Looking for a hearty and comforting meal that’s easy to make? Look no further than Tuna Pasta Bake. This dish combines the rich flavors of tuna, creamy sauce, and gooey cheese, all baked to perfection. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.

Originating from the tradition of Italian pasta bakes, this recipe brings together simple ingredients to create a dish that’s both satisfying and delicious.

Don’t let the name fool you – while tuna is the star of the show, the flavors of garlic, bell peppers, and cumin seeds add depth and complexity to every bite.

Despite its impressive taste, this dish is surprisingly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.

Expert Tip: Make sure to fully cook the onions and bell peppers before adding the tuna. This ensures that they release their flavors and become tender, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.

Ingredients

Olive Oil: Adds a rich and savory flavor to the dish while helping to prevent sticking during cooking.

Tuna: Provides a source of protein and a delicious seafood flavor that pairs perfectly with the other ingredients.

Garlic: Infuses the dish with aromatic flavor and depth, enhancing the overall taste of the pasta bake.

Crushed Chillies: Adds a subtle kick of heat to balance the creamy elements of the dish.

Cumin Seeds (Jeera): Offers earthy and warm notes that complement the tuna and pasta sauce.

Onion: Adds sweetness and texture to the dish, creating a flavorful base for the sauce.

Bell Pepper (Red and Green): Provides vibrant color and crispness, as well as a subtle sweetness that contrasts with the other savory ingredients.

Salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the ingredients and helps to season the dish to perfection.

Black Pepper: Adds a hint of warmth and spice, balancing the flavors of the creamy sauce.

Pasta (Penne): Serves as the hearty base of the dish, soaking up the flavors of the sauce and providing satisfying texture.

Pasta Sauce: Provides a rich and flavorful tomato base for the dish, adding moisture and depth to the sauce.

Double Cream: Creates a creamy and indulgent sauce that coats the pasta, adding richness and decadence.

Mozzarella Cheese: Melts into gooey deliciousness, forming a golden crust on top of the pasta bake and adding irresistible cheesy flavor to every bite.

Expert Tip: Don’t overcook the pasta before adding it to the sauce. Cook it until it’s just al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly in the oven. This helps prevent the pasta from becoming mushy during baking.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a Fresh Green Salad: Serve your Tuna Pasta Bake alongside a crisp green salad dressed with a simple vinaigrette. The fresh, tangy flavors of the salad will contrast beautifully with the creamy richness of the pasta bake, creating a well-balanced meal.
• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or basil over the top of your Tuna Pasta Bake before serving. The vibrant herbs add a pop of color and freshness, elevating the dish to new heights.
• Serve with Garlic Bread: Accompany your Tuna Pasta Bake with slices of warm garlic bread for the ultimate comfort food experience. The buttery, garlicky bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce and adds an extra layer of indulgence to the meal.

Expert Tip: For extra flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top of the mozzarella before baking. This adds a salty, nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the other ingredients.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use canned tuna for this recipe?

Absolutely! Canned tuna works perfectly in this recipe. Just be sure to drain the tuna before adding it to the dish.

Can I use different types of pasta?

Yes, feel free to use any type of pasta you prefer or have on hand. While penne works well in this recipe, you can also use other shapes like fusilli, rigatoni, or even spaghetti.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Certainly! You can prepare the Tuna Pasta Bake ahead of time, up to the point of baking. Simply assemble the dish, cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake it. Then, when you’re ready to enjoy, just pop it in the oven and bake as directed.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, this dish freezes well. Once baked, allow any leftovers to cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Check Out These Other Recipes

Here are some more recipes for you to enjoy! If you my recipes don’t forget to rate and leave a comment.

• Tuna Pasta Salad
• Tuna Melt
• Tuna & Chickpea Curry
• Tuna Quesadillas
• Tuna Curry

If you have any recipe suggestions, please do not hesitate to ask me. A great way to stay in contact with me is through Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. Don’t forget to tag me @CookwithNabeela in your recipe photos!

Tuna Pasta Bake

by Nabeela Kauser

Transform those cans of tuna and pasta packets that have been lying in your pantry into this delicious dinner recipe. Baked pasta and tuna in a delicious tomato sauce and topped with melted cheese.

5 from 8 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American, Italian

Servings 6

Calories 469 kcal

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Ingredients

• ▢ 50 ml Olive Oil
• ▢ 200 g Tuna
• ▢ 2 Garlic
• ▢ 1 tsp Crushed Chillies
• ▢ 2 tsp Cumin Seeds Jeera
• ▢ 1 Onions
• ▢ 1 Bell Pepper Red
• ▢ 1 Bell Pepper Green
• ▢ 1 tsp Salt
• ▢ 1 tsp Black Pepper
• ▢ 250 g Pasta Penne
• ▢ 300 g Pasta Sauce
• ▢ 100 ml Double Cream
• ▢ 250 g Mozzarella Cheese

Instructions

• Heat up the oil in a pan on medium heat until hot
• Add the finely chopped garlic cloves, cumin seeds and crushed chillies then sauté for 1-2 minutes
• Add the chopped onions and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened
• As the onions are cooking chop the bell peppers and add into the pan then cook for a further 4-5 minutes on medium heat
• Add the tuna then cook for 2-3 minutes ensuring that you break up the tuna as you mix
• Add the pasta sauce in and cook for 3-4 minutes
• Add the double cream and cook for another 4-5 minutes
• Add the boiled penne pasta and cook for 3-4 minutes on low heat
• Add 100g of the mozzarella cheese then mix until cheese is melted
• Transfer the pasta mixture into a heatproof oven dish and top with the remaining mozzarella cheese
• Bake in a preheated oven at 200°c Gas Mark 6 for 10-12 minutes
• Serve immediately alongside a healthy green salad and enjoy!

Video

Notes

Nutritional facts:

The provision of nutritional information is done merely as a courtesy and should not be taken as a guarantee.

Nutrition

Calories: 469kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 23gFat: 24gSaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 64mgSodium: 975mgPotassium: 485mgFibre: 4gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 2115IUVitamin C: 56mgVitamin D: 1µgCalcium: 261mgIron: 3mg

Keyword Baked, Comfort Food, Dinner, Fish, Food, Pasta, Recipe, Seafood, Tuna

Tried this recipe?Mention @CookwithNabeela or tag #CookwithNabeela!