- Get link
- X
- Other Apps
- Get link
- X
- Other Apps
If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food, this Tuna Pasta Bake is the perfect choice! Packed with rich tomato sauce, briny olives, and sun-dried tomatoes, it’s a delicious twist on a classic. The golden, cheesy top makes every bite irresistible, while the chunky tuna pieces provide protein-packed goodness. Whether it’s a busy weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing dish for a potluck, this one-pan wonder will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Did you know that tuna pasta bake is a staple in many households around the world? From Italian-inspired baked pasta dishes to British-style tuna mornay, this recipe has become a globally loved comfort meal. What makes this version special is the bold Mediterranean twist—the combination of Kalamata olives, capers, and sun-dried tomatoes adds depth and a delightful umami kick. Plus, this dish is a one-pan wonder—minimal cleanup, maximum flavor! The best part? It’s easy to prep ahead and perfect for meal planning, as the flavors deepen even more the next day.
Key Ingredients & Their
Roles:
- Spiral
Pasta → Holds the sauce well and keeps the dish hearty.
- Diced
Tomatoes & Tomato Paste → Create a rich, slightly tangy sauce
base.
- Sun-Dried
Tomatoes & Capers → Add bursts of umami and Mediterranean flavor.
- Kalamata
Olives → Provide a briny contrast that balances the richness.
- Garlic
& Onion → Build a deep, savory base for the sauce.
- Red
Pepper Flakes → A touch of heat to elevate the flavors.
- Tuna
→ A protein-rich ingredient that pairs beautifully with the tomato sauce.
- Cheese
→ Melts into a golden, bubbly crust that’s impossible to resist.
Best Tuna Pasta Bake Recipe Details:
Prep Time: 10
minutes | Cook Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Cuisine: Fusion (Mediterranean, Italian, and Classic Comfort Food) | Calories (Estimate): ~450 kcal per serving | Servings: 4-5
Ingredients:
✔ 300g (10.5 oz) spiral pasta
✔ 1 tbsp olive oil (+ extra for drizzling)
✔ 2 tsp minced garlic
✔ 1 small onion, finely diced
✔ 800g (28 oz) diced tomatoes
✔ 1 tbsp tomato paste
✔ 1 cup (250ml) water
✔ 1 ½ tsp chicken powder
✔ 1 tbsp Italian mixed herbs (or 1 tsp oregano, 1
tsp basil, 1½ tsp thyme, ½ tsp rosemary)
✔ 1 tsp red pepper flakes
✔ 1 tsp salt
✔ ½ tsp black pepper
✔ 1 tsp sugar
✔ 70g (2.5 oz) chopped sun-dried tomatoes
✔ 1 tsp capers
✔ 1 tbsp sliced Kalamata olives
✔ 1 ½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella,
or a blend)
✔ Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)
Instructions:
1️. Preheat oven to 180°C
(350°F).
2️. Cook pasta according to package
instructions, reducing cooking time by 1 minute. Drain and set aside.
3️. In an ovenproof skillet, heat olive oil
over medium heat. Sauté garlic and onion for about 3 minutes.
4️. Add diced tomatoes, water, chicken powder,
herbs, red pepper flakes, salt, black pepper, sugar, tomato paste, capers,
sun-dried tomatoes, and olives. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and
simmer for 10 minutes. Taste and adjust salt or sugar if needed.
5️. Turn off the heat and mix in cooked pasta.
6️. Gently fold in drained tuna, keeping it
chunky.
7️. Drizzle with a bit of olive oil, sprinkle cheese
on top, and bake for 20 minutes until golden and bubbly.
8️. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve
hot!
Tips & Ingredient
Substitutions:
✔ Vegan Version: Swap
tuna for canned chickpeas and use dairy-free cheese.
✔ Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta.
✔ Extra Creamy: Mix in ¼ cup of heavy cream
before baking.
✔ Protein Boost: Add a handful of baby spinach
or cooked mushrooms for extra nutrition.
✔ Storage Tip: Store leftovers in an airtight
container for up to 3 days in the fridge or freeze for up to 2
months.
Frequently Asked Questions
(FAQ Section):
1. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble everything, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
When ready to bake, add 5 extra minutes to the cooking time.
2. What can I use instead of tuna?
Shredded rotisserie chicken, canned salmon, or even tofu for a vegetarian
option.
3. How do I store leftovers?
Let the dish cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. Store in
the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat
in the oven or microwave before serving.
4. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes! Use 6-7 medium fresh tomatoes, finely chopped. Cook them down
longer (about 15 minutes) to concentrate the flavor.
5. How do I make it spicier?
Increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce before
serving!
Wrap-Up :
This Tuna Pasta Bake is the ultimate one-pan meal
that’s easy, cheesy, and packed with flavor! Whether you’re cooking for
yourself or feeding a family, this dish is sure to become a regular
favorite. Give it a try and let me know in the comments—what’s your
favorite pasta bake topping?
👉 If you loved this
recipe, check out my One-Pan Spaghetti Aglio e Olio for another easy
weeknight meal!
Keywords (키워드):
Tuna pasta bake, best pasta bake recipe, easy tuna pasta
bake, healthy tuna pasta recipe, one-pan pasta bake, oven-baked pasta,
Mediterranean pasta bake, 참치 파스타 그라탕,
오븐 파스타,
간단한 파스타 요리,
건강한 파스타 레시피
Comments
Post a Comment