at a simmer, not a rigorous boil) until the pasta is al dente, according to package directions (the pasta will continue to cook a bit over the next few minutes so don't overcook it in this step). Each brand of pasta will will differ slightly; depending on the brand, you may need to add a bit more liquid toward the end of cooking time but do so gradually so it isn't too soupy. There should be a bit of liquid left even after the shells are just tender. They'll continue to soften up and the liquid will be absorbed as other ingredients are stirred in and as it rests.
  3. Stir in the milk or heavy cream, mustard, and lemon juice. Add the tuna and mix gently until combined. Stir in additional salt and pepper to taste, if needed. Let the pasta rest for 5-10 minutes - it will thicken up and get nice and creamy.
  4. Sprinkle with parsley and serve with extra lemon wedges - it is delicious with lemon juice drizzled over the top of individual servings.

Notes

  • Shells: I use the Barilla brand of small shells for this recipe - other brands can be used but watch the note below in the recipe instructions about cooking times and if extra liquid is needed.

Nutrition Information

Serving 1 Serving Calories 415kcal (21%) Carbohydrates 61g (20%) Protein 26g (52%) Fat 7g (11%) Saturated Fat 1g (5%) Cholesterol 17mg (6%) Sodium 658mg (27%) Fiber 3g (12%) Sugar 5g (10%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 6servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories

% Daily Value*

Serving 1 Serving
Calories 415kcal 21%
Carbohydrates 61g 20%
Protein 26g 52%
Fat 7g 11%
Saturated Fat 1g 5%
Cholesterol 17mg 6%
Sodium 658mg 27%
Fiber 3g 12%
Sugar 5g 10%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.