Creamy Tuna & Bacon Pasta Bake
This Creamy Tuna & Bacon Pasta Bake is a delightful and hearty dish, perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings with friends. Featuring tender pasta, succulent chunks of tuna, and crispy bacon all enveloped in a rich and creamy sauce, this bake is then topped with golden, cheesy breadcrumbs for that perfect finish. Not only can it be prepared in a single dish for the whole family, but it can also be divided into individual servings for those eating at different times. Plus, it's freezer-friendly, making it a convenient meal for any day of the week. Enjoy a comforting blend of flavors that is sure to please even the pickiest eaters!
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Back Bacon
8 slices (Chopped into pieces)
Pasta
300 g (Shapes of your choice)
Butter
25 g (Unsalted)
Olive Oil
1 tablespoon (Extra virgin recommended)
Plain Flour
2 tablespoons (All-purpose)
Vegetable Stock
200 ml (Fresh or store-bought)
Milk
200 ml (Whole milk recommended)
Canned Chunk Tuna
2 (185 g cans) (Drained)
Cheddar Cheese
75 g (Grated)
Fresh Breadcrumbs
50 g (Homemade or store-bought)
Salt
To taste
Pepper
To taste
Mixed Herbs
To taste (Dried or fresh)
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F).
2
In a large pot, cook the pasta according to the package instructions in lightly salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3
In a saucepan, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4
Stir in the flour and cook for an additional 2 minutes, removing the saucepan from heat once combined.
5
Gradually whisk in the vegetable stock and milk, then return the saucepan to medium heat. Continuously stir the mixture until the sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and mixed herbs to taste.
6
In a large baking dish, combine the cooked pasta and drained tuna. Gently toss to mix, then pour the creamy sauce over the top, ensuring everything is evenly coated.
7
In a small bowl, combine the grated cheddar cheese and fresh breadcrumbs. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the pasta bake.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
9
Remove from the oven, let cool for a few minutes, and serve warm. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main ingredients in the Creamy Tuna & Bacon Pasta Bake?
The main ingredients include back bacon, pasta shapes, canned chunk tuna, cheddar cheese, and fresh breadcrumbs, all bound together in a creamy sauce made from butter, olive oil, flour, vegetable stock, and milk.
What temperature should the oven be set to for this pasta bake?
The oven should be preheated to 190°C (375°F).
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
Is the Creamy Tuna & Bacon Pasta Bake freezer-friendly?
Yes, this dish is freezer-friendly, making it a convenient option for meal planning.
How do I prepare the bacon for this recipe?
You should use 8 slices of back bacon and chop them into pieces before cooking.
What type of pasta should I use?
You can use 300g of any pasta shapes of your choice.
How long should the pasta be cooked before baking?
The pasta should be cooked in lightly salted water according to the package instructions until it is al dente.
How do I make the creamy sauce for the pasta bake?
Melt butter and olive oil, cook the bacon, stir in flour for 2 minutes, then gradually whisk in vegetable stock and milk until the sauce thickens.
What kind of tuna is recommended?
The recipe calls for 2 cans (185g each) of drained canned chunk tuna.
What is used for the topping of the bake?
The topping is a mixture of 75g grated cheddar cheese and 50g fresh breadcrumbs.
How long does the dish need to bake in the oven?
The pasta bake should be in the oven for 20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
Can I use fresh herbs in this recipe?
Yes, you can use either dried or fresh mixed herbs to taste.
What type of milk works best for the sauce?
Whole milk is recommended for a richer and creamier sauce texture.
Is it possible to make individual portions of this dish?
Yes, the bake can be divided into individual servings if people are eating at different times.
What type of olive oil is suggested?
Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for this recipe.
How do I ensure the sauce is seasoned correctly?
Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and mixed herbs to your personal taste while it is thickening.
What is the role of flour in the recipe?
Plain flour (all-purpose) is used to create a roux with the butter and oil to thicken the sauce.
Should the tuna be mixed with the pasta before adding the sauce?
Yes, combine the cooked pasta and drained tuna in a large baking dish and toss them together before pouring the sauce over.
Can I use store-bought breadcrumbs?
Yes, you can use either homemade or store-bought fresh breadcrumbs.
What type of stock is used in the sauce?
The recipe uses 200ml of fresh or store-bought vegetable stock.
How long do I cook the bacon in the saucepan?
Cook the bacon for approximately 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Does the butter need to be salted?
The recipe specifies using 25g of unsalted butter.
How long does it take for the sauce to thicken?
Once the stock and milk are added, the sauce should thicken in about 3 to 5 minutes with continuous stirring.
What should I do after taking the bake out of the oven?
Let it cool for a few minutes before serving it warm.
Is this dish considered a comfort food?
Yes, it is described as a comforting blend of flavors perfect for cozy gatherings.
Can children enjoy this meal?
Yes, the recipe is described as being sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
How many cans of tuna are needed?
You will need two 185g cans of tuna.
What kind of cheese is best for the topping?
Grated cheddar cheese is used to create a golden, cheesy finish.
Is this a quick meal to prepare?
Yes, it is tagged as a 'quick meal' and is convenient for any day of the week.
What is the final texture of the dish?
The dish features tender pasta in a rich, creamy sauce with a golden, crispy breadcrumb and cheese topping.