Tuna pasta bake
Instructions
Questions about tuna pasta bake
Our tuna pasta bake is a favourite, ideal for a heartwarming family meal or a relaxing evening at home. To help you prepare it, we have answered some common questions about this satisfying dish. So, keep reading to learn more.
Ingredients
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Red sweet pepper
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1 |
|---|---|
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Spring onions
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2 |
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Penne pasta
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500 g |
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Mozzarella, grated
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200 g |
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Broad-leaved fresh parsley
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20 g |
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Tuna in water
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2 cans |
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Bechamel sauce with cheese
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1 l |
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Juice of lemon
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1 |
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Salt
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1 tbsp |
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Freshly ground pepper to taste
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Tips: Making your tuna pasta bake
Read our tips below and discover how to achieve the right pasta texture and a delightful crunch to the cheese topping on your tuna pasta bake.
Choose tubular pasta for the best bake
Opt for tubular pasta, such as penne, for a truly satisfying pasta bake. They excel at capturing and retaining sauce, so every mouthful is flavourful. Although our recipe for tuna pasta bake suggests penne, you can also try macaroni or similar shapes to ensure every bite is enjoyable and flavourful.
Pre-cook your pasta just right
To give your pasta bake a pleasant bite, boil your penne until al dente. This means stopping a few minutes before the time suggested on the packet. Doing so prevents the pasta from turning too soft or mushy in the oven, where it will continue cooking. Penne cooked to al dente offers a firm texture that complements the smooth béchamel and tender tuna in your bake.
Get a golden crunch fast
To quickly add a delightful crunch to your tuna pasta bake, use your grill (broiler) to brown the cheese topping. Assemble the bake following the recipe, then place it under the grill for a few minutes. Watch carefully to make sure the cheese melts evenly and turns into a perfect golden colour without burning.
Whip up a quick and easy tuna pasta bake
Who does not love a good pasta bake? It is an oldie but a goodie. Our tuna pasta bake combines tender penne pasta and vegetables with light, flaky tuna wrapped in a creamy béchamel sauce, delivering a comforting maritime flavour. The preparation is straightforward: mix the ingredients, top with grated mozzarella, and bake until bubbly and golden. This tuna pasta bake is indeed a good recipe to have up your sleeve – quick, convenient, and irresistibly delicious.
Tender pasta with ocean vibes
The tuna pasta bake offers a delightful play on textures and flavours that can transport you straight to the seaside. The penne pasta provides a satisfying chewiness that complements the soft, moist tuna. The tuna is mild yet distinctly oceanic, making each forkful a dive into deep, savoury notes. When pasta and tuna are combined, the flavour becomes somewhat comforting and refreshing, also thanks to the addition of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
Rich and creamy with crisp vegetables
This tuna pasta bake is not just about the pasta and the tuna; we also bring in crisp vegetables and béchamel sauce. The rich and velvety sauce envelops all the ingredients, lending a superb creaminess that balances the saltiness of the tuna and the tang of lemon. The peppers bring a sweet freshness, cutting through the richness of the sauce, while the spring onions offer a slight sharpness that complements the overall flavour of the pasta bake. Additionally, the crunch of the vegetables contrasts perfectly with the softness of the pasta and tuna.
If you want to try more of our pasta bake recipes, have a look at this creamy vegetable pasta bake, chicken fajita pasta bake, or chicken pasta bake.
Enjoy a delicious dinner
If you are looking for an easy dinner that falls into good graces with the whole family, you should give this recipe for pasta bake with tuna a try. Being creamy, cheesy, and brimming with flavours, it really is a dish your family can enjoy together. The golden melted mozzarella on top adds a delightful gooeyness that appeals to all ages. The dish feels special enough for a celebratory occasion and simple enough for a regular weekday.
Customise to your heart's content
Feel free to adapt this recipe to suit your taste or accommodate whatever you have at hand. Mixing in briny ingredients, such as capers or olives, can deepen the flavour with savoury notes. You can blend these into the creamy béchamel sauce or sprinkle them on top before baking. For a warm kick, add a pinch of chilli flakes to complement the rich tuna and cheese. Or try fresh or sun-dried tomatoes, which can introduce a vibrant, tangy element that pairs beautifully with the creamy and savoury components of the dish.
You can also incorporate aromatic ingredients, such as anchovies, which dissolve into the sauce, adding a rich umami flavour. For sweetness and texture, try sautéing onions or caramelising leeks to balance the savoury taste. The versatility extends to your choice of herbs. While parsley is already used in the recipe, you can try chives, dill, or tarragon, each adding a distinct flavour. A bit of fresh basil adds a Mediterranean touch, and a sprinkle of thyme offers an earthy flavour.
