Creamy Tuna Pasta Bake
A rich and creamy pasta bake featuring tuna, cheese, and a delightful blend of seasonings.
Equipment
- Large pot
- deep pan or Dutch oven
- Baking dish
Ingredients
- 14 oz rigatoni or another short pasta
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium red onion finely diced
- 3 tablespoons plain flour
- 2 ½ cups semi-skimmed milk
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 7 oz low-fat sharp cheddar
- 10.5 oz albacore tuna drained and flaked
- 1 cup sweetcorn 165 g
- Fresh parsley to garnish
Instructions
- Start by boiling the rigatoni in a pot of salted water until it’s al dente. Check the package for timing so it does not get mushy. Drain when ready.
- Melt the butter in a pan and add the diced red onion. Sauté until soft and aromatic, about a few minutes, until the onion turns translucent.
- Stir in the flour to the buttery onion mixture until it is well combined and forms a paste-like consistency. Slowly pour in the milk while whisking continuously until the mixture is smooth to avoid lumps.
- Mix in the salt, pepper, and Dijon mustard. Fold in the cheddar until it is melted and creamy. If the sauce appears clumpy, whisk it more for a smooth texture.
- Gently fold in the flaked tuna and sweetcorn into your creamy sauce, ensuring everything is well-coated without over-stirring.
- In a large bowl, combine the pasta and sauce, making sure each piece of rigatoni is well-coated. If it seems too dry, add a splash of milk to loosen it up.
- Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Bake until golden. Let cool slightly before garnishing with fresh parsley.
Notes
Storage Tips: This tuna pasta bake will keep well in the fridge for up to 5 days. It can also be frozen for 1-2 months. Store in an airtight container.
Expert Tips:
- Whisk continuously while adding the milk to prevent lumps in the cheese sauce.
- Cook the pasta al dente as per package instructions to prevent it from becoming too soft during baking.
- If the bake lacks a crispy topping, broil for a few minutes after baking. Reheating Instructions: Reheat in the oven at 350 degrees F for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. Serving Suggestions: Serve with a side salad for a fresh contrast or pair with garlic bread for a cozy meal. Garnish with fresh herbs for added flavor. Recipe Variations:
- Use penne pasta for a different shape.
- Substitute the albacore tuna with canned salmon.
- Whisk continuously while adding the milk to prevent lumps in the cheese sauce.
- Cook the pasta al dente as per package instructions to prevent it from becoming too soft during baking.
- If the bake lacks a crispy topping, broil for a few minutes after baking. Reheating Instructions: Reheat in the oven at 350 degrees F for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. Serving Suggestions: Serve with a side salad for a fresh contrast or pair with garlic bread for a cozy meal. Garnish with fresh herbs for added flavor. Recipe Variations:
- Use penne pasta for a different shape.
- Substitute the albacore tuna with canned salmon.