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Tuna pasta bake

Tuna pasta bake
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This easy Tuna pasta bake is a comforting, hearty meal that comes together quickly using pantry staples like canned tuna and pasta. It features a creamy béchamel sauce, melted cheddar and mozzarella cheese, and a golden crunchy breadcrumb topping, making it perfect for cozy family dinners or busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 300g short pasta (penne, fusilli, or elbow macaroni)

Tuna and Vegetables

  • 1 can (about 160g) high-quality canned tuna in water or oil, drained
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 100g frozen peas or sweetcorn (optional)

Cheese

  • 100g grated cheddar cheese
  • 100g grated mozzarella cheese

White Sauce (Béchamel)

  • 40g butter
  • 40g all-purpose flour
  • 600ml milk
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder

Topping

  • 50g breadcrumbs
  • 1 tablespoon melted butter or olive oil (optional, to mix with breadcrumbs)

Seasonings

  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: chili flakes or hot sauce (for a spicy kick)
  • Optional: fresh herbs such as parsley, dill, or basil for garnish

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the pasta and cook until just al dente according to package instructions. Drain well, reserving a little pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.
  2. Prepare the white sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour to form a roux, then gradually add milk while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Cook until sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon. Season with salt, pepper, and mustard powder.
  3. Sauté aromatics and mix tuna: In a skillet, sauté chopped onion and minced garlic until soft and translucent. Add drained tuna and any optional vegetables like peas or sweetcorn. Stir to combine evenly.
  4. Combine pasta and sauce: Pour the white sauce over the cooked pasta and tuna mixture, folding together until well coated. Loosen the sauce with reserved pasta water if it feels too thick.
  5. Assemble and bake: Transfer the mixture to a greased ovenproof dish. Sprinkle grated cheddar and mozzarella evenly on top, then top with breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter or olive oil for extra crispness. Bake at 180°C (350°F) for about 20 minutes or until golden and bubbling.

Notes

  • Don’t overcook pasta to prevent mushiness after baking.
  • Use good quality tuna, preferably in olive oil for extra flavor.
  • Whisk continuously while making béchamel to avoid lumps.
  • Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter or olive oil before sprinkling for a crunchier topping.
  • Let the baked dish rest for a few minutes before serving to set.

Nutrition

Keywords: tuna pasta bake, easy dinner, comfort food, cheesy pasta bake, weeknight meal, baked pasta, tuna recipes

Find it online: https://lillysplate.com/tuna-pasta-bake/