Tuna Pasta Bake: Why You'll Love This Recipe
This Tuna Pasta Bake is perfect for those nights when you need dinner on the table fast. It’s comforting, delicious, and made with ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak in some extra veggies for the kids (or picky adults)! 🥦🌽🥕 Let’s dive into the goodness!
What Makes This Tuna Pasta Bake Dish a Winner?
- Quick and Easy Prep: Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is a true weeknight hero.
- Pantry Staples: Uses common ingredients like pasta, canned tuna, and frozen veggies.
- Customizable Crunch: Top with cornflakes or bread crumbs for that irresistible crunch.
- Cheesy Comfort: A gooey, cheesy sauce that brings everything together.
Cooking Tips and Tricks
- Perfect Pasta: Cook your pasta al dente. It will continue to cook in the oven, absorbing the flavours of the sauce without becoming mushy.
- Creamy Sauce: Whisk continuously when adding the milk to avoid lumps. If you want an even richer sauce, use half milk and half cream.
- Veggie Boost: Feel free to add any veggies you have on hand. Peas, broccoli, and even spinach work wonderfully in this dish.
Serving Suggestions
This Tuna Pasta Bake is a meal on its own, but if you’re looking to round it out, here are some great pairing ideas:
- Fresh Salad: A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the creamy bake perfectly.
- Garlic Bread: Because who can resist mopping up that cheesy sauce with some garlicky goodness?
- Roasted Veggies: Amp up the veggie content with some roasted Brussels sprouts or carrots.
Make It Your Own
One of the best things about this Tuna Pasta Bake recipe is its versatility. Here are a few ideas to tweak it to your liking:
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of chilli flakes or a dash of hot sauce for some heat.
- Herb It Up: Fresh or dried herbs like thyme, basil, or parsley can elevate the flavours.
- Protein Switch: Not a fan of tuna? Shredded rotisserie chicken or cooked sausage are great alternatives.
Ready, Set, Bake!
With your oven preheated to 180°C (350°F), you’re all set to create a meal that’s both satisfying and simple. The creamy cheese sauce, tender pasta, and hearty tuna make a delightful combination. And don’t forget the crispy topping – it’s the crown jewel of this dish!
Share Your Creation!
I can’t wait to see how your Tuna Pasta Bake turns out! Make sure to take a picture and share it with me on Instagram @steph_cooks_stuff 📸. Whether you’re whipping this up for a family dinner or a cosy night in, this dish is sure to become a favourite.
Hungry for more?
If you loved this Tuna Pasta Bake, check out these similar quick and easy winter dinner recipes:
Until next time, happy cooking and stay warm! 🎉🍽️
Quick Easy Winter Dinners Day 7 Emergency Tuna Pasta Bake
- Total Time: 25
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
Hey everyone! 🌟 Day 7 of our quick and easy dinners is here and oh boy, do I have a lifesaver recipe for you today! 🚨
🍴 **Emergency Tuna Pasta Bake** 🍴
Whip this up when you’re in a pinch, and I promise it’ll taste like you’ve been slaving away for hours. Let’s dive into the goodness!
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 180C.
- In an oven-safe pan, melt the butter over the stove. Stir in the flour.
- Gradually pour in the milk, whisking continuously until it starts to bubble.
- Add the grated cheese, a pinch of salt, and a sprinkle of pepper. Keep whisking until beautifully combined.
- Now, fold in the drained tuna, cooked pasta, and frozen veggies. Mix it all up until everything’s coated in that cheesy sauce.
- Smooth the top and sprinkle over your choice of cornflakes or bread crumbs for that perfect crunch, or just extra cheese if you prefer.
- Bake in the oven for about 15 minutes or until golden brown on top.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Recipes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Australian
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! This Tuna Pasta Bake is perfect for meal prepping. You can assemble it ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. If you’re planning to freeze it, make sure it’s in an airtight container and it can last up to three months. Just remember to thaw it in the fridge overnight and bake it as usual when you’re ready to eat.
If you’re not a fan of tuna or simply don’t have any on hand, there are plenty of alternatives! You can substitute it with shredded rotisserie chicken, canned salmon, or even cooked sausage. For a vegetarian version, try using chickpeas, cannellini beans, or more veggies to keep it just as hearty and satisfying.
To make this dish gluten-free, simply swap out the regular pasta for a gluten-free variety. There are plenty of options available at most grocery stores, including pasta made from rice, corn, or chickpeas. Also, make sure to use gluten-free flour to thicken the sauce and gluten-free bread crumbs or crushed cornflakes for the topping. Enjoy your delicious, gluten-free meal!