Creamy Tuna Pasta Bake
This Creamy Tuna Pasta Bake is a delightful blend of tender spaghetti, fresh vegetables, and rich, creamy sauce, all topped with melted cheese for a comforting and satisfying dish. Developed as a classic family recipe, it showcases the wonderful flavors of tuna combined with earthy mushrooms and fresh bell peppers. Perfect for busy weeknights, this casserole is not only delicious but also versatile – feel free to swap in cooked chicken or turkey for a different twist. With its blend of creamy textures and savory notes, this dish will surely become a favorite in your home. Serve it alongside a crisp green salad for a complete meal that everyone will enjoy.
6-8
Servings
N/A
Calories
17
Ingredients
Ingredients
spaghetti
8 ounces (chopped coarsely (about 4 inches long))
butter
1/4 cup (for cooking, and additional for tossing spaghetti)
fresh sliced mushrooms
1/2 lb (sliced)
medium onion
1 (chopped)
fresh minced garlic
2 tablespoons (to taste)
cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon (optional, to taste)
all-purpose flour
5 tablespoons
chicken bouillon powder
2-4 teaspoons (to taste)
chicken broth
2 cups (good quality)
half-and-half cream
1 cup (or 18% table cream)
grated Parmesan cheese
1/3 cup (or 1-1/2 cups grated cheddar cheese)
salt
to taste
black pepper
to taste (freshly ground)
canned tuna
2 (170 g) cans (drained and hand-squeezed to remove moisture)
green bell pepper
1 (seeded and chopped)
egg yolks
2
grated cheddar cheese
1 cup (optional, to taste)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and position the rack in the second-lowest position.
2
Butter a 13 x 9-inch baking dish and set it aside.
3
Chop the spaghetti into coarse pieces (about 4 inches long, though size is flexible).
4
Cook the spaghetti in a large pot of boiling water until firm-tender, then drain and toss with 1-2 tablespoons of butter or oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
5
In a large saucepan, melt 1/4 cup of butter over medium heat. If desired, you can add a couple of extra tablespoons of butter for a richer flavor.
6
Add the sliced mushrooms to the pan and cook, stirring occasionally, until they have released their moisture (about 6 minutes).
7
Incorporate the chopped onion, minced garlic, and cayenne pepper (if using) into the pan, sautéing for an additional 3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.
8
Sprinkle in the flour and chicken bouillon powder, stirring with a wooden spoon for 1-2 minutes until the mixture becomes slightly clumpy.
9
Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and half-and-half cream, bringing the mixture to a light boil over medium heat. Continue to whisk until the sauce is smooth and thickened.
10
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until well combined and melted into the sauce. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
11
In a large bowl, combine the creamy mixture with the cooked spaghetti, ensuring everything is well tossed together. Add the drained tuna, chopped green bell pepper, and egg yolks, mixing well to ensure even distribution.
12
Transfer the entire mixture into the prepared baking dish, smoothing it out evenly. If desired, top with extra Parmesan cheese.
13
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes until golden and bubbly. For added indulgence, you may choose to sprinkle grated cheddar cheese on top after baking.
14
Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy this satisfying casserole warm!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Tuna Pasta Bake?
It is a comforting casserole made with spaghetti, canned tuna, fresh mushrooms, and bell peppers in a rich, creamy sauce topped with cheese.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe yields approximately 6 to 8 servings.
What temperature should I set my oven to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
How long does the tuna pasta bake need to cook?
Bake the dish for 30-35 minutes until it is golden and bubbly.
What kind of pasta is recommended for this dish?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of spaghetti, chopped coarsely into 4-inch pieces.
Can I substitute the tuna with another protein?
Yes, you can easily swap the tuna for cooked chicken or turkey.
What vegetables are included in this recipe?
The dish features fresh sliced mushrooms, chopped onion, minced garlic, and green bell pepper.
How do I prepare the spaghetti for the bake?
Cook it in boiling water until firm-tender, drain, and toss with butter or oil to prevent sticking.
What type of cream is used for the sauce?
You can use half-and-half cream or 18% table cream for the sauce.
What size baking dish is needed?
A 13 x 9-inch baking dish is the appropriate size for this recipe.
Should I grease the baking dish?
Yes, you should butter the baking dish before adding the pasta mixture.
How do I prepare the tuna?
Drain the cans and hand-squeeze the tuna to remove as much moisture as possible.
What kind of cheese goes on top?
The recipe suggests grated Parmesan cheese or grated cheddar cheese for the topping.
Why are egg yolks used in this recipe?
Two egg yolks are added to the mixture to help bind the ingredients and add richness to the sauce.
How do I make the sauce base?
Melt butter, sauté mushrooms, onions, and garlic, then whisk in flour, broth, and cream until thickened.
Is this recipe spicy?
It includes an optional 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper for a subtle hint of heat.
What can I serve as a side dish?
A crisp green salad pairs perfectly with this creamy casserole.
How long do I sauté the mushrooms?
Sauté the sliced mushrooms for about 6 minutes or until they have released their moisture.
Can I use different types of bell peppers?
Yes, while green is specified, you can use red or yellow bell peppers if preferred.
What should I do after taking it out of the oven?
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving to allow it to set.
Can I add extra garlic?
Yes, the recipe recommends 2 tablespoons of minced garlic, but you can adjust this to your personal taste.
What is the purpose of chicken bouillon powder?
It is used to enhance the savory flavor of the sauce; adjust between 2-4 teaspoons to your preference.
How do I prevent the pasta from sticking?
Toss the cooked and drained spaghetti with 1-2 tablespoons of butter or oil.
When do I add the Parmesan cheese?
Stir the Parmesan into the sauce after removing it from the heat but before mixing with the pasta.
Is the cheddar cheese mandatory?
No, the cheddar cheese topping is optional and can be added after baking for extra indulgence.
Can I use pre-sliced mushrooms?
Yes, pre-sliced fresh mushrooms work perfectly and save preparation time.
How small should I chop the onion?
A medium onion should be chopped into small, uniform pieces for even cooking.
Is this suitable for a quick weeknight meal?
Yes, it is developed as an easy and versatile dish for busy weeknights.
What is the rack position for baking?
Position the oven rack in the second-lowest position for even cooking.
Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?
Yes, you can substitute chicken broth with a good quality vegetable broth if desired.