Hearty Tuna Pasta Bake

A hearty budget-friendly casserole featuring protein-rich tuna (or chickpea pasta for extra plant-based protein) perfect for family dinners and made mostly from pantry staples.

When I first made this tuna pasta bake it quickly became a weekday favorite in our home thanks to its simplicity and crowd-pleasing flavors. It was especially handy during busy weeks when we wanted a meal everyone could enjoy without fuss.

Ingredients

• Pasta: 350 g (12 oz) dried pasta (regular or chickpea pasta)
• Tuna: 2 x 160 g (5.6 oz) cans tuna in water or olive oil drained
• Peas: 1 cup (150 g) frozen peas
• Chopped Tomatoes: 1 can (400 g/14 oz) chopped tomatoes
• Onion: 1 medium onion finely chopped
• Garlic: 2 cloves garlic minced
• Olive Oil: 2 tbsp olive oil
• Flour: 2 tbsp plain flour
• Milk: 1 1/2 cups (375 ml) milk (dairy or unsweetened plant-based)
• Cheese: 1 cup (100 g) grated cheese (cheddar or mozzarella optional)
• Oregano: 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• Basil: 1/2 tsp dried basil
• Salt and Pepper: to taste
• Breadcrumbs: 1/2 cup (50 g) breadcrumbs
• Parmesan: 1/4 cup (25 g) grated Parmesan or more cheddar (optional)

Instructions

Preheat Oven:

Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).

Cook Pasta:

Cook pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.

Sauté Onion & Garlic:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.

Make Sauce Base:

Stir in flour and cook 1 minute then gradually whisk in milk to form a smooth sauce. Simmer stirring until thickened (about 3 to 4 minutes).

Add Tomatoes & Herbs:

Stir in chopped tomatoes oregano basil salt and pepper. Simmer 3 to 5 minutes.

Combine Protein & Veggies:

Add drained tuna peas and half the grated cheese. Stir to combine.

Mix With Pasta:

Add cooked pasta and mix gently.

Prepare For Baking:

Pour mixture into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle with remaining cheese breadcrumbs and Parmesan (if using).

Bake:

Bake 20 to 25 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.

Serve:

Let cool slightly before serving.

Save to Pinterest

This tuna pasta bake has become a staple at our family table especially when everyone gathers for a comforting dinner. Its easy preparation means even younger kitchen helpers can get involved making it a true team effort in our home.

Required Tools

Large pot skillet whisk baking dish (approx. 9x13 in/23x33 cm) and grater are all you need to prepare this casserole with ease.

Allergen Information

This dish contains fish (tuna) dairy (cheese milk) and gluten (pasta breadcrumbs). For gluten-free or dairy-free diets use suitable substitutes and always check ingredient labels if allergies are a concern.

Nutritional Information

Each serving provides approximately 480 calories 13 g total fat 60 g carbohydrates and 29 g protein making it a balanced and satisfying main dish.

Save to Pinterest

Enjoy your tuna pasta bake fresh from the oven for a cozy and inexpensive all-in-one dinner. The leftovers reheat beautifully for another easy meal tomorrow.

Common Recipe Questions

→ Can I substitute chickpea pasta for regular pasta?

Yes, chickpea pasta works well and adds extra plant-based protein while maintaining a similar texture and taste.

→ How can I make this dish vegetarian?

Simply replace tuna with drained chickpeas or extra vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for a delicious vegetarian option.

→ Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs as substitutes to maintain the same delicious texture without gluten.

→ What type of cheese is best for topping?

Cheddar or mozzarella provide a creamy melt, while Parmesan adds a savory, slightly nutty finish to the topping.

→ How do I ensure the sauce is smooth and thick?

Gradually whisk in milk to the flour and oil mixture, stirring continuously to prevent lumps and cook until the sauce thickens.