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Tuna Pasta Bake

This creamy, cheesy tuna pasta bake is a quick and comforting dish made with simple pantry staples.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Total Time35 minutes
Course: Main Course
Keyword: dinner recipe, easy dinner recipe, easy pasta recipe, pasta dinner recipe, quick dinner recipe, tuna recipe, weeknight dinner recipes
Servings: 4

Equipment

  • Saucepan
  • Pot
  • Baking dish
  • Whisk
  • spoon

Ingredients

For the Pasta Bake:

  • 8 oz 225g penne or fusilli pasta
  • 1 5 oz can tuna, drained
  • 1 cup peas or corn frozen
  • 1½ cups cheddar cheese shredded
  • 2 tablespoons breadcrumbs (optional)

For the Cheese Sauce:

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • 1½ cups milk
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional)
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Cook pasta in salted water until just under al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • In a saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour to make a roux.
  • Slowly whisk in milk, stirring until smooth and slightly thickened.
  • Stir in 1 cup of cheese, mustard, salt, and pepper.
  • In a large bowl, combine pasta, tuna, peas or corn, and cheese sauce.
  • Pour into a greased baking dish. Top with remaining cheese and breadcrumbs.
  • Bake for 20–25 minutes, until bubbly and golden on top.
  • Let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or oven. Add a splash of milk to refresh the sauce.
Top Tips: Prep ahead by cooking pasta and sauce earlier in the day. Taste and adjust the cheese sauce before baking for perfect seasoning.