This Tuna Pasta Bake is Packed With Goodness

By
Mike Z
-
Homemade Cheesy Tuna Casserole with Peas and Egg Noodles
Image via bhofack2/Depositphotos

Delight your taste buds with this wholesome and satisfying tuna pasta bake recipe that’s packed with goodness. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, this comforting dish combines tender pasta, flavorful tuna, and a creamy sauce enriched with vegetables and cheese. Here’s how to make it.

Ingredients

  • 10 ounces of pasta (such as penne or fusilli)
  • 2 tins of tuna
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 4 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 cup of frozen peas
  • 1 cup sliced mushrooms
  • 1 tin of crushed tomatoes
  • 1 cup of grated cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup of grated parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup of milk
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • Olive oil
  • Breadcrumbs, for topping

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a large baking dish with butter or cooking spray and set aside. Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and diced bell pepper, and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms, and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Stir in the drained tuna and frozen peas, and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until heated through.
  3. In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour to form a paste, then gradually whisk in the milk until smooth. Cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes. Season the sauce with salt, pepper, dried oregano, and dried basil.
  4. Add the crushed tomatoes to the skillet with the tuna and vegetables, along with the cooked pasta and grated cheddar cheese. Pour the creamy sauce over the pasta mixture and stir until everything is well combined.
  5. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese over the top, followed by a generous layer of breadcrumbs. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbly.