Tuna Pasta Bake is a comforting and delicious meal perfect for family dinners or a simple weeknight dish. This hearty recipe combines pasta with flavorful tuna, rich tomato sauce, and gooey cheese, making it a favorite among both kids and adults. It’s easy to prepare, and you likely have most of the ingredients already in your pantry!
Why Make This Recipe
There are many great reasons to make Tuna Pasta Bake. First, it’s a quick and easy recipe that doesn’t require fancy cooking skills. Second, it’s packed with protein from the tuna and provides a good serving of carbs from the pasta, making it a filling meal. Lastly, this dish is highly customizable; you can easily add extra vegetables or swap out ingredients based on what you have on hand. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover pasta!
How to Make Tuna Pasta Bake
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 800g / 28 oz crushed tomato (Note 1)
- 1 tbsp tomato paste (optional, thickens sauce slightly)
- 3/4 cup (185ml) water (Note 2)
- 1 tbsp Italian mixed herbs (or other dried herbs of choice)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 425g / 15 oz can chunk tuna (preferably in oil), drained (Note 3)
- 200g / 7 oz spiral pasta (or other pasta of choice)
- 1 1/2 cups (150g) shredded mozzarella cheese (Note 4)
- Olive oil for drizzling
Directions:
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
Cook the pasta according to the package instructions but reduce the cooking time by 1 minute. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold tap water to prevent it from sticking. Set aside.
While the pasta cooks, prepare the sauce. Heat an ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and diced onion, cooking for about 3 minutes until they turn golden.
Next, add the crushed tomatoes, water, dried herbs, salt, and pepper, along with the tomato paste if you’re using it. Stir everything together, bring it to a simmer, then lower the heat. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens.
Taste the sauce and adjust the salt if needed. If the sauce tastes a bit sour, you can add a pinch of sugar.
Turn off the heat and stir in the cooked pasta. Add the drained tuna gently—be careful not to break the tuna into small pieces. You want some chunks on top for a lovely, golden finish.
Drizzle a bit of olive oil on top, then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the dish. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until golden and bubbly.
Let it stand for 3 minutes before serving!
How to Serve Tuna Pasta Bake
Serve Tuna Pasta Bake hot from the oven. It pairs perfectly with a side salad or garlic bread. You can also sprinkle some fresh herbs on top for added flavor. Enjoy it as a complete meal!
How to Store Tuna Pasta Bake
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in the oven or microwave until warmed through. You may want to add a splash of water to keep it moist while reheating.
Tips to Make Tuna Pasta Bake
- For extra flavor, consider adding chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to the sauce.
- If you like a crispy top, you can broil the bake for a few minutes at the end.
- Try using different types of cheese, like cheddar or a mix of cheeses, for variety.
Variation
Feel free to swap the tuna for other proteins like shredded chicken or canned salmon. You can also switch up the pasta shape based on your preference!
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can! Just chop fresh tomatoes and use them in place of canned crushed tomatoes. You may need to add a bit more seasoning since fresh tomatoes can have a milder flavor.
2. Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Absolutely! You can replace tuna with chickpeas or cooked vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers to make it vegetarian.
3. Can I freeze Tuna Pasta Bake?
Yes, you can freeze it before baking. Just make sure to cover it well with plastic wrap and foil. When you’re ready to bake, let it thaw in the fridge overnight, then cook as directed.
Tuna Pasta Bake is a delightful and satisfying dish that is loved by all. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy a cozy meal with your family and friends!
Tuna Pasta Bake
Ingredients
For the sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 800 g crushed tomato
- 1 tbsp tomato paste optional, thickens sauce slightly
- ¾ cup (185ml) water
- 1 tbsp Italian mixed herbs or other dried herbs of choice
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
For the bake
- 425 g can chunk tuna, drained preferably in oil
- 200 g spiral pasta or other pasta of choice
- 1 ½ cups (150g) shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions but reduce the cooking time by 1 minute. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold tap water to prevent it from sticking. Set aside.
Cooking
- While the pasta cooks, heat an ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and diced onion, cooking for about 3 minutes until they turn golden.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, water, dried herbs, salt, and pepper, along with the tomato paste if using. Stir everything together, bring it to a simmer, then lower the heat. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens.
- Taste the sauce and adjust the salt if needed. If the sauce tastes a bit sour, add a pinch of sugar.
Assembly
- Turn off the heat and stir in the cooked pasta. Add the drained tuna gently—be careful not to break the tuna into small pieces.
- Drizzle a bit of olive oil on top, then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the dish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until golden and bubbly.
- Let it stand for 3 minutes before serving.
