Decadent Tuna Tortellini Bake
Indulge in this creamy and comforting Tuna Tortellini Bake, inspired by classic tuna noodle casserole but with a delightful twist. The addition of tender cheese tortellini creates a luscious layer that makes this dish feel indulgent yet simple to prepare. With a rich combination of savory tuna, creamy mushroom soup, and melty cheese, this casserole is perfect for family gatherings or a cozy weeknight dinner. Whether you're revisiting childhood favorites or serving it to a new generation, this dish is sure to bring smiles and satisfaction to the table.
10
Servings
320
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
tuna, flaked
2 (6 ounce) cans (drained)
cream of mushroom soup
1 (10 1/2 ounce) can (98% fat-free)
cheddar cheese or swiss cheese, shredded
1 cup (2% or Swiss)
frozen cheese tortellini
2 (4 cup) bags (frozen)
skim milk
1 cup
celery, chopped
1 stalk
onion, chopped
1
potato chips or bread crumbs (optional)
1 cup (for topping)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Fill a large pot with 4 quarts of water and bring it to a boil over high heat.
3
Chop the onion and celery. Sauté in a little oil or non-stick spray in a skillet over medium heat until softened, about 5 minutes. Optionally, add mushrooms or bell peppers for extra flavor.
4
Once the water is boiling, add the frozen tortellini and cook according to package directions. (It’s okay to undercook them slightly as they will continue cooking in the oven.)
5
In a large 2-quart casserole dish, combine the drained tuna, cream of mushroom soup, and skim milk. Mix well.
6
Add the sautéed celery and onion to the casserole dish and stir to combine.
7
Once the tortellini is cooked, drain it and fold it gently into the casserole mixture, along with the shredded cheese.
8
If desired, sprinkle the top with crushed potato chips or bread crumbs for added crunch.
9
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
10
Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition Information
12g
Fat
29g
Carbs
20g
Protein
2g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Decadent Tuna Tortellini Bake?
It is a creamy and comforting casserole inspired by classic tuna noodle dishes but elevated with tender cheese tortellini for a more indulgent feel.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 10 servings, making it perfect for family gatherings or meal prepping.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
You should preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before baking the casserole.
What are the main nutritional facts per serving?
Each serving contains 320 calories, 12g of fat, 29g of carbohydrates, and 20g of protein.
How long does the dish need to bake?
Bake the casserole for 25-30 minutes, or until it is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
What kind of pasta is used in this bake?
The recipe calls for two 4-cup bags of frozen cheese tortellini.
Can I add extra vegetables to the recipe?
Yes, you can optionally add mushrooms or bell peppers when sautéing the onion and celery for extra flavor.
What type of tuna is required?
You will need 2 cans (6 ounces each) of flaked tuna, drained.
What kind of soup is used for the creamy base?
The recipe uses one 10.5-ounce can of cream of mushroom soup, ideally the 98% fat-free version.
What kind of cheese works best for this casserole?
You can use either shredded cheddar cheese or Swiss cheese.
How much milk should I add?
The recipe requires 1 cup of skim milk mixed with the soup and tuna.
Do I need to cook the tortellini before baking?
Yes, boil the tortellini according to package directions. It is okay to undercook them slightly as they finish in the oven.
What size casserole dish is recommended?
A large 2-quart casserole dish is the ideal size for these ingredients.
How do I prepare the vegetables?
Chop one onion and one stalk of celery, then sauté them in a skillet until softened before adding them to the bake.
Can I add a crunchy topping?
Yes, you can sprinkle the top with 1 cup of crushed potato chips or bread crumbs for added texture.
Is this recipe considered a quick weeknight dinner?
Yes, it is designed to be simple to prepare while still being satisfying and indulgent.
How much fiber is in each serving?
There are 2 grams of fiber per serving in this Tuna Tortellini Bake.
What should I do after removing it from the oven?
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set.
Is this dish high in protein?
Yes, it provides 20 grams of protein per serving.
Can I use a different type of milk?
The recipe specifies skim milk, but other types of milk can be used depending on your preference for richness.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 8 total ingredients, including the optional crunchy topping.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include comfort food, casserole, tuna, tortellini, bake, cheesy, and family meal.
How much water is needed to boil the tortellini?
Fill a large pot with 4 quarts of water for boiling the pasta.
Is the tuna mixed with the soup before adding the pasta?
Yes, combine the drained tuna, cream of mushroom soup, and milk in the dish before folding in the tortellini.
Does the recipe use oil for sautéing?
You can use a little oil or non-stick spray to sauté the vegetables.
Is the cheese folded in or just put on top?
The shredded cheese is folded into the casserole mixture along with the tortellini.
Can I use fresh tortellini?
While the recipe specifies frozen, you can use fresh; just adjust the boiling time as fresh pasta cooks much faster.
Is this recipe kidney-friendly?
Due to the processed soup and tuna, those on specific diets should check the sodium content, which is common in canned goods.
How many cans of soup are needed?
You only need one 10.5-ounce can of cream of mushroom soup.
What is the prep time for the vegetables?
Sautéing the onion and celery takes about 5 minutes until they are softened.