Pasta and Tuna Cheddar Bake

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Pasta and Tuna Cheddar Bake, a hearty casserole that's rich, creamy, and incredibly satisfying. Featuring tender penne pasta, protein-packed chunks of tuna, and a luscious cheddar cheese sauce made from scratch, this dish combines simple pantry staples into a decadent weekday dinner. Topped with buttery breadcrumbs for a golden, crispy finish, this bake transforms into a crowd-pleasing masterpiece in just 40 minutes. Perfect for a cozy family meal or to impress guests, it’s a delicious way to elevate classic tuna pasta. Sprinkle on a dash of paprika for a touch of color and dive into this warm, cheesy delight!

Nutriscore Rating: 58/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 300 grams Penne pasta
• 2 cans Canned tuna (in water, drained)
• 200 grams Cheddar cheese (shredded)
• 2 cups Milk
• 2 tablespoons All-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons Butter
• 1 cup Breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoons Black pepper (freshly ground)
• 0.5 teaspoons Garlic powder
• 0.25 teaspoons Paprika (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set aside.

Step 2

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta until just al dente according to the package instructions (around 9-11 minutes). Drain and set the pasta aside.

Step 3

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to form a roux, ensuring there are no lumps.

Step 4

Slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens into a smooth, creamy sauce. This should take about 4-5 minutes.

Step 5

Stir in half (100 grams) of the shredded cheddar cheese, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Mix until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is well combined.

Step 6

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, drained tuna, and the cheese sauce. Mix well to ensure everything is evenly coated.

Step 7

Pour the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 100 grams of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.

Step 8

In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and a drizzle of melted butter (if desired, for extra crispness). Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the cheese layer in the baking dish.

Step 9

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling.

Step 10

Optional: Garnish with a light sprinkling of paprika for a pop of color before serving.

Step 11

Remove from the oven and let the bake cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your warm, cheesy Pasta and Tuna Cheddar Bake!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1216.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2967.4

Total Fat 121.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 69.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.4g
Cholesterol 376.9mg	0%
Sodium 5914.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 346.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 15.9g	0%
Total Sugars 31.7g
Protein 135.8g	0%

Vitamin D 309.7IU	0%
Calcium 2118.2mg	0%
Iron 18.8mg	0%
Potassium 1799.2mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 36.1%

Protein: 18.0%

Carbs: 45.9%