Imagine a comforting hug in a dish: that's Tuna Mornay Casserole Pasta Bake.
Get ready for a symphony of tender pasta, creamy cheese sauce, and protein-packed tuna, all baked to golden perfection – a weeknight dinner sensation you'll crave!
[DIRECTIONS]:
Ingredients Spotlight
Next, grab a big can – around 800g – of crushed tomato. Add 1 tbsp of tomato paste if you want a slightly thicker sauce. Don't forget about adding ¾ cup (185ml) water after.
Of course, we need 1 tbsp of Italian mixed herbs, 1 tsp of salt, and ½ tsp of black pepper. Can't have bland food, right? If you feel like adding a little kick, consider some taco seasoning.
For the star, we've gotta have 425g of drained chunk tuna!! I prefer tuna in oil rather than water. Last, but not least, 200g spiral pasta and 1 ½ cups mozzarella cheese.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let's get cooking! First, preheat your oven to 350F—we want it nice and toasty. While that's heating up, cook your pasta according to the package directions but take it off the heat a minute early.
Now, for the sauce, heat olive oil in an oven-proof skillet, then toss in minced garlic and diced onion. Cook 'em for about 3 minutes until they're golden and fragrant. Next, add crushed tomato, water, herbs, salt, pepper, and tomato paste (if you're using it). Stir, bring to a simmer, then lower the heat and let it thicken for 5 minutes. The fresh herbs like parsley in the sauce provide a vibrant flavor that complements the tuna beautifully.
Time to turn off the stove! Stir in your pasta—yep, all of it. Now gently mix in your drained tuna; don't break it up too much; we want those yummy chunks. Drizzle some olive oil on top, add cheese, and bake for 20 minutes until it's golden. Let it stand for 3 minutes and serve!
- Remember that time my pasta stuck to the skillet?!
- Did I ever tell you about when I almost set my oven on fire?
- You won't believe the things that can happen while cooking!
Variations and Additions
Now that we've nailed the basic Tuna Mornay Casserole, how about we jazz things up a bit? I'm not talking adding a disco ball, but tasty goodies! Think veggies!
Chop up a cup of broccoli or peas, and toss them in with the pasta. It's like a healthy hug for your casserole! Or add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a kick—just a ½ teaspoon should do it!
Want even more flavor? Stir in a ¼ cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes or black olives. Trust me; it's a total game-changer! Cheese is your friend, be brave—add a ½ cup of Gruyere or cheddar! It's like giving your casserole a cheesy tuxedo!
Don't be afraid to experiment. You never know; you might stumble upon your new favorite combo right in your kitchen!
Storing and Reheating
When you're dealing with leftovers, you've got a couple of choices—fridge or freezer, I usually opt for the fridge! It's convenient. Keep it in an airtight container, and it'll be good for 3-4 days, tops.
Freezing this, I gotta say, isn't my first choice, you could if you want. Reheating's easy—microwave it for a couple of minutes until it's hot! Don't forget to stir it halfway through.
To maintain the most delicious experience, don't store it longer, and make sure it is reheated through; nobody wants partially heated Tuna Mornay!
- Imagine your perfectly layered casserole ruined!
- Consider the disappointment of biting into a still-cold pocket of tuna!
- Think about the heartbreak of mushy pasta!
Short Recipe Version
Tuna Mornay Casserole Pasta Bake
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients:
- 1 pound pasta
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/2 cup flour
- 4 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 (5 ounce) cans tuna, drained
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain.
- Melt butter in a saucepan. Whisk in flour until smooth. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth.
- Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Remove from heat and stir in cheese until melted.
- Combine pasta, tuna, and cheese sauce in a baking dish.
- Bake for 30 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown.
- Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving – Estimated):
- Calories: 450-550
- Protein: 30-35g
- Fat: 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: 40-50g