The Zesty Tuna Pasta Bake Recipe Everyone Will Love

Crafting a delightful tuna pasta bake brings comfort and excitement to your dinner table.

Hearty ingredients blend together in a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate.

Mediterranean-inspired seasoning adds a zesty twist to this classic dish.

Creamy cheese melts into golden-brown layers, creating an irresistible texture.

Home cooks adore this simple yet satisfying meal that comes together quickly.

Weeknight dinners transform into memorable moments with this crowd-pleasing recipe.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this mouthwatering creation.

Why Mary Berry Tuna Pasta Bake Is So Comforting

• Craft Creamy Comfort: Dive into a heartwarming pasta bake that combines tender tuna with a rich, velvety bechamel sauce for the ultimate satisfying meal.
• Simplify Weeknight Cooking: This one-pan wonder requires minimal prep and delivers maximum flavor, making dinner a breeze for busy families and home cooks.
• Kid-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Packed with protein-rich tuna, sweet corn, and peas, this dish sneaks in nutritious ingredients that kids will actually enjoy eating.
• Versatile Meal Solution: Perfect for using pantry staples, this recipe adapts easily to what you have on hand, making it a go-to option for impromptu dinners.

What You’ll Need For Mary Berry Tuna Pasta Bake

• Pasta: Rigatoni provides the hearty base for this comforting baked dish.
• Tuna: Adds protein and a delicious seafood flavor to the pasta bake.
• Milk: Creates the creamy base for the bechamel sauce.

• Cheddar Cheese: Provides a rich, sharp flavor and creates a golden, melty topping.

• Sweetcorn, Peas, Parsley: These ingredients add sweetness, color, and fresh herbal notes to the pasta bake.

• Butter, Flour: Form the base of the classic bechamel sauce.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall flavor of the dish.

Steps To Make Mary Berry Tuna Pasta Bake

Step 1: Boil Pasta Perfectly

Grab a large pot and fill it with water. Add a generous pinch of salt to enhance flavor. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Carefully drop in the rigatoni and cook until it reaches that perfect al dente texture – tender but with a slight bite. Once done, drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.

Step 2: Whip Up Creamy Sauce

Place a saucepan on medium heat. Melt butter until it’s smooth and slightly foamy. Sprinkle in flour and stir continuously for about a minute to cook out the raw flour taste. Slowly pour in milk, whisking constantly to create a silky, lump-free bechamel sauce. Keep stirring until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.

Step 3: Mix Flavor Explosion

• Flaked tuna
• Sweet corn kernels
• Green peas
• Chopped fresh parsley

Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir everything until well combined and the ingredients are evenly distributed.

Step 4: Prepare Baking Dish

Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Pour the tuna and pasta mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly.

Step 5: Top and Bake

Sprinkle an extra layer of cheddar cheese over the top of the pasta. Place the dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the cheese melts and turns golden brown. The edges should be bubbling and the top slightly crispy.

Tips That Help With Mary Berry Tuna Pasta Bake

• Perfectly Cook Pasta: Aim for al dente texture by checking pasta 1-2 minutes before package instructions, ensuring it won't become mushy during baking.
• Control Sauce Consistency: Whisk milk slowly into roux to prevent lumps, creating a smooth, creamy bechamel that coats pasta evenly.
• Boost Flavor Layers: Add garlic powder or dried herbs like thyme to enhance the overall taste profile of the tuna pasta bake.
• Customize Protein Options: Swap tuna with canned salmon, shredded chicken, or plant-based alternatives for dietary preferences and variety.
• Prevent Dryness: Cover with foil during first 10 minutes of baking to retain moisture, then uncover to achieve golden, crispy cheese topping.

Creative Twists On Mary Berry Tuna Pasta Bake

• Gluten-Free Tuna Pasta Bake: Replace regular pasta with gluten-free rigatoni and use cornstarch instead of flour for the bechamel sauce.
• Dairy-Free Version: Swap milk with almond milk, use olive oil instead of butter, and replace cheddar with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
• Protein Power Upgrade: Add cooked chicken or salmon alongside tuna for extra protein, and mix in quinoa for additional nutritional boost.
• Vegetarian Alternative: Substitute tuna with plant-based protein like chickpeas or tofu, and add roasted vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers for more depth.

Great Pairings For Mary Berry Tuna Pasta Bake

• Pair Crisp White Wine: Enhance the tuna pasta bake's creamy texture with a chilled sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio, cutting through the richness and complementing the seafood notes.
• Create Zesty Side Salad: Whip up a fresh green salad with lemon vinaigrette, adding bright acidity that balances the creamy pasta and provides a light, refreshing contrast.
• Match Crusty Garlic Bread: Serve warm, buttery garlic bread alongside the dish, perfect for soaking up extra cheese sauce and adding a delightful crunch to the meal.
• Select Sparkling Water with Lemon: Offer a refreshing, palate-cleansing drink that helps cut through the richness of the baked pasta, providing a light and clean accompaniment.

How To Keep Mary Berry Tuna Pasta Bake Fresh

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled pasta bake into freezer-safe containers or ziplock bags. Stays good for up to 2 months when properly sealed.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warm.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Spread pasta in a baking dish, sprinkle extra cheese on top. Cover with foil and warm for 15-20 minutes, removing foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp the surface.

Mary Berry Tuna Pasta Bake FAQ Guide

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute rigatoni with penne, fusilli, or shells. Choose a pasta shape that holds sauce well and is similar in size.

• Is fresh tuna better than canned?

Canned tuna works perfectly for this recipe. It’s convenient, affordable, and will give you consistent flavor and texture.

• Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Replace tuna with plant-based alternatives like chickpeas, tofu chunks, or meat substitute. Adjust seasoning to maintain flavor profile.

• How can I add more protein?

Consider adding extra protein like cooked chicken, white beans, or additional cheese. These ingredients will boost nutritional value without changing the recipe’s core character.

Tuna Pasta Bake Recipe

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4.9 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 30-35 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Mediterranean-inspired Tuna Pasta Bake delivers comfort and zest in one hearty dish. Creamy cheese, flaky tuna, and herbed pasta merge into a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 14 ounces (397 grams) rigatoni pasta
• 12 ounces (340 grams) canned tuna, drained and flaked
• 12 ounces (340 grams) canned sweetcorn, drained
• 1 cup (150 grams) frozen peas

Sauce and Flavor Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups (283 grams) strong cheddar cheese, grated
• 2 1/2 cups (590 milliliters) milk
• 3 tablespoons (43 grams) butter
• 1/3 cup (42 grams) plain flour (all-purpose)
• 1 onion, finely chopped

Seasoning and Herbs:

• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

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Instructions

1. Prepare a large pot with salted water, bringing it to a rolling boil. Cook rigatoni until just tender, approximately 8-10 minutes. Drain pasta and reserve.
2. In a separate saucepan, gently melt butter over medium heat. Sprinkle flour and whisk continuously for 60 seconds to create a smooth roux. Slowly incorporate milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps and develop a creamy consistency.
3. Combine the cooked pasta with the velvety cheese sauce, flaked tuna, sweet corn kernels, and vibrant green peas. Gently fold ingredients together, ensuring even distribution. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance flavors.
4. Transfer the mixed ingredients into a lightly greased baking dish, spreading evenly to create a uniform layer. Generously sprinkle remaining cheddar cheese across the top, creating a golden, promising surface.
5. Place the prepared dish in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F). Bake for 15-20 minutes until the cheese transforms into a bubbling, golden-brown crust and the filling becomes heated through completely.

Notes

• Swap pasta types to match dietary needs, like whole wheat, gluten-free, or chickpea pasta for added nutrition and variety.
• Drain tuna thoroughly to prevent excess liquid from making the sauce watery, ensuring a creamy and rich texture.
• Add extra vegetables like spinach or bell peppers to boost nutritional value and create more vibrant flavors in the dish.
• Consider using low-fat milk and reduced-fat cheese for a lighter version of this comforting bake without compromising taste.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 550 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 470 mg
• Fat: 26 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 53 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg