Crispy Topped Tuna Pasta
Transform your weeknight dinners with this irresistible Crispy Topped Tuna Pasta—an easy, comforting bake that combines tender pasta, a creamy cheese sauce, and the savory goodness of tuna and peas, all crowned with a golden, garlic-infused breadcrumb crust. This family-friendly recipe balances rich flavors with a hint of brightness from fresh lemon zest, while the crunchy topping adds an unbeatable texture. Perfect for busy evenings, it comes together in just 40 minutes and is sure to become a household favorite. Serve it straight from the oven with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal. Ideal for those seeking an easy tuna casserole alternative that’s both delicious and made with pantry staples.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 350 g pasta (e.g., penne or fusilli)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 500 ml whole milk
- 150 g cheddar cheese, grated
- 50 g parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 cans canned tuna in olive oil, drained and flaked
- 100 g frozen peas, thawed
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 100 g breadcrumbs (panko recommended)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan) or 400°F.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a medium saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat until melted. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
Gradually add the milk to the roux, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Stir in the cheddar cheese and parmesan cheese, reserving a small amount of parmesan for the topping. Mix until the cheeses melt into a smooth, creamy sauce.
Add the flaked tuna, peas, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper to the sauce. Stir to combine.
In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the tuna sauce. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
In a small skillet, heat the olive oil and the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the breadcrumbs and minced garlic and cook for 2-3 minutes until golden and crispy. Stir in the reserved parmesan cheese and chopped parsley, if using.
Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the pasta in the baking dish.
Bake the pasta in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the dish is bubbling around the edges.
Remove from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your Crispy Topped Tuna Pasta!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3165 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 171.2 g | 219% | |
| Saturated Fat | 81.9 g | 410% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3.2 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 446 mg | 149% | |
| Sodium | 5670 mg | 247% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 251.5 g | 91% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 17.2 g | 61% | |
| Total Sugars | 38.2 g | ||
| Protein | 158.2 g | 316% | |
| Vitamin D | 16.5 mcg | 82% | |
| Calcium | 2411 mg | 185% | |
| Iron | 10.8 mg | 60% | |
| Potassium | 1988 mg | 42% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
