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Easy Tuna Pasta Bake for a budget-friendly family dinner.

Easy Tuna Pasta Bake

A creamy and cozy tuna pasta bake that's easy to make and perfect for busy weeknights, using pantry staples like tuna, pasta, and cheese.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Tuna
  • 300 to 350 g pasta (penne, fusilli, or macaroni)
  • 2 cans tuna, drained well
Creamy Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
  • 2 to 3 cloves garlic, minced (optional) Highly recommended
  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • 2 cups milk (any kind) Semi skim works too
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar is perfect) Plus extra for topping
  • to taste salt and pepper
Optional Add-ins
  • peas
  • corn
  • chopped spinach Add at the end of the sauce stage
  • sliced mushrooms
Flavor Boosts
  • a little mustard
  • a pinch of paprika
  • a little dried oregano

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Cook the pasta in salted water until slightly underdone. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a pot, melt the butter (or heat oil). Add garlic and stir for about 30 seconds.
  3. Sprinkle in the flour and stir for one minute. Slowly pour in the milk while stirring until it thickens.
  4. Stir in the shredded cheese until melted and season with salt and pepper. Optionally, add mustard or paprika.
  5. Combine the tuna and pasta with the sauce, adding any optional vegetables as desired. If too thick, add a splash of milk.
Baking
  1. Pour the mixture into a baking dish, top with extra cheese, and bake at 200C or 400F for 15 to 20 minutes until bubbly.

Notes

Undercook the pasta slightly to prevent it from becoming soft in the oven. Drain the tuna well to avoid excess water. Use sharp cheese for better flavor. Optionally, add a crunchy topping with crushed crackers or breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter.