Tuna Mornay, also known as Creamy Tuna Casserole Pasta Bake, is a classic comfort food that many families adore. This dish combines tender pasta, creamy sauce, and savory tuna, making it a fulfilling meal that can please even the pickiest eaters. It’s easy to prepare and delivers a warm, delicious experience that everyone will love.
Why Make This Recipe
There are many reasons to try making Tuna Mornay. First, it’s a quick and simple recipe, perfect for a weeknight dinner. Second, it’s budget-friendly and packed with protein, thanks to the tuna. Lastly, you can customize it by adding different vegetables or using different types of cheese, letting you make it your own!
How to Make Tuna Mornay
Making Tuna Mornay is straightforward. You’ll start by cooking your pasta and preparing a creamy white sauce. Then, you’ll combine everything together before baking it until golden and bubbly. Here’s how to do it:
Ingredients
- 350g / 12oz penne pasta (or other short pasta)
- 40g / 3 tbsp butter
- 3 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 4 tbsp (50g) flour, plain/all-purpose
- 4 cups (1 litre) milk (any fat %, dairy or non-dairy)
- 2 tsp Vegeta, or chicken or veg stock powder/granulated bouillon
- 1/2 cup (50g) parmesan, finely shredded
- 1/2 tsp each mustard powder, onion and garlic powder
- 425g / 15 oz canned tuna, preferably in oil, drained (or substitute with salmon)
- 400g / 14 oz canned corn, drained (or other veg)
- 25g / 1.5 tbsp butter, melted
- 1/2 cup (60g) panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4g (25g) parmesan, finely grated
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Chives or parsley (optional garnish)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 180°C/350°F.
- Crunchy Topping: In a bowl, mix together the melted butter, panko breadcrumbs, grated parmesan, and salt. Set it aside.
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, but subtract one minute from the cooking time. Drain the pasta and allow it to cool slightly before returning it to the pot.
- White Sauce: In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds.
- Stir in the flour until it’s well mixed with the butter. While whisking, pour in about one-third of the milk. Once combined, add the remaining milk and keep whisking.
- Add the Vegeta, mustard, onion, and garlic powder. Continue whisking until the sauce heats up and thickens (this should take about 4-5 minutes). The sauce should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- Remove the sauce from heat and stir in the parmesan.
- Now, add the drained tuna into the pasta and flake it into large chunks. Be careful not to break it up too much.
- Add the drained corn and pour the white sauce over the pasta. Gently mix everything together.
- Scrape the mixture into a baking dish and top it with the crunchy topping.
- Bake for about 25 minutes until the top is golden and the edges are bubbling. If desired, sprinkle with chives before serving!
How to Serve Tuna Mornay
Tuna Mornay makes a wonderful main dish. Serve it warm, and consider pairing it with a green salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal. It’s perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
How to Store Tuna Mornay
You can store leftover Tuna Mornay in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for about 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Tips to Make Tuna Mornay
- For extra flavor, consider adding sautéed onions or bell peppers to the dish.
- Experiment with different types of cheese; cheddar or a mix of cheeses can enhance the taste.
- If you want a bit more crunch, try adding crushed potato chips on top before baking.
Variations
Feel free to change up the vegetables by adding peas, spinach, or broccolini. You can also substitute the tuna for cooked chicken or even chickpeas for a vegetarian option.
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh pasta instead of dried?
Yes, fresh pasta can be used, but cooking times will vary. Make sure to adjust accordingly.
2. Is it possible to make Tuna Mornay ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it a day in advance and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Just add a few minutes to the baking time if baking from the fridge.
3. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply use gluten-free pasta and a gluten-free flour blend to make the white sauce.
Enjoy making and sharing this delightful Tuna Mornay recipe with your loved ones!
Tuna Mornay
Ingredients
Pasta and Tuna Base
- 350 g 350g / 12oz penne pasta (or other short pasta) Or substitute with another short pasta
- 425 g 425g / 15 oz canned tuna, preferably in oil, drained Can substitute with salmon
- 400 g 400g / 14 oz canned corn, drained Can use other vegetables
Sauce Ingredients
- 40 g 40g / 3 tbsp butter For sauce
- 3 cloves 3 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 4 tbsp 4 tbsp (50g) flour, plain/all-purpose
- 4 cups 4 cups (1 litre) milk (any fat %, dairy or non-dairy)
- 2 tsp 2 tsp Vegeta, or chicken or veg stock powder/granulated bouillon
- ½ cup 1/2 cup (50g) parmesan, finely shredded
- ½ tsp 1/2 tsp each mustard powder, onion and garlic powder
Topping Ingredients
- 25 g 25g / 1.5 tbsp butter, melted
- ½ cup 1/2 cup (60g) panko breadcrumbs
- ¼ g 1/4g (25g) parmesan, finely grated
- ¼ tsp 1/4 tsp salt
Garnish
- Chives or parsley Optional garnish
Instructions
Preparation and Topping
- Preheat your oven to 180°C/350°F.
- In a bowl, mix together the melted butter, panko breadcrumbs, grated parmesan, and salt for the crunchy topping. Set it aside.
Cook Pasta
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, but subtract one minute from the cooking time.
- Drain the pasta and allow it to cool slightly before returning it to the pot.
Prepare White Sauce
- In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter and add the minced garlic, cooking for about 30 seconds.
- Stir in the flour until it’s well mixed with the butter. Whisk in about one-third of the milk, then add the remaining milk while whisking.
- Add the Vegeta, mustard, onion, and garlic powder, and continue whisking until the sauce thickens (about 4-5 minutes).
- Remove the sauce from heat and stir in the parmesan.
Combine Ingredients
- Add the drained tuna to the pasta and flake it into large chunks. Be careful not to break it up too much.
- Add the drained corn and pour the white sauce over the pasta, gently mixing everything together.
Bake
- Scrape the mixture into a baking dish and top it with the crunchy topping.
- Bake for about 25 minutes until the top is golden and edges are bubbling. If desired, sprinkle with chives before serving!
