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Creamy, Cheesy Tuna Pasta Bake with a Crispy Panko Topping

A close-up serving of creamy tuna pasta bake featuring elbow macaroni, peas, and a golden, crunchy breadcrumb topping.
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This is a comforting, family-friendly tuna pasta bake featuring a rich, cheesy sauce and a crunchy topping. It uses simple ingredients for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

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  • 12 oz pasta (penne or elbow macaroni)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
  • 2 (5 ounce) cans tuna in water, drained well
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 1/2 cup frozen sweetcorn
  • 1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

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, make the cheese sauce. Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for one minute, stirring constantly.
  4. Gradually whisk in the milk until the mixture is smooth. Continue to cook, 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 nutmeg. Add 1 1/2 cups of the cheddar cheese and stir until the cheese melts completely into a smooth, creamy sauce.
  6. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, drained tuna, peas, and sweetcorn. Pour the cheese sauce over the pasta mixture and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
  7. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese over the top.
  8. In a small bowl, toss the Panko breadcrumbs with the olive oil. Sprinkle the oiled Panko evenly over the cheese layer to create the crispy topping.
  9. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the topping is golden brown and crisp. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • For an extra layer of flavor, add 1/2 cup of finely chopped onion to the butter and flour mixture before adding the milk.
  • If you prefer a lighter sauce, you can substitute some of the whole milk with low-fat milk, though the texture will be slightly less rich.
  • This dish pairs well with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.unfoldrecipes.com/creamy-cheesy-tuna-pasta-bake-recipe/