Tuna Pasta Bake Recipe

Introduction

Tuna pasta bake is a comforting and hearty dish that’s perfect for a family dinner. Combining creamy cheese sauce, tender pasta, and flavorful tuna, it’s easy to prepare and loved by all ages. This recipe delivers a golden, cheesy crust with a deliciously creamy interior.

Ingredients

• 600g rigatoni
• 50g butter
• 50g plain flour
• 600ml milk
• 250g strong cheddar, grated
• 2 x 160g cans tuna steak in spring water, drained
• 330g can sweetcorn, drained
• Large handful chopped parsley

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat the oven to 180°C (fan 160°C/gas mark 4). Boil the rigatoni pasta for 2 minutes less than the time indicated on the package, then drain.
2. Step 2: To make the sauce, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the plain flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
3. Step 3: Gradually add the milk while stirring to avoid lumps, cooking until the sauce thickens into a creamy white sauce. Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in most of the grated cheddar, reserving a handful for topping.
4. Step 4: Combine the drained pasta with the white sauce, tuna, sweetcorn, and chopped parsley. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
5. Step 5: Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly over the top.
6. Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until the cheese topping is golden and lightly browned.

Tips & Variations

• Use tubular pasta like penne or macaroni if rigatoni is unavailable, as it holds sauce well in bakes.
• For extra creaminess, stir in a spoonful of crème fraîche or cream cheese into the sauce before mixing with the pasta.
• Add a pinch of smoked paprika or chili flakes to the sauce for a subtle smoky or spicy kick.
• Mix in some frozen peas or diced bell peppers for added color and texture.

Storage

Store any leftover tuna pasta bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly in the oven or microwave until piping hot before serving. This dish does not freeze well due to the creamy sauce.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh tuna instead of canned tuna?

Yes, you can use cooked fresh tuna, but canned tuna is convenient and provides consistent moisture and flavor. If using fresh tuna, make sure it’s cooked and flaked before mixing into the bake.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

To make a dairy-free version, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative, use a dairy-free milk like almond or oat milk, and replace the cheddar with a vegan cheese. Keep in mind that the texture and flavor may differ slightly.

Tuna Pasta Bake Recipe

---

★★★★★

4.6 from 71 reviews

• Author: Noah
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

Description

This Tuna Pasta Bake is a creamy, comforting dish featuring rigatoni pasta mixed with a cheesy white sauce, tuna, sweetcorn, and parsley. Baked until golden and bubbling, it’s a perfect hearty meal ideal for family dinners.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 600g rigatoni (or penne/macaroni as alternatives)

White Sauce

• 50g butter
• 50g plain flour
• 600ml milk
• 250g strong cheddar, grated (reserve a handful for topping)

Other Ingredients

• 2 x 160g cans tuna steak in spring water, drained
• 330g can sweetcorn, drained
• Large handful chopped parsley

---

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Heat your oven to 180°C (fan 160°C, gas mark 4) to get it ready for baking the pasta after assembly.
2. Boil Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the rigatoni for 2 minutes less than the cooking time indicated on the pack to ensure it remains slightly firm. Drain and set aside.
3. Make White Sauce: Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring continuously until thickened to a creamy white sauce. Remove from heat and mix in all but a handful of the grated cheddar cheese.
4. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained pasta, white sauce, drained tuna, sweetcorn, and chopped parsley. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste and mix well.
5. Assemble: Transfer the combined pasta mixture into a suitable baking dish and evenly sprinkle the reserved grated cheddar cheese on top.
6. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese topping is golden brown and bubbling.
7. Serve: Remove from oven and let it cool slightly before serving for best flavor and texture.

Notes

• Tubular pasta like rigatoni, penne, or macaroni works best as it holds sauce well.
• Don’t overcook the pasta initially because it will continue cooking while baking.
• You can add a pinch of nutmeg to the white sauce for extra flavor if desired.
• For a richer dish, substitute some of the milk with cream.
• Fresh parsley adds a nice bright flavor; you can also try chives or basil.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British

Keywords: tuna pasta bake, baked pasta, cheesy pasta, tuna recipes, family dinner, comfort food