Tuna Melt Pasta Bake Your New Weeknight Hero

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever had one of those days? Honestly, me too. Let's talk about easy tuna recipes , particularly a Tuna Melt Pasta Bake.

This dish gives you comfort food vibes with minimal effort and tons of flavor.

Brief Overview

The tuna melt has American roots. It's pure comfort food done in minutes. This recipe brings the classic tuna melt into a pasta bake.

It is super easy and takes about 40 minutes. It serves 4-6 people. Get ready for a weeknight win.

Main Benefits

This dish is packed with protein and a family favorite. It also happens to be a kid healthy dinner option.

What makes this easy tuna pasta bake recipe special? It's the perfect marriage of convenience and taste.

Why This Tuna Melt Pasta Bake Rocks

I remember the first time I made this. My kids were fussy eaters. They devoured it. Even picky eaters can't resist a tuna melt recipe easy . It's that good.

The Ingredients You'll Need

• 1 pound (450g) pasta
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) olive oil
• Salt
• 4 tablespoons (60g) unsalted butter
• 4 tablespoons (30g) all-purpose flour
• 3 cups (720ml) whole milk
• ½ teaspoon (3g) salt
• ¼ teaspoon (1.5g) black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon (1.5g) garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon (1.5g) onion powder
• 2 (5-ounce/142g each) cans tuna
• ½ cup (60g) frozen peas
• ¼ cup (60g) mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) lemon juice
• 2 spring onions
• 2 cups (200g) cheddar cheese
• ½ cup (50g) parmesan cheese
• ½ cup (40g) panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons (30g) melted butter

Gear Up: Equipment

You'll need: a large pot, a saucepan, a baking dish (9x13 inch), a grater, and a whisk. Easy peasy.

Let's Get Cooking: Simple Steps

First, preheat your oven to 375° F ( 190° C). Cook the pasta until it's al dente. While that's cooking, make the cheesy sauce with butter, flour, milk, and spices.

Next, stir in the tuna, peas, mayonnaise, lemon juice and spring onion. Mix everything together, top with cheese and breadcrumbs, and bake for 20- 25 minutes.

Boom! Dinner is served.

This recipe is a lifesaver. It's a fantastic addition to your collection of quick tuna recipes for dinner . Plus, it fits right into the category of budget friendly tuna meals , which is always a win.

So, grab your ingredients, and let's get cooking. You won't regret it.

Alright, let's dive into what you'll need to make this Tuna Melt Pasta Bake, your new weeknight hero. This isn't just another dish; it’s comfort food at its finest.

Honestly, easy tuna recipes don't get much better than this. It's the type of recipe I'd share with my mates!

Ingredients & Equipment

This recipe is all about those budget friendly tuna meals we all crave. Don't worry it won't break the bank! Plus, it's a great way to sneak in a kid healthy dinner option without any fuss.

Main Ingredients

• Pasta: 1 pound (450g) of your favourite pasta. Penne or fusilli are great.
• Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon (15ml) – for the pasta.
• Butter: 4 tablespoons (60g) , unsalted, for the sauce.
• Flour: 4 tablespoons (30g) , all-purpose.
• Milk: 3 cups (720ml) , whole milk makes it extra creamy.
• Tuna: Two 5-ounce (142g) cans in water, drained really well.
• Frozen Peas: 1/2 cup (60g) , for a bit of green.
• Mayonnaise: 1/4 cup (60g) , trust me on this.
• Lemon Juice: 2 tablespoons (30ml) , for brightness.
• Spring Onions: 2 , sliced thinly.
• Cheddar Cheese: 2 cups (200g) , grated. Go for a nice strong one.
• Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup (50g) , grated.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: 1/2 cup (40g) , for that lovely crunch.
• Melted Butter: 2 tablespoons (30g) , for the topping.

Quality is key for the cheddar. Get a mature cheddar for a stronger flavor. It really makes a difference for a good tuna melt recipe easy to get right

Seasoning Notes

Essential spice combinations. The milk can alter the flavor of the tuna, so to spice it up we'll be using:

• Salt: 1/2 teaspoon (3g) .
• Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon (1.5g) .
• Garlic Powder: 1/4 teaspoon (1.5g) .
• Onion Powder: 1/4 teaspoon (1.5g) .

Honestly, this combo is magic. You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you're feeling spicy!

Equipment Needed

You don't need fancy gear. Just basics for easy tuna pasta bake recipe.

• Large pot.
• Large saucepan.
• 9x13 inch (23x33cm) baking dish.
• Grater.
• Whisk.

The key is to keep it simple. That's why it's great fish recipes dinner for a quick meal. Plus, it offers a nice tuna casserole variations option, too!

Alright, let's dive into making an Easy Tuna Pasta Bake Recipe ! Honestly, everyone needs a good tuna recipe. It's like a trusty old friend in the kitchen.

Let's Talk Prep: Mise en Place Like a Boss

First, get your ingredients ready. This mise en place makes cooking so much smoother. Think of it as organizing your desk before a big project.

Chop your spring onions, grate your cheese, and drain the tuna really well. Nobody wants a watery bake! This cuts down cooking time.

Now you have some of the best Pasta And Tuna Recipes to work with.

step-by-step to Tuna licious

Okay, let's get cooking.

1. Preheat that oven to 375° F ( 190° C/Gas Mark 5) . Grease your 9x13 inch dish. We don't want any sticking disasters!
2. Boil 1 pound of pasta. Don't overcook it. Al dente is key. Drain and drizzle with olive oil.
3. Melt 4 tablespoons butter. Whisk in 4 tablespoons flour for 1 minute to make a roux. Gradually add 3 cups milk until smooth. Simmer for 5 minutes until thickened. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/4 teaspoon onion powder. Voila, creamy cheesy saucy goodness!
4. Remove the sauce. Stir in 2 cans of drained tuna, 1/2 cup frozen peas, 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, and sliced spring onions. Then, add your cooked pasta. It's all coming together now, innit?.
5. Pour into the dish. Top with 2 cups of cheese, and 1/2 cup panko mixed with 2 tablespoons melted butter. Bake for 20- 25 minutes , until golden and bubbly.

Let it stand for 5 minutes before digging in. Golden brown and bubbly is how you will know when you have a beautiful Easy Tuna Pasta Bake Recipe .

Pro Tips and Nifty Tricks

• Don't overcook that pasta. Seriously, mushy pasta is a crime against recipes for healthy eating . It is a Kid Healthy Dinner .
• Add some spice! A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a kick. It also creates more Tuna Casserole Variations .
• If you want a Tuna Melt taste, melt cheddar cheese over some bread. Then put the Tuna Melt Recipe Easy result in the pasta dish for the bake.

This recipe is a budget friendly tuna meal . It also makes some amazing quick tuna recipes for dinner . Some simple tuna pasta ideas can be had with this dish as well.

So there you have it! One of the best Fish Recipes Dinner . From our kitchen to yours, bon appétit!

Recipe Notes for Your Tuna Melt Pasta Bake Masterpiece

This isn't just a recipe; it's a starting point. Think of it like a blank canvas for your culinary creativity.

Honestly, easy tuna recipes like this are all about making it your own.

Serving Suggestions: Make it Pretty!

Okay, so you've got this bubbling, cheesy bake. How do you make it look like it came straight out of a magazine? First, let it sit for 5 minutes after baking.

This stops it falling apart when serving. Plate a generous scoop, then garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of colour.

A simple green salad on the side is both healthy and pretty. For a real treat, try serving with crusty garlic bread to mop up every last bit of that cheesy goodness.

Storage Tips: Keep it Fresh!

Got leftovers? You're in luck! Refrigerate your Tuna Melt Pasta Bake in an airtight container for up to 3 days .

For longer storage, you can freeze it. Portion it out into freezer safe containers for individual meals. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake at 350° F ( 175° C) until heated through, or microwave.

Make sure it's piping hot! Leftovers are great budget friendly tuna meals for lunch the next day.

Variations: Tweak it 'Til You Love it!

Want to spice things up? Add a tablespoon of sriracha or a chopped jalapeño to the cheese sauce for a spicy tuna melt bake .

Need a veggie option? Swap the tuna for a can of drained and rinsed cannellini beans or chickpeas. It's still recipes for healthy eating , but meat free! For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta and gluten-free panko breadcrumbs.

So there you have tuna casserole variations that won't keep you from your goals of kid healthy dinner every day.

Nutrition Basics: The Good Stuff

Alright, let's get real. This Tuna Melt Pasta Bake is comfort food, but it's not devoid of goodness! Tuna is packed with protein and omega-3 fatty acids.

That's good for your heart and brain. The estimated calories per serving are around 550, with 35g of protein, 25g of fat, 45g of carbs, and 700mg of sodium.

(Disclaimer: These are estimates! Your mileage may vary.) Consider what's more important the fact that you are using simple tuna pasta ideas for dinner.

So, there you have it. All the notes you need to make this easy tuna pasta bake recipe your own.

Don’t be afraid to experiment and tweak it to your taste! This is one of those quick tuna recipes for dinner that you'll be making for years to come! This will turn into one of your favorite pasta and tuna recipes and fish recipes dinner , I promise! You've got this!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this one of those easy tuna recipes that actually tastes good?

Absolutely! This Tuna Melt Pasta Bake is designed to be both incredibly easy and seriously delicious. It's like a hug in a dish, with classic tuna melt flavors elevated by the creamy pasta and cheesy topping. Think of it as comfort food with a bit of a grown-up twist.

Can I prepare this Tuna Melt Pasta Bake ahead of time?

You bet! You can assemble the entire bake up to the point of baking, then cover it tightly with foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it's heated through.

It's perfect for those busy weeknights when you're short on time - a real lifesaver when you're juggling work and family like a true Brit!

What's the best way to store leftovers of this easy tuna recipe?

Store any leftover Tuna Melt Pasta Bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or a preheated oven until warmed through. You might find the breadcrumbs aren't as crispy the next day, but the taste will still be spot on.

I'm not a huge fan of cheddar cheese. Can I substitute it in this tuna recipe?

No worries, cheese preferences are a personal thing! Monterey Jack or Colby cheese would work wonderfully. You could even use a blend of mozzarella and provolone for a milder, meltier texture. The important thing is to use a cheese that melts well and complements the tuna flavor.

If you're feeling adventurous, try adding a touch of Gruyère for a nutty depth!

Is this Tuna Melt Pasta Bake healthy? What are the nutritional considerations?

While this is definitely a comfort food dish, it can be part of a balanced diet. Tuna is a good source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids. To make it healthier, consider using whole wheat pasta, low-fat cheese, and reducing the amount of butter in the sauce.

Adding extra vegetables like broccoli or spinach will also boost the nutritional value. Remember, moderation is key!

Can I make this into a spicy easy tuna recipe? I like a bit of a kick!

Absolutely! A little bit of heat can elevate this dish wonderfully. Stir in a tablespoon of sriracha or a finely chopped jalapeño pepper to the cheese sauce for a fiery kick. Alternatively, a pinch of red pepper flakes added to the breadcrumb topping will also do the trick.

Just be careful not to overdo it unless you want to breathe fire!