This creamy tuna and tomato pasta casserole is a simple yet flavorful dish that transforms pantry staples into a hearty, comforting meal. With tender pasta, rich tomato sauce, and chunks of savory tuna, it's an easy weeknight dinner that the whole family will love. Topped with gooey melted cheese, this casserole is perfect for busy days when you need something satisfying without too much fuss.
Key Information:
- Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 25 minutes
- Total time: 40 minutes
- Number of servings: 6
- Serving size: 1 1/2 cups
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 410 kcal
- Protein: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fat: 15g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sodium: 870mg
Ingredients:
- 300g (10 oz) penne or fusilli pasta
- 2 tbsp (30g) olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 400g (14 oz) canned diced tomatoes
- 180g (6 oz) canned tuna in olive oil, drained and flaked
- 240g (1 cup) heavy cream
- 120g (1 cup) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 60g (1/2 cup) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp (5g) dried oregano
- 1 tsp (5g) dried basil
- 1/4 tsp (1g) red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish
Method of Preparation:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) casserole dish.
- Cook the pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the vegetables: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
- Make the sauce: Add the canned tomatoes, dried oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine and let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Mix in tuna and cream: Stir the flaked tuna and heavy cream into the tomato sauce. Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
- Assemble the casserole: Transfer the pasta mixture to the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly with golden spots.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil for added flavor and color.
Tips for Culinary Success:
- Choose quality tuna: Opt for tuna packed in olive oil for a richer flavor, but you can also use water-packed tuna for a lighter option.
- Don’t overcook the pasta: Cook the pasta just until al dente as it will continue to cook in the oven and absorb the sauce.
- Customize with veggies: Add in vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms to enhance the nutritional value.
- Try different cheeses: Swap mozzarella for cheddar or gruyere for a deeper, more complex flavor.
- Make it ahead: Assemble the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate. Bake just before serving for a stress-free dinner.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
- Can I use gluten-free pasta? Yes, gluten-free pasta works well in this recipe. Just follow the package instructions for cooking time to avoid mushy pasta.
- Can I make this casserole dairy-free? Yes, you can substitute the cream with a plant-based cream or coconut milk, and use dairy-free cheese to make this dish dairy-free.
- Can I add more protein? Absolutely! You can add more canned tuna or even toss in some cooked chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
- Can I freeze this casserole? Yes, you can freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 2 months. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.
- What side dishes go well with this casserole? This dish pairs nicely with a fresh green salad or garlic bread to balance out the richness of the casserole.
Whether you're serving it as a comforting weeknight meal or making it ahead for a busy day, this creamy tuna and tomato pasta casserole is sure to become a household favorite. With its savory tuna, rich tomato sauce, and cheesy topping, it's a hearty dish that’s easy to whip up and guaranteed to satisfy. Serve it with a crisp salad or warm bread, and you’ve got a deliciously comforting meal everyone will enjoy!