Dive into the vibrant flavors of southern Italy with this enchanting Tuna Macaroni Casserole Siciliana. Combining tender elbow macaroni with a savory medley of canned tuna, briny black olives, and zesty capers, this dish is elevated by sweet cherry tomatoes that burst with freshness. A golden, crunchy topping made from panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley adds irresistible texture and richness to every bite. With a quick prep time and simple instructions, this casserole is perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests. Serve warm and let the Sicilian-inspired flavors transport your taste buds to the Mediterranean coast!
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a casserole dish lightly with olive oil and set aside.
Cook the elbow macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente, following the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
Halve the cherry tomatoes and add them to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes soften and release their juices.
Drain the canned tuna, flake it with a fork, and stir it into the skillet along with the black olives and capers. Mix well. Season with salt and black pepper.
Combine the cooked macaroni with the tuna mixture in a large bowl. Toss until evenly coated.
Transfer the mixture to the prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the casserole.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crunchy.
Remove from the oven, let rest for 5 minutes, and serve warm. Garnish with additional parsley if desired.
Calories |
2416 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 77.9 g | 100% | |
| Saturated Fat | 19.8 g | 99% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 150 mg | 50% | |
| Sodium | 5207 mg | 226% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 292.4 g | 106% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 19.1 g | 68% | |
| Total Sugars | 22.3 g | ||
| Protein | 132.8 g | 266% | |
| Vitamin D | 10.0 mcg | 50% | |
| Calcium | 757 mg | 58% | |
| Iron | 24.1 mg | 134% | |
| Potassium | 1321 mg | 28% | |
*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.