Looking for a cheap and easy dinner recipe to throw together on a weeknight? This Creamy Tuna and Pasta Bake is as delicious as it is economical. It uses simple ingredients and is ready and on the table in about half an hour. Rich and cheesy, it’s a delicious and satisfying option for those busy weeknights.
This tuna pasta bake starts with penne, broccoli, and sweet corn. Then I make a quick white sauce, adding some cheese and mustard for flavor, and finish it off with tuna, cherry tomatoes, and more cheese for the gooey factor. Reserving and adding a little pasta cooking water to your sauce helps to loosen it if it’s too thick. Broil until the cheese on top is golden and bubbling. Serve immediately!
To make the Creamy Tuna and Pasta Bake, you will need the following ingredients:
Preheat the broiler to medium-high.
Follow the package directions to cook 12 ounces penne pasta, adding the broccoli and sweet corn to the pot for the last 3 minutes of cooking time. Reserve ½ cup of the cooking water and drain the pasta and veggies well.
Meanwhile, make the sauce. In a large saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons butter. Using a wooden spoon, stir in 3 tablespoons flour to make a smooth paste. Cook for 1 minute, then gradually whisk in the milk to make a thick white sauce. Let the sauce bubble over medium heat, stirring constantly, until smooth and thickened slightly. Stir in a little of the grated Cheddar cheese and 1 teaspoon mustard, and season well.
Add the cooked pasta, broccoli, sweet corn, and tuna to the prepared sauce and stir well. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little of the reserved cooking water and stir until the desired consistency.
Stir in half the cherry tomatoes.
Transfer to a large baking dish and smooth the surface. Top with the remaining grated Cheddar cheese and 2 tablespoons finely grated Parmesan cheese. Evenly top with the remaining cherry tomatoes.
Broil for 5-6 minutes or until the cheese on top is golden and melted.
Serve immediately. Enjoy!
This Creamy Tuna and Pasta Bake is one of my family's household favorites. It’s easy, economical, and a real crowd-pleaser! Give this recipe a go and follow us on Instagram @cookmerecipes to find more easy and delicious recipes.
This Tuna and Pasta Bake is a family favorite! My kids love helping with the broccoli and cheese. It's quick to make and perfect for our busy weeknights.
Man, this Tuna Pasta Bake was a life-saver last night! Kids devoured it, and I didn’t break the bank.
I made this for my kids on a busy night and they loved it. It was so easy to prepare, and I enjoyed the creamy flavors. Will definitely make again for our next family dinner.
Quick, easy, delicious! I whipped this up for my family on a busy weeknight. My kids loved the gooey cheese and I loved how simple it was to make. It’s a new favorite for sure!
So easy dinner. I made this on a busy night when the kids were fussy. They ate it all and asked for seconds. I love that it uses simple ingredients.
Man, this Creamy Tuna and Pasta Bake is off the charts! Whipped it up for the fam after a crazy day, and they scarfed it down! Simple and packed with flavor! Love it!
Rich and cheesy tuna pasta bake! Thanks for sharing the recipe!