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Creamy One-Pot Tuna Pasta Bake

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A quick and comforting one-pot tuna pasta bake with a creamy sauce and a golden cheddar cheese topping, perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz dried penne or fusilli pasta (use gluten-free pasta if needed)
  • 2 cans (5 oz each) tuna packed in water, drained
  • 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
  • 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: pinch of smoked paprika or chili flakes

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In an oven-safe skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until translucent and slightly sweet. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Sprinkle the flour over the butter and onion mixture, stirring constantly for 2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste.
  4. Slowly whisk in the milk and broth, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens. Add more milk if too thick.
  5. Stir in Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and optional smoked paprika or chili flakes. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  6. Add the dried pasta and frozen peas (or other veggies). Nestle the mixture so pasta is submerged. Cover and simmer on low for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add extra broth or water if needed.
  7. Gently fold in the drained tuna, keeping chunks intact.
  8. Sprinkle shredded cheddar evenly over the surface.
  9. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 15-18 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  10. Let the bake rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

If pasta gets mushy or sauce too thick during simmering, add small amounts of broth or water. Stir gently but often to prevent sticking and breaking pasta. Use freshly shredded cheese for best melt and texture. Cover while simmering to trap steam and cook pasta evenly.

Nutrition

Keywords: tuna pasta bake, one-pot meal, creamy pasta, cheesy dinner, quick dinner, comfort food, easy pasta bake

Find it online: https://juliamadeit.com/creamy-one-pot-tuna-pasta-bake-recipe-easy-cheesy-dinner-idea/