Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With straightforward steps and common pantry ingredients, this dish comes together in no time, making it ideal for hectic schedules.
- Family-Friendly: Its creamy texture and mild flavors appeal to both kids and adults, ensuring a meal that everyone will enjoy.
- Budget-Conscious: Utilizing affordable ingredients like canned tuna and pasta makes this a cost-effective dinner option.
- Versatile: Easily adaptable to include your favorite vegetables or to accommodate dietary preferences.
Ingredients
- 1 (14.6-ounce) package penne pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 (5-ounce) cans tuna, drained and flaked
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1¼ cups grated Parmesan cheese
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Cook the Pasta: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the Onion: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil and butter. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, approximately 5 minutes.
- Add Tuna and Cream: Stir in the drained tuna, breaking it up with a spoon. Pour in the heavy whipping cream and add the ground nutmeg. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Combine with Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, mixing well to ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
- Assemble the Bake: Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy warm.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Variations
- Add Vegetables: Incorporate vegetables like peas, spinach, or mushrooms to enhance nutrition and flavor.
- Cheese Options: Substitute or add cheeses such as cheddar, mozzarella, or gouda for a different taste profile.
- Herb Infusion: Mix in fresh or dried herbs like parsley, thyme, or basil to elevate the dish’s aroma and flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for those who prefer a bit of heat.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months. Allow it to cool completely before wrapping it tightly and placing it in the freezer.
- Reheating: Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, approximately 15 minutes. If reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before warming.
FAQs
What type of pasta works best for this bake?
Penne is recommended for its ability to hold the sauce well, but other short pasta like fusilli or rigatoni can also be used.
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Yes, milk can be used for a lighter version, though the sauce will be less creamy. To maintain some richness, consider using half-and-half.
Is fresh tuna suitable for this recipe?
While canned tuna is convenient and traditional for this dish, cooked fresh tuna can be used for a different texture and flavor.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Substitute regular pasta with gluten-free pasta and ensure all other ingredients, like sauces and seasonings, are gluten-free.
What can I serve alongside this pasta bake?
A fresh green salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables pair well to complete the meal.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, assemble the dish ahead of time, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed.
How do I prevent the pasta from becoming mushy?
Cook the pasta until just al dente, as it will continue to cook during baking.
Can I add breadcrumbs on top?
Yes, sprinkling seasoned breadcrumbs mixed with a bit of melted butter on top before baking adds a delightful crunch.
Is it safe to reheat tuna pasta bake?
Yes, ensure it is reheated thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before consuming.
Can I use other types of canned fish?
Certainly, canned salmon or mackerel can be substituted for tuna, offering a slightly different flavor profile.
Conclusion
Easy Tuna Pasta Bake is a simple yet satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. With its creamy, cheesy, and comforting flavors, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that requires minimal effort. Whether you’re feeding a family, meal-prepping for the week, or looking for a budget-friendly dinner option, this tuna pasta bake is a great choice. Try it today and enjoy a warm, homemade meal that’s both delicious and easy to make!
Easy Tuna Pasta Bake
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Casserole, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Mediterranean
Description
This Easy Tuna Pasta Bake is a comforting and flavorful casserole featuring tender pasta, creamy sauce, and cheesy goodness, all baked to perfection. Made with simple pantry staples like canned tuna, pasta, and Parmesan cheese, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights and guaranteed to be a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 1 (14.6-ounce) package penne pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 (5-ounce) cans tuna, drained and flaked
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1¼ cups grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add penne pasta and cook until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the Onion: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil and butter. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add Tuna and Cream: Stir in the drained tuna, breaking it up with a spoon. Pour in the heavy whipping cream and add the ground nutmeg. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Combine with Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, mixing well to coat evenly with the sauce.
- Assemble the Bake: Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy warm.
Notes
- Add Vegetables: Mix in peas, spinach, or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrients.
- Cheese Options: Swap Parmesan with cheddar, mozzarella, or gouda for a different taste.
- Spicy Twist: Add red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for a little heat.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary needs.
