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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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