Tuna Casserole Pasta Recipe
Tuna Casserole Pasta is a comfort food classic that’s perfect for busy nights when you want something quick, satisfying, and easy to make. This dish brings together tender pasta, creamy sauce, savory tuna, and a golden, crispy topping, all in one delicious bite.
Whether you’re cooking for your family, a group of friends, or just for yourself, this casserole is sure to please. Here’s why this dish is a favorite and how you can easily prepare it.
Why You Will Love Tuna Casserole Pasta
- Incredibly Versatile: Tuna Casserole Pasta is perfect for various occasions. Whether you’re preparing a simple family dinner, a dish for a crowd, or a comforting solo meal after a long day, this casserole fits the bill.
- Quick and Easy: It’s a meal you can throw together quickly, making it ideal for busy days. Plus, it uses pantry staples, so you likely already have most of the ingredients on hand.
- Customizable: While the base includes tuna, pasta, and a creamy sauce, you can easily personalize it with your favorite vegetables like peas, corn, mushrooms, or spinach. You can also add spices (like red pepper flakes) or extra cheese for a richer flavor.
- Simple to Prepare: There are no complicated techniques involved, making it suitable for both beginner cooks and experienced chefs. It takes just a few simple steps and a short cooking time to create a flavorful, comforting meal.
Steps to Make Tuna Casserole Pasta
Making Tuna Casserole Pasta couldn’t be easier. Here’s a simple guide to get you started:
1. Cook the Pasta: Start by boiling your favorite pasta in a large pot of salted water. You can use anything from elbow macaroni to penne, depending on your preference. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente, then drain and set it aside.
2. Prepare the Sauce: While the pasta is cooking, you can prepare the creamy sauce. In a medium saucepan, melt butter and sauté some diced onions until they’re soft and fragrant. Add flour to make a roux and cook for about a minute to eliminate the raw flour taste. Then, gradually add in milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Once the mixture is smooth and thickened, stir in grated cheese, such as cheddar or mozzarella, until it’s fully melted and creamy.
3. Combine the Tuna and Vegetables: Next, open a can of tuna and drain it well. Add the tuna to the sauce, along with any vegetables you’d like to include. Frozen peas or sweetcorn are excellent options, but feel free to get creative and add whatever you like. Stir everything together until it’s well combined.
4. Assemble the Casserole: Now that the pasta, sauce, and tuna mixture are ready, it’s time to assemble the casserole. In a large baking dish, combine the cooked pasta with the creamy tuna mixture. Give it a good stir so that the pasta is evenly coated. Sprinkle a generous amount of breadcrumbs over the top for a crunchy, golden finish, and add a bit of extra cheese if you like your casserole extra cheesy.
5. Bake: Place the baking dish in a preheated oven and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. The baking time may vary depending on your oven and the size of your casserole dish, so keep an eye on it toward the end.
6. Serve and Enjoy: Once the casserole is ready, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. The combination of the creamy tuna sauce, the soft pasta, and the crispy topping will make this dish a hit at the dinner table.
Variations
One of the best things about Tuna Casserole Pasta is that it’s incredibly versatile. You can experiment with different flavors and ingredients to make it your own. Here are a few ideas:
- Vegetarian Version: For a vegetarian twist, simply omit the tuna and load up the casserole with more vegetables, like mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers. You can also add some crumbled veggie burger patties for a plant-based protein boost.
- Spicy Version: If you like a little heat, add some red pepper flakes to the sauce or toss in a few diced jalapeños. You can also use spicy tuna or add a dash of hot sauce to the mix for extra spice.
- Cheesy Version: If you love cheese, go all in and use a combination of different cheeses. Cheddar, mozzarella, and even parmesan work wonderfully in this dish. Don’t forget to top it with extra cheese for that gooey, cheesy crust.
How to Serve
Tuna Casserole Pasta is a complete meal on its own, but you can serve it alongside a fresh salad for a well-rounded dinner.
A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette pairs perfectly with the richness of the casserole. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, serve it with some garlic bread or crusty rolls to sop up any leftover sauce.
Tuna Casserole Pasta
Ingredients
- 12 oz 340g pasta (penne, fusilli, or elbow macaroni)
- 1 can 5 oz tuna in oil or water, drained
- 1 cup frozen peas optional
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can 10.5 oz cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup milk
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup breadcrumbs optional, for topping
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook Pasta: Boil the pasta in salted water according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare Sauce: In a large bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth.
- Mix Ingredients: Add the drained tuna, frozen peas (if using), and cooked pasta to the bowl with the sauce. Mix everything together until well combined.
- Assemble Casserole: Pour the pasta mixture into a greased baking dish (9×9 or similar size). Top with shredded cheddar cheese and breadcrumbs if using.
- Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden brown.
- Serve: Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your comforting and easy Tuna Casserole Pasta!
