Pasta and Tuna Cheddar Bake
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Pasta and Tuna Cheddar Bake, a hearty casserole that's rich, creamy, and incredibly satisfying. Featuring tender penne pasta, protein-packed chunks of tuna, and a luscious cheddar cheese sauce made from scratch, this dish combines simple pantry staples into a decadent weekday dinner. Topped with buttery breadcrumbs for a golden, crispy finish, this bake transforms into a crowd-pleasing masterpiece in just 40 minutes. Perfect for a cozy family meal or to impress guests, it’s a delicious way to elevate classic tuna pasta. Sprinkle on a dash of paprika for a touch of color and dive into this warm, cheesy delight!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 300 grams Penne pasta
- 2 cans Canned tuna (in water, drained)
- 200 grams Cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 2 cups Milk
- 2 tablespoons All-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons Butter
- 1 cup Breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoons Black pepper (freshly ground)
- 0.5 teaspoons Garlic powder
- 0.25 teaspoons Paprika (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set aside.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta until just al dente according to the package instructions (around 9-11 minutes). Drain and set the pasta aside.
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to form a roux, ensuring there are no lumps.
Slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens into a smooth, creamy sauce. This should take about 4-5 minutes.
Stir in half (100 grams) of the shredded cheddar cheese, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Mix until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is well combined.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, drained tuna, and the cheese sauce. Mix well to ensure everything is evenly coated.
Pour the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 100 grams of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and a drizzle of melted butter (if desired, for extra crispness). Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the cheese layer in the baking dish.
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling.
Optional: Garnish with a light sprinkling of paprika for a pop of color before serving.
Remove from the oven and let the bake cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your warm, cheesy Pasta and Tuna Cheddar Bake!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2967 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 121.1 g | 155% | |
| Saturated Fat | 69.4 g | 347% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.4 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 377 mg | 126% | |
| Sodium | 5915 mg | 257% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 346.7 g | 126% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 15.9 g | 57% | |
| Total Sugars | 31.7 g | ||
| Protein | 135.8 g | 272% | |
| Vitamin D | 7.7 mcg | 39% | |
| Calcium | 2118 mg | 163% | |
| Iron | 18.8 mg | 104% | |
| Potassium | 1799 mg | 38% | |
*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.
