30-Minute Gluten-Free Tuna Pasta
Mediterranean-inspired pasta dish combining flaky tuna with vibrant cherry tomatoes and a bold olive tapenade. Fresh herbs, capers, and lemon juice brighten every bite while Dijon mustard adds subtle complexity. The gluten-free pasta makes this accessible for those with dietary restrictions without sacrificing flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying yet light, or as a casual dinner party dish that comes together in under 30 minutes. The tapenade can be made ahead, making final assembly quick and effortless.
Ingredients
- 1 can Tuna, 10 ozsalmon1:14Full guide →
- 8 oz Pasta, gluten-freeregular pasta1:14Full guide →
- 1 Tbsp Oil, cooking
- 1 pint Tomatoes, cherry
- ½ Lemons, juice of
- 1 clove Garlic, peeled
- ¼ cup Sundried tomatoes
- ⅓ cup Olives, pitted green or blacksun-dried tomatoes1:13
- ¼ bunch Parsley, fresh stems removed
- 1 tsp Thyme leaves, fresh remove leaves from stems
- 1 Tbsp Caperschopped pickles1:13Full guide →
- 2 tsp Mustard, Dijon
- ½ cup Oil, olive
Instructions
- 1
Bring a saucepan of water to boil and salt generously
- 2
Add pasta and cook until al dente, tender but not soggy
- 3
Save pasta water
- 4
Mix half the tapenade with tuna
- 5
Heat saute pan over medium-high heat
- 6
Add cooking oil then tomatoes to heated oil
- 7
Toss in pasta, pasta water, and remaining tapenade until coated
- 8
Remove from heat and mix in tuna
- 9
Finish with lemon juice
Tips
Save extra pasta water in case the dish needs more moisture when tossing
Make the tapenade ahead of time and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
Use high-quality canned tuna in olive oil for the best flavor and texture
Good to Know
Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days in airtight container
Tapenade can be made up to 3 days ahead and refrigerated
Serve immediately while pasta is hot, garnish with extra parsley if desired
Common Mistakes
Reserve pasta water before draining to avoid dry pasta
Don't overcook the tomatoes to maintain their shape and texture
Substitutions
FAQ
Can I use regular pasta instead of gluten-free?
Yes, substitute with equal amount of regular pasta and cook according to package directions. The cooking time may vary slightly.
What if I don't have capers?
Chopped pickles or green olives can substitute for capers, though the flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
How long will leftovers keep?
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pasta may absorb some liquid, so add a splash of olive oil when reheating.