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Creamy and Cheesy Tuna Pasta Bake with Crispy Topping

A generous serving of creamy tuna pasta bake featuring macaroni, peas, and a golden, crunchy breadcrumb topping.
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Make this comforting, cheesy tuna pasta bake for a simple family dinner. It uses pantry staples and features a satisfyingly crunchy topping.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces pasta (like elbow macaroni or penne)
  • 2 cans (5 ounces each) tuna in water, drained
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 1 cup frozen sweetcorn
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (divided)
  • 1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
  3. While the pasta cooks, prepare the cheese sauce. Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
  4. Whisk in the flour and cook for one minute, stirring constantly to make a roux.
  5. Gradually whisk in the milk until the mixture is smooth. Continue cooking, stirring often, until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 5 to 7 minutes. Do not let it boil rapidly.
  6. Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Add 6 ounces of the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until the cheese melts completely into the sauce.
  7. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, drained tuna, frozen peas, and frozen sweetcorn. Pour the creamy cheese sauce over the pasta mixture and stir gently until everything is evenly coated.
  8. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 2 ounces of cheddar cheese over the top.
  9. In a small bowl, mix the Panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the cheese layer to create the crispy topping.
  10. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the topping is golden brown and crisp.
  11. Let the tuna pasta bake rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • For an extra layer of flavor, add 1/2 cup of chopped onion or celery to the butter when making the roux.
  • If you prefer a less sharp flavor, use half sharp cheddar and half mild cheddar cheese.
  • This recipe is a great budget friendly dinner option; use store-brand canned tuna for cost savings.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://juliameal.com/tuna-pasta-bake-creamy-cheesy-crispy/