Tuna pasta bake

Name: Tuna pasta bake
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 red sweet pepper; 2 spring onions; 500 g penne pasta; 200 g mozzarella, grated; 20 g broad-leaved fresh parsley; 2 cans tuna in water; 1 l bechamel sauce with cheese; 1 juice of lemon; 1 tbsp salt; freshly ground pepper to taste

Our tuna pasta bake combines elegance and the comfort of home cooking. It melds the satisfying texture of perfectly cooked penne pasta with a rich béchamel sauce and delicious tuna. Topped with a golden layer of melted mozzarella, each mouthful is a reminder of cherished family meals. With a burst of lemon zest and fresh parsley, this dish turns everyday ingredients into a joyous meal that the whole family will love.

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 180 °C fan-assisted oven.
Remove the seeds from the peppers and cut into cubes.
Chop spring onions and parsley finely.
Cook pasta according to package instructions in lightly salted water. Drain the pasta.
Drain the tuna and put it in the pot with pasta along with peppers, spring onions, parsley, and béchamel. Stir it all together and season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
Put the tuna mixture in an ovenproof dish and top with grated mozzarella.
Bake for about 15 minutes until the cheese is golden.

Enjoy!

Questions about tuna pasta bake

Our tuna pasta bake is a favourite, ideal for a heartwarming family meal or a relaxing evening at home. To help you prepare it, we have answered some common questions about this satisfying dish. So, keep reading to learn more.

Can I prepare the tuna pasta bake in advance?

Yes, you can assemble the tuna pasta bake beforehand. Gather all the ingredients and top with cheese, but hold off on baking. Cover the dish and chill in the fridge for up to 48 hours. When ready to bake, let the dish sit out for one hour to reach room temperature. Heat your oven to 190 °C, cover the tuna bake with foil, and bake for 10 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for a further 20–25 minutes until the cheese is golden and the bake is hot throughout.

How should I store tuna pasta bake?

Let your tuna pasta bake cool at room temperature before placing it in an airtight container and refrigerating it. When you are ready to eat it again, reheat it well in the microwave or the oven. You can also enjoy the pasta bake cold, making it a convenient lunch option for the following day.

Can I freeze tuna pasta bake?

Yes, you can freeze a tuna pasta bake. For the best quality when reheated, avoid cooking the pasta too much before freezing. Just cook it until it is slightly firm. After the bake cools, store it in an airtight container or wrap well in foil to prevent freezer burn. It will keep for up to two months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating in the oven until thoroughly hot.

How to reheat tuna pasta bake?

You can reheat a tuna pasta bake using the oven or microwave. If you are using the oven, preheat it to 175 °C. Then, place a portion in an oven-proof dish. If it seems dry, sprinkle a little water or add a few spoonfuls of milk or cream over the top. Cover it with foil to keep the moisture in and prevent the top from burning. Heat for about 15 minutes or until heated all the way through. If you prefer a crispy top, remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of heating. For microwaving, place a serving of the pasta bake in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a corner open to allow steam to escape. Heat at medium power for 2–3 minutes, depending on the microwave.

How long will tuna pasta bake last in the fridge?

Tuna pasta bake will keep well in the refrigerator for 3–4 days when stored properly. To ensure it remains safe and tasty to eat, allow the pasta bake to cool to room temperature before refrigerating it. Store it in an airtight container to prevent it from absorbing odours from the fridge and maintaining moisture.

Ingredients

Red sweet pepper	1
Spring onions	2
Penne pasta	500 g
Mozzarella, grated	200 g
Broad-leaved fresh parsley	20 g
Tuna in water	2 cans
Bechamel sauce with cheese	1 l
Juice of lemon	1
Salt	1 tbsp
Freshly ground pepper to taste

Tips: Making your tuna pasta bake

Read our tips below and discover how to achieve the right pasta texture and a delightful crunch to the cheese topping on your tuna pasta bake.

Choose tubular pasta for the best bake

Opt for tubular pasta, such as penne, for a truly satisfying pasta bake. They excel at capturing and retaining sauce, so every mouthful is flavourful. Although our recipe for tuna pasta bake suggests penne, you can also try macaroni or similar shapes to ensure every bite is enjoyable and flavourful.

Pre-cook your pasta just right

To give your pasta bake a pleasant bite, boil your penne until al dente. This means stopping a few minutes before the time suggested on the packet. Doing so prevents the pasta from turning too soft or mushy in the oven, where it will continue cooking. Penne cooked to al dente offers a firm texture that complements the smooth béchamel and tender tuna in your bake.

Get a golden crunch fast

To quickly add a delightful crunch to your tuna pasta bake, use your grill (broiler) to brown the cheese topping. Assemble the bake following the recipe, then place it under the grill for a few minutes. Watch carefully to make sure the cheese melts evenly and turns into a perfect golden colour without burning.

Whip up a quick and easy tuna pasta bake

Who does not love a good pasta bake? It is an oldie but a goodie. Our tuna pasta bake combines tender penne pasta and vegetables with light, flaky tuna wrapped in a creamy béchamel sauce, delivering a comforting maritime flavour. The preparation is straightforward: mix the ingredients, top with grated mozzarella, and bake until bubbly and golden. This tuna pasta bake is indeed a good recipe to have up your sleeve – quick, convenient, and irresistibly delicious.

Tender pasta with ocean vibes

The tuna pasta bake offers a delightful play on textures and flavours that can transport you straight to the seaside. The penne pasta provides a satisfying chewiness that complements the soft, moist tuna. The tuna is mild yet distinctly oceanic, making each forkful a dive into deep, savoury notes. When pasta and tuna are combined, the flavour becomes somewhat comforting and refreshing, also thanks to the addition of freshly squeezed lemon juice.

Rich and creamy with crisp vegetables

This tuna pasta bake is not just about the pasta and the tuna; we also bring in crisp vegetables and béchamel sauce. The rich and velvety sauce envelops all the ingredients, lending a superb creaminess that balances the saltiness of the tuna and the tang of lemon. The peppers bring a sweet freshness, cutting through the richness of the sauce, while the spring onions offer a slight sharpness that complements the overall flavour of the pasta bake. Additionally, the crunch of the vegetables contrasts perfectly with the softness of the pasta and tuna.

If you want to try more of our pasta bake recipes, have a look at this creamy vegetable pasta bake, chicken fajita pasta bake, or chicken pasta bake.

Enjoy a delicious dinner

If you are looking for an easy dinner that falls into good graces with the whole family, you should give this recipe for pasta bake with tuna a try. Being creamy, cheesy, and brimming with flavours, it really is a dish your family can enjoy together. The golden melted mozzarella on top adds a delightful gooeyness that appeals to all ages. The dish feels special enough for a celebratory occasion and simple enough for a regular weekday.

Customise to your heart's content

Feel free to adapt this recipe to suit your taste or accommodate whatever you have at hand. Mixing in briny ingredients, such as capers or olives, can deepen the flavour with savoury notes. You can blend these into the creamy béchamel sauce or sprinkle them on top before baking. For a warm kick, add a pinch of chilli flakes to complement the rich tuna and cheese. Or try fresh or sun-dried tomatoes, which can introduce a vibrant, tangy element that pairs beautifully with the creamy and savoury components of the dish.

You can also incorporate aromatic ingredients, such as anchovies, which dissolve into the sauce, adding a rich umami flavour. For sweetness and texture, try sautéing onions or caramelising leeks to balance the savoury taste. The versatility extends to your choice of herbs. While parsley is already used in the recipe, you can try chives, dill, or tarragon, each adding a distinct flavour. A bit of fresh basil adds a Mediterranean touch, and a sprinkle of thyme offers an earthy flavour.

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