Tuna Pasta Bake with Creamy Sauce
Creamy, cheesy, and packed with comforting flavor, this Tuna Pasta Bake with Creamy Sauce is the perfect easy dinner recipe for busy weeknights. Made with tender pasta, flaky tuna, rich creamy sauce, and a golden baked topping, this family-friendly casserole is warm, satisfying, and simple to make.
Ingredients
- 300 g (10 oz) pasta (penne, fusilli, or macaroni)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup grated cheddar cheese, plus extra for topping
- 1 can (150–200 g) tuna in water, drained and flaked
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup frozen peas or mixed vegetables
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder (optional)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs for topping
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter for breadcrumbs
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook pasta until al dente and drain.
- Step 2: Melt butter in a saucepan. Add flour and whisk 1–2 minutes. Gradually add milk while whisking to form a smooth sauce.
- Step 3: Stir in cheddar cheese, mustard powder, salt, and pepper until fully melted and creamy.
- Step 4: In a large bowl, combine pasta, tuna, onion, peas, and cheese sauce. Mix well.
- Step 5: Transfer mixture to a greased baking dish. Prepare breadcrumb topping with olive oil or melted butter and sprinkle on top.
- Step 6: Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden and crispy. Garnish with parsley and serve.