Italian Tuna Casserole
Transform your weeknight dinner routine with this comforting and flavorful Italian Tuna Casserole, a Mediterranean-inspired twist on a classic family favorite. Featuring tender pasta coated in a rich tomato sauce seasoned with garlic, oregano, and basil, this dish is studded with flaky tuna, briny black olives, and topped with gooey mozzarella, nutty Parmesan, and crispy breadcrumbs. Ready in under an hour, this easy-to-make casserole combines heartiness with elegance, perfect for cozy dinners or casual entertaining. Serve it with a crisp side salad and crusty bread for a complete Italian feast. Ideal for meal prepping, this tuna casserole reheats beautifully, making it a versatile staple in your recipe collection.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (fusilli or penne)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 14 oz crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 10 oz tuna in olive oil, drained
- 0.5 cup black olives, sliced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- 1.5 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 0.5 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 0.5 cup breadcrumbs
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a light drizzle of olive oil.
Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until it is just shy of al dente (about 1-2 minutes less than the package instructions suggest). Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute, until fragrant.
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper. Simmer the sauce for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally to allow flavors to meld.
Fold in the drained tuna, sliced olives, and fresh parsley (if using). Cook for 2 more minutes, then remove from heat.
Combine the cooked pasta with the sauce in a large mixing bowl. Toss until the pasta is evenly coated.
Pour the pasta and sauce mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top, followed by the grated parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs for a crunchy topping.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
Allow the casserole to cool for 5 minutes before serving. Optional: Garnish with additional chopped parsley for a fresh touch.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
423 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 20.6 g | 26% | |
| Saturated Fat | 7.5 g | 37% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 44 mg | 15% | |
| Sodium | 988 mg | 43% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 33.2 g | 12% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.4 g | 12% | |
| Total Sugars | 5.4 g | ||
| Protein | 27.6 g | 55% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.8 mcg | 14% | |
| Calcium | 322 mg | 25% | |
| Iron | 2.1 mg | 11% | |
| Potassium | 442 mg | 9% | |
*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.
