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Tuna Pasta Bake

Featured in: Easy Weeknight Eats

This bake combines tender pasta with flaky tuna, simmered tomatoes, and green peas in a creamy herb sauce. Topped with a golden layer of cheese and breadcrumbs, it offers a warm, satisfying meal perfect for any day. Easy to prepare, it suits both dairy and plant-based diets with simple ingredient swaps. Ideal for family dinners, this dish balances pantry staples with vibrant flavors and a cozy texture.

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Updated on Wed, 19 Nov 2025 16:51:00 GMT
Creamy tuna pasta bake, bubbly with melted cheese and golden, crispy breadcrumb topping. Save
Creamy tuna pasta bake, bubbly with melted cheese and golden, crispy breadcrumb topping. | tazzsip.com

A hearty, budget-friendly casserole featuring protein-rich tuna (or chickpea pasta for extra plant-based protein), perfect for family dinners and made mostly from pantry staples.

Growing up, pasta bakes like this were a staple at our house. I love how you can mix-and-match ingredients while still ending up with something hearty and comforting.

Ingredients

  • Pasta: 350 g (12 oz) dried pasta (regular or chickpea pasta)
  • Tuna: 2 x 160 g (5.6 oz) cans tuna in water or olive oil, drained
  • Frozen peas: 1 cup (150 g)
  • Chopped tomatoes: 1 can (400 g/14 oz)
  • Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped
  • Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
  • Olive oil: 2 tbsp
  • Plain flour: 2 tbsp
  • Milk: 1 1/2 cups (375 ml), dairy or unsweetened plant-based
  • Grated cheese: 1 cup (100 g) cheddar or mozzarella, optional
  • Dried oregano: 1/2 tsp
  • Dried basil: 1/2 tsp
  • Salt and pepper: To taste
  • Bread crumbs: 1/2 cup (50 g)
  • Parmesan: 1/4 cup (25 g) grated or more cheddar, optional

Instructions

Preheat:
Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F)
Cook pasta:
Boil pasta in salted water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
Sauté vegetables:
While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in skillet over medium. Add onion and cook 3–4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.
Make sauce:
Stir in flour, cook 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk to form a smooth sauce. Simmer, stirring, until thickened (about 3–4 minutes).
Add tomatoes & herbs:
Stir in chopped tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer 3–5 minutes.
Add tuna, peas, cheese:
Add drained tuna, peas, and half the grated cheese. Stir to combine.
Combine:
Add cooked pasta and mix gently.
Transfer & top:
Pour mixture into greased baking dish. Sprinkle with remaining cheese, breadcrumbs, and Parmesan.
Bake:
Bake 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
Cool and serve:
Let cool slightly before serving.
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My whole family gathers around the table for this dish, enjoying every bite with green salad and a slice of crusty bread.

Required Tools

Large pot, skillet or saucepan, whisk, baking dish (approx. 9x13 in/23x33 cm), grater

Allergen Information

Contains fish (tuna), dairy (cheese, milk), gluten (pasta, breadcrumbs). Substitute ingredients as needed for dietary allergies.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 480, Total Fat: 13 g, Carbohydrates: 60 g, Protein: 29 g (per serving)

A close-up of a steaming tuna pasta bake with peas and a rich tomato sauce, ready to serve. Save
A close-up of a steaming tuna pasta bake with peas and a rich tomato sauce, ready to serve. | tazzsip.com

This Tuna Pasta Bake is the perfect make-ahead family dinner for any busy weeknight. Enjoy leftovers the next day for an easy lunch!

Recipe Guide

→ Can I use chickpea pasta instead of regular pasta?

Yes, chickpea pasta works well here, adding extra plant-based protein while keeping the texture firm.

→ How can I make this dish vegetarian?

Simply omit the tuna and substitute with canned chickpeas or additional vegetables like spinach or bell peppers.

→ Is it possible to prepare this bake gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs to make the dish suitable for gluten-free diets.

→ What type of cheese works best as a topping?

Cheddar or mozzarella creates a nice melt, while Parmesan adds a sharp, nutty finish to the top.

→ Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

You can assemble the bake in advance and refrigerate it, then bake just before serving for fresh, hot results.

→ What sides best complement this bake?

A crisp green salad and crusty bread pair perfectly to balance the hearty, creamy components of the dish.

Tuna Pasta Bake

Oven-baked pasta combined with tuna, tomato sauce, herbs, and cheese for a comforting main dish.

Setup duration
15 min
Heat duration
30 min
Complete duration
45 min
Created by Daniel Brooks

Classification Easy Weeknight Eats

Complexity Easy

Heritage International

Output 4 Portions

Nutrition specifications None specified

Components

Pasta

01 12 oz dried pasta (regular or chickpea pasta)

Protein & Pantry

01 2 cans (5.6 oz each) tuna in water or olive oil, drained
02 1 cup frozen peas (150 g)
03 1 can (14 oz) chopped tomatoes
04 1 medium onion, finely chopped
05 2 cloves garlic, minced

Sauce

01 2 tbsp olive oil
02 2 tbsp plain flour
03 1 1/2 cups milk (dairy or unsweetened plant-based, 375 ml)
04 1 cup grated cheese (cheddar or mozzarella, optional, 100 g)
05 1/2 tsp dried oregano
06 1/2 tsp dried basil
07 Salt and pepper, to taste

Topping

01 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (50 g)
02 1/4 cup grated Parmesan or extra cheddar (optional, 25 g)

Method

Phase 01

Preheat Oven: Set the oven to 400°F.

Phase 02

Cook Pasta: Boil the pasta in a large pot of salted water until just al dente, then drain and set aside.

Phase 03

Sauté Onion and Garlic: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook onion until softened, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add garlic and sauté for 1 more minute.

Phase 04

Prepare Sauce: Stir flour into the skillet and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk to create a smooth sauce. Simmer while stirring until thickened, approximately 3 to 4 minutes.

Phase 05

Add Tomatoes and Herbs: Combine chopped tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper into the sauce. Simmer for 3 to 5 minutes to develop flavors.

Phase 06

Incorporate Tuna and Peas: Mix in drained tuna, frozen peas, and half of the grated cheese until evenly combined.

Phase 07

Combine with Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce mixture and stir gently to integrate all ingredients.

Phase 08

Assemble and Top: Transfer the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheese, breadcrumbs, and Parmesan on top.

Phase 09

Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden brown.

Phase 10

Rest and Serve: Allow to cool slightly before serving.

Necessary tools

  • Large pot
  • Skillet or saucepan
  • Whisk
  • 9x13 inch baking dish
  • Grater

Allergy details

Review ingredients carefully for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance when uncertain.
  • Contains fish (tuna), dairy (cheese, milk), and gluten (pasta, breadcrumbs). Substitute ingredients as needed for allergies.

Dietary information (per portion)

Values shown are estimates only - consult healthcare providers for specific advice.
  • Energy: 480
  • Fats: 13 g
  • Carbohydrates: 60 g
  • Proteins: 29 g