Description

This creamy tuna pasta bake is a comforting and easy-to-make dish combining tender pasta, flaky tuna, and a rich, cheesy mushroom sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it features a blend of creamy textures and savory flavors with a satisfying crunchy topping when using breadcrumbs.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Protein

12 oz pasta (your favorite shape)
2 cans tuna in water, drained

Sauce and Flavorings

1 can cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste

Vegetables and Cheese

1 cup frozen peas
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Optional Topping

Breadcrumbs for topping
Chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions

Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the sauce mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until smooth.
Mix tuna and peas: Add the drained tuna and frozen peas to the sauce mixture, stirring gently to combine without breaking up the tuna too much.
Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the bowl and mix everything together until the pasta is well coated with the creamy sauce and ingredients are evenly distributed.
Assemble casserole: Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top. Optionally, add a layer of breadcrumbs for added crunch.
Bake the casserole: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the pasta bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the breadcrumbs (if used) are golden brown.
Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired, then serve warm.

Notes

You can substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken or celery for different flavor variations.
Using fresh peas instead of frozen will also work; just blanch them briefly before mixing.
For a lower-fat version, use reduced-fat cheese and milk.
If you prefer a crispier topping, broil for the last 2-3 minutes but watch closely to prevent burning.
This dish can be prepared in advance and refrigerated before baking. Increase baking time slightly if baking from cold.

Keywords: tuna pasta bake, creamy tuna casserole, easy weeknight dinner, baked pasta, cheesy tuna bake