Easy Tuna Soup: A Quick & Comforting Pantry Meal

Busy weeknights call for a meal that’s both comforting and quick, without breaking the bank. This easy tuna soup is your perfect solution! It’s incredibly simple to prepare, relies on basic pantry ingredients, and delivers a hearty, satisfying bowl every time. You might also know this delicious meal as tuna chowder, and it’s naturally gluten-free for many dietary needs.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Tuna Soup

• Lightning Fast: Get a warm, delicious meal on the table in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy evenings.
• Budget-Friendly: This recipe uses affordable, everyday pantry staples you likely already have.
• Incredibly Comforting: Enjoy a creamy, warm, and satisfying bowl of tuna potato soup that feels like a hug.
• Simple Ingredients: You only need a handful of easy-to-find items for this straightforward recipe.
• Naturally Gluten-Free: With naturally GF ingredients, this comforting tuna soup is suitable for many dietary requirements.
• Highly Adaptable: Customize this versatile recipe easily by adding your favorite vegetables or seasonings.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to create your cozy bowl of easy tuna soup:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 small or 1/2 a large yellow onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 – 14.5 ounce can low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 or 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup half-and-half (for richer flavor)
• 2 – 5 ounce cans canned tuna, packed in water or oil, drained
• 1 cup frozen corn

Notes & Substitutions

You can easily adjust this simple tuna chowder recipe to fit your preferences. For tuna choices, use oil-packed tuna for a richer flavor, or water-packed for a lighter soup. Understanding the nutritional differences between water-packed and oil-packed tuna can help you make an informed choice for your recipe. Adjust the dairy to your liking; use all milk for a lighter option, or heavy cream for ultimate richness in your creamy tuna soup.

If you don’t have fresh potatoes, frozen diced hash browns or even sweet potatoes work well. For a lower-carb option, swap potatoes for cauliflower florets. Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian-friendly base. Boost nutrition by adding extra veggies like frozen peas, diced carrots, celery, or fresh spinach. If you prefer a thicker soup, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry, then stir it into the simmering soup at the end.

Equipment

You won’t need many specialized tools for this straightforward recipe.

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Can opener
• Ladle

Instructions

Creating this delicious easy tuna soup is a breeze. Follow these steps for a perfect, comforting meal every time.

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics

Heat the olive oil and butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-low heat. Add the chopped yellow onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is tender and lightly browned, which takes about 5-7 minutes. This step builds the flavor foundation for your hearty tuna soup.

Step 2: Add Garlic & Seasoning

Stir in the minced garlic and continue to cook for just 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Next, add the salt and black pepper, stirring to combine them with the sautéed onions and garlic.

Step 3: Build the Broth

Pour in the entire can of chicken broth. Add the peeled and diced potatoes to the pot, ensuring they are mostly submerged in the liquid. This forms the base for your quick tuna soup.

Step 4: Simmer Potatoes

Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat slightly and let it simmer, stirring often, for about 12 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. It’s important to cook the potatoes thoroughly before adding the dairy.

Step 5: Incorporate Dairy & Tuna

Once the potatoes are tender, stir in the milk, half-and-half, thoroughly drained canned tuna, and the frozen corn. Mix everything gently until well combined. This is where your easy tuna soup starts to get its creamy texture.

Step 6: Heat Through

Reduce the heat to low. Let the soup gently simmer for another 5 minutes, or until the corn is tender and the entire soup is heated through. Avoid boiling vigorously once the dairy is added to prevent curdling.

Step 7: Serve

Ladle the warm and comforting tuna and potato soup into bowls. Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade, satisfying meal. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

Pro Tips for the Best Easy Tuna Soup

Follow these simple tips to ensure your easy tuna soup turns out perfect every time. Don’t overcook the tuna; add it near the end to prevent it from becoming rubbery. Always taste and adjust seasoning before serving; a little more salt or pepper can make a big difference. Ensure your potatoes are cut into uniform sizes so they cook evenly. To prevent dairy from curdling, consider warming your milk and half-and-half slightly before adding them to the hot soup. Maintain a low simmer once dairy is added, avoiding a rolling boil. To better understand the science behind this, Kansas State University offers practical advice on reducing curdling in cream-based soups. Finally, elevate the flavor with fresh herbs like chopped parsley or dill just before serving.

Serving Suggestions, Storage, and Variations

This comforting easy tuna soup is incredibly versatile for serving and customization.

For serving, pair your hearty bowl of soup with some crusty bread or simple crackers for dipping. A light side salad also complements the richness of this creamy tuna soup beautifully.

To store leftovers, transfer the cooled soup to an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, gently warm the soup on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently, or in the microwave in short bursts. Freezing this soup is generally not recommended because the dairy components can separate and alter the texture upon thawing.

Explore these delicious variations: Add a spicy kick with a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce. Make it a cheesy tuna soup by stirring in a handful of shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese at the end. For a deeper, warmer flavor, incorporate a teaspoon of smoked paprika when you add the seasonings. A squeeze of fresh lemon zest before serving can brighten the entire flavor profile of your simple tuna recipe.

Nutrition Information

This easy tuna soup offers a comforting and satisfying meal.

Please note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

FAQ

What’s the difference between tuna soup and tuna chowder?
Often, the terms are used interchangeably, but chowder usually implies a thicker, creamier soup with chunky ingredients like potatoes and corn, just like this easy tuna soup. Both describe a hearty, fish-based, creamy broth.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?
You can chop your vegetables and measure ingredients in advance. For the best texture, especially with dairy, it’s best to assemble and cook the soup just before serving or no more than a day ahead.

Is this recipe truly gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as written. Always double-check your chicken broth label to ensure it is certified gluten-free, as some brands might contain hidden gluten.

What kind of tuna is best for soup?
Both water-packed and oil-packed tuna work well. Water-packed is lighter, while oil-packed tuna (like olive oil packed) adds a richer depth of flavor to the soup.

Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add diced carrots, celery, or peas along with the potatoes for extra flavor and nutrition. You can also stir in fresh spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking.

Conclusion

This easy tuna soup proves that delicious, comforting meals don’t need to be complicated or expensive. With simple pantry staples and minimal effort, you can create a hearty dish perfect for any night of the week. Its adaptability means you can always make it your own. So go ahead, give this versatile tuna and potato soup a try! We’d love to hear your favorite variations in the comments below.

Easy Tuna Soup: A Quick & Comforting Pantry Meal

This Easy Tuna Soup is a quick and comforting meal perfect for a cozy night in. Made with pantry staples, it's a hearty and satisfying dish that comes together in no time.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 400

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 small or 1/2 a large onion chopped
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1 - 14.5 ounce can chicken broth
• 2 or 3 potatoes peeled and diced
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup half and half or you can use milk but it will be richer with half and half
• 2 - 5 ounce cans tuna drained
• 1 cup frozen corn

Equipment

• Pot
• Knife
• Cutting Board

Method

 

Instructions

1. Heat oil and butter in a pot over medium-low heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until it is tender and lightly browned.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
4. Add salt, pepper, chicken broth, and diced potatoes to the pot.
5. Bring the mixture to a light boil.
6. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring often, for about 12 minutes until the potatoes are tender.
7. Once potatoes are tender, stir in the milk, half and half, drained tuna, and frozen corn.
8. Reduce heat to low and cook for 5 minutes, or until the corn is tender and the soup is heated through.
9. Serve the comforting tuna soup immediately and enjoy.

Notes

For a richer soup, use half and half. If you prefer a lighter soup, you can substitute with milk.