Tuna Pasta Bake Recipe

Introduction

Tuna pasta bake is a comforting and hearty dish that combines tender pasta with a creamy cheese sauce, flaky tuna, and sweetcorn. It’s an easy, family-friendly meal that can be ready in under an hour, perfect for a cozy dinner.

Ingredients

• 600g rigatoni
• 50g butter
• 50g plain flour
• 600ml milk
• 250g strong cheddar, grated
• 2 x 160g cans tuna steak in spring water, drained
• 330g can sweetcorn, drained
• Large handful chopped parsley

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 180°C (fan 160°C) or gas mark 4. Boil the rigatoni pasta for 2 minutes less than the time stated on the package, then drain.
2. Step 2: To make the cheese sauce, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the plain flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
3. Step 3: Gradually add the milk, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Cook until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency, then remove from the heat.
4. Step 4: Stir in all but a handful of the grated cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
5. Step 5: In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce, drained tuna, sweetcorn, and chopped parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Step 6: Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and sprinkle the remaining grated cheese evenly on top.
7. Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, until the cheese on top is golden and begins to brown.

Tips & Variations

• Using tubular pasta like rigatoni, penne, or macaroni helps the sauce cling better for a creamy bake.
• For extra flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg to the cheese sauce or stir in some chopped spring onions.
• You can substitute tuna with cooked shredded chicken or canned salmon for a different twist.
• Add a crunchy topping by sprinkling breadcrumbs mixed with a little melted butter before baking.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until piping hot. For best texture, reheating gently in the oven helps keep the topping crispy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta for this bake?

Yes, tubular pasta such as penne, macaroni, or ziti works best because it holds the sauce well, but you can use other shapes if preferred.

Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can prepare the bake up to the point of baking, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.

Tuna Pasta Bake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 147 reviews

• Author: Luna
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

A comforting and easy-to-make tuna pasta bake featuring rigatoni in a creamy cheddar white sauce combined with tuna, sweetcorn, and fresh parsley, all topped with melted golden cheese and baked to perfection.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 600g rigatoni (or penne or macaroni)

White Sauce

• 50g butter
• 50g plain flour
• 600ml milk
• 250g strong cheddar, grated (divided use)

Other Ingredients

• 2 x 160g cans tuna steak in spring water, drained
• 330g can sweetcorn, drained
• Large handful chopped parsley

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Instructions

1. Preheat and cook pasta: Heat the oven to 180°C (fan 160°C, gas mark 4). Boil the rigatoni pasta in salted water for 2 minutes less than the time stated on the pack to ensure it remains firm through baking.
2. Make the white sauce: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the plain flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux. Gradually add the milk while stirring continuously to avoid lumps, cooking until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency. Remove from heat and stir in most of the grated cheddar cheese, reserving a handful for topping.
3. Combine pasta and mix-ins: Drain the cooked pasta well. In a large bowl, mix together the drained pasta, white sauce, tuna, sweetcorn, and chopped parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Assemble and bake: Transfer the mixture into a baking dish and evenly sprinkle the reserved cheddar cheese on top. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the cheese topping is golden brown and starting to crisp.
5. Serve: Remove from oven and let the pasta bake sit for a few minutes before serving to allow it to set slightly.

Notes

• Tubular pasta like rigatoni, penne, or macaroni works best for pasta bakes to hold the sauce well.
• Don’t overcook the pasta initially, as it will continue cooking in the oven.
• Use strong cheddar for a rich and flavorful cheese sauce.
• For added texture, try sprinkling breadcrumbs on top before baking.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British

Keywords: tuna pasta bake, baked pasta, tuna casserole, cheesy pasta bake, easy dinner recipe, comfort food