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Creamy Tuna Pasta Bake with Crispy Cheese Topping

A spoonful of cheesy tuna pasta bake, showing melted cheese strings and a crispy breadcrumb topping.
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Make this comforting, cheesy tuna pasta bake for a simple, satisfying family dinner using pantry staples. It features a rich, creamy sauce and a golden, crunchy topping.

Ingredients

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  • 12 ounces dried pasta (penne or elbow macaroni)
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
  • 2 (5 ounce) cans tuna in water, drained
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 1 cup frozen sweetcorn
  • 1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
  3. While the pasta cooks, prepare the cheese sauce. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for one minute, stirring constantly.
  4. Gradually whisk in the milk until the mixture is smooth. Continue cooking, stirring often, until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 5 to 7 minutes.
  5. Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
  6. Stir in 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts completely into the sauce.
  7. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, the creamy cheese sauce, drained tuna, frozen peas, and frozen sweetcorn. Mix gently until everything is evenly coated.
  8. Pour the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish.
  9. In a small bowl, mix the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese with the Panko breadcrumbs. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the pasta.
  10. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the topping is golden brown and crisp.
  11. Let the tuna pasta bake rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • For an extra layer of flavor, add 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder to the cheese sauce.
  • If you do not have Panko breadcrumbs, regular breadcrumbs work well for the topping.
  • You can prepare the entire casserole, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to one day before baking. Add 10 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://pureplatepath.com/tuna-pasta-bake-creamy-cheesy-casserole/