Description
This Creamy Tuna Pasta Bake is a comforting and easy-to-make casserole featuring tender pasta, flaked tuna, and a creamy mushroom sauce, combined with sweet peas and cheesy goodness. Perfect for a quick family meal, it blends simple pantry ingredients into a satisfying and flavorful dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Protein
- 12 oz pasta (your favorite shape)
- 2 cans tuna in water, drained
Sauce
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Add-ins and Topping
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Optional: breadcrumbs for topping
- Optional: chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to warm while you prepare the bake.
- Mix the sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well until smooth.
- Add tuna and peas: Gently fold in the drained tuna and frozen peas into the sauce mixture.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked pasta into the sauce mixture and stir until everything is evenly coated.
- Transfer to baking dish: Pour the pasta mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Add cheese and optional toppings: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. If using, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top for extra crunch.
- Bake the casserole: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the top is golden brown.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from oven and let it cool slightly before garnishing with chopped parsley if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
- Use any pasta shape you prefer—elbow macaroni, penne, or shells work great.
- For a richer flavor, use tuna packed in oil instead of water.
- You can substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of celery or cream of chicken soup for a different taste.
- Add chopped onions or celery for additional texture.
- Breadcrumb topping is optional but adds a nice crunch.
- This dish can be refrigerated and reheated well for leftovers.
Keywords: Tuna pasta bake, creamy tuna casserole, baked tuna pasta, easy tuna recipe, comfort food casserole