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One-Pan Creamy Tuna Pasta Bake

A glass baking dish filled with creamy tuna pasta bake topped with golden brown breadcrumbs and parsley.
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Make this comforting, creamy tuna pasta bake in one pan for easy cleanup. It uses pantry staples and cooks quickly for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

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  • 12 oz pasta (like elbow macaroni or penne)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
  • 2 (5 oz) cans tuna in water, drained
  • 1 cup frozen peas and carrots mix
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
  3. While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
  4. Whisk in the flour to the onions and cook for 1 minute. Slowly whisk in the milk and broth until the mixture is smooth. Bring the sauce to a simmer, stirring constantly, until it thickens slightly, about 5 minutes. This creates your simple white sauce.
  5. Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the drained tuna, peas and carrots mix, salt, and pepper.
  6. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet mixture and stir to coat everything evenly.
  7. Stir in half of the shredded cheddar cheese until melted into the sauce.
  8. Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish if the skillet is not oven-safe. If using an oven-safe skillet, proceed in the skillet.
  9. Top the pasta evenly with the remaining cheddar cheese and sprinkle the breadcrumbs over the top.
  10. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the sauce is bubbly.
  11. Let the tuna pasta bake rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • For a brighter flavor, add 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard to the white sauce before adding the tuna.
  • If you prefer a stovetop version, skip steps 1, 4 (baking dish prep), and 6 through 8. Simply combine all ingredients in a large pot on the stove after making the sauce, heat through, and serve immediately.
  • Use canned salmon instead of tuna for a different flavor profile.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://fooddexterity.com/tuna-pasta-one-pan-creamy-bake/