Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s the perfect balance of simplicity and satisfaction. I can throw it together with pantry staples like tuna, pasta, and passata, and it always turns out amazing. It’s budget-friendly, nutritious, and a great way to sneak in some veggies with the broccoli. The bake has that golden cheesy top everyone loves, and it’s easy to adapt to different tastes—creamy, crunchy, spicy, or classic. It’s one of those dishes I never get tired of making or eating.

Ingredients

(Note: All ingredient amounts are listed in the recipe card below.)

▢300 g (11 oz) Dried Pasta, See notes
▢300 g (11 oz) Broccoli, One medium-sized head of broccoli

Sauce ingredients:
▢500 g (1.1 lb) Passata
▢2 tsp Garlic granules
▢3 tbsp Tomato puree
▢1 tbsp Dried oregano
▢2 tbsp Balsamic vinegar
▢Salt and freshly ground black pepper

To serve:
▢200 g (7 oz) Tinned tuna, Two regular-sized tins, drained
▢300 g (11 oz) Cherry tomatoes, Halved
▢150 g (5 oz) Mature cheddar cheese, Grated

Directions

I start by preheating the oven to 200°C (400°F). Then, I cook the pasta according to the package instructions. About four minutes before the pasta is done, I add the broccoli into the boiling water so it softens perfectly without overcooking.
While the pasta cooks, I mix together all the sauce ingredients in a bowl or jug—passata, garlic granules, tomato puree, oregano, balsamic vinegar, and seasoning.
Once the pasta and broccoli are cooked, I drain them and return them to the pot. I pour in the sauce, add the drained tuna and halved cherry tomatoes, and mix everything together until it’s evenly coated.
I then transfer the mixture into a roasting dish, sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese evenly over the top, and bake it in the oven for about 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden.
Once it’s ready, I take it out and let it rest for a couple of minutes before serving—it’s perfect just as it is.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 4 servings.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

Sometimes I like to make this Tuna Pasta Bake creamy by adding 100 g (3.5 oz) of cream cheese or crème fraîche to the tomato sauce. For a crunchy topping, I mix in breadcrumbs or even crushed crisps before baking. If I want some spice, I add a teaspoon of dried chili flakes to the sauce. I also switch up the pasta shape depending on what I have on hand—penne, fusilli, or rigatoni all work beautifully. For an extra quick version, I occasionally skip the oven and pop it under the grill to brown the cheese faster.

Storage/Reheating

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When I’m ready to eat, I reheat a portion in the microwave or oven until hot all the way through. If I’m freezing it, I cool it completely first, then cover it tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. When reheating from frozen, I let it thaw overnight in the fridge before baking until piping hot.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, I often use penne, fusilli, or rigatoni—any short pasta works perfectly.

Can I make this in advance?

Yes, I prepare everything up to the baking step, cover it, and refrigerate it until I’m ready to bake.

Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely, I sometimes add sweetcorn, peas, or spinach for extra goodness.

What can I use instead of tuna?

Cooked chicken, salmon, or even canned mackerel make great alternatives.

How can I make this dish creamy?

I stir in some cream cheese or crème fraîche into the sauce before mixing everything together.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, I simply use gluten-free pasta and make sure all my other ingredients are gluten-free.

Can I add breadcrumbs on top?

Yes, a sprinkle of breadcrumbs before baking adds a lovely crunch.

Can I make it spicy?

I add a teaspoon of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to give it a kick.

How do I keep the pasta from drying out?

I make sure there’s enough sauce mixed in, and I don’t overbake it—15 minutes is usually perfect.

What should I serve with tuna pasta bake?

I like serving it with a green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables.

Conclusion

I love how this Tuna Pasta Bake manages to be so easy yet so satisfying every time. The rich tomato sauce, tender pasta, and melted cheese make it the perfect comfort meal for busy nights. Whether I make it creamy, crunchy, or spicy, it’s always a hit at the dinner table. This is one recipe I keep coming back to for its simplicity, flavor, and heartwarming goodness.