Description
Creamy Tuna Pasta Bake is the perfect blend of cheesy, comforting goodness and protein-packed tuna. With a rich homemade cheese sauce, tender pasta, and a crispy golden topping, this dish is ideal for a quick family dinner or meal prep. It’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tins tuna, drained
- 1 cup cooked peas
- 2 cups grated cheddar cheese
- 2 cups penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons butter (30g)
- 2 tablespoons plain flour
- 2 cups full-fat milk
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil penne in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make the cheese sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes. Gradually whisk in milk, stirring continuously until thickened.
- Add seasoning: Stir in Dijon mustard, black pepper, and 1 ½ cups of grated cheddar cheese. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the pasta bake: In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, drained tuna, peas, and cheese sauce. Pour into a greased baking dish.
- Top and bake: Sprinkle remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese over the top. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 20 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Make ahead: Prepare the dish and refrigerate before baking for up to 24 hours.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes.
- Customization: Add breadcrumbs for a crunchy topping or swap peas for sweetcorn.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American