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Tomato Tuna Pasta Bake Recipe • Tuna Pasta Recipe • Cheese Pasta Casserole • How To Make Pasta Bake

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The Aziz Kitchen
The Aziz Kitchen
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Tomato Tuna Pasta Bake is a comforting American dish that combines pantry staples into a hearty meal. Often enjoyed as a family favorite, it reflects the resourcefulness of home cooking, making use of canned goods and simple ingredients. This dish has evolved over the years, with variations including different cheeses or vegetables, and remains a popular choice for potlucks and weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

  • pasta
  • canned tuna
  • tomato sauce
  • onion
  • garlic
  • bell pepper
  • cheddar cheese
  • parmesan cheese
  • olive oil
  • black pepper
  • salt
  • Italian seasoning
  • peas
  • breadcrumbs
  • parsley

Instructions

  1. 1Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. 2Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside.
  3. 3Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat; sauté onion and garlic until translucent, about 5 minutes.
  4. 4Add bell pepper and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until softened.
  5. 5Stir in tomato sauce, canned tuna, peas, and Italian seasoning; cook until heated through, about 5 minutes.
  6. 6Combine cooked pasta with the tuna mixture in a large bowl; mix well.
  7. 7Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish; spread evenly.
  8. 8Top with shredded cheddar cheese and sprinkle with breadcrumbs.
  9. 9Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
  10. 10Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
  11. 11Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Ingredient Alternatives

cheddar cheese

Healthier: reduced-fat cheese

Cheaper: American cheese

Reduced-fat cheese lowers calories while maintaining flavor.

canned tuna

Healthier: canned salmon

Cheaper: canned sardines

Canned salmon is a healthier alternative with similar texture.

parmesan cheese

Healthier: nutritional yeast

Cheaper: grated pecorino

Nutritional yeast is a dairy-free option with a cheesy flavor.

pasta

Healthier: whole wheat pasta

Cheaper: pasta made from rice

Whole wheat adds fiber, while rice pasta is often less expensive.

Techniques

sautéingbaking

Equipment

large skilletbaking dishpotmixing bowlmeasuring cupsspatula
🌶️🌶️🌶️Lowfishmilkwheat

Also Known As

Tuna Pasta CasseroleTuna Noodle Bake

Tuna pasta dishes have roots in Italian cuisine, where canned tuna became popular during World War II as a pantry staple. This dish represents the resourcefulness of home cooking, turning simple ingredients into a satisfying meal. Today, variations abound globally, with many incorporating local flavors and ingredients, making it a versatile favorite in many households.

Ingredients

  • pasta
  • canned tuna
  • olive oil
  • garlic
  • onion
  • bell pepper
  • peas
  • cherry tomatoes
  • parsley
  • lemon juice
  • salt
  • black pepper
  • cheese
  • breadcrumbs
  • capers
  • red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. 1Boil water in a large pot and add salt.
  2. 2Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain.
  3. 3Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
  4. 4Sauté garlic and onion until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
  5. 5Add bell pepper and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
  6. 6Stir in canned tuna and cook until heated through, about 2 minutes.
  7. 7Add peas and cherry tomatoes, cooking for another 2 minutes.
  8. 8Combine cooked pasta with the tuna mixture in the skillet.
  9. 9Drizzle with lemon juice and season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
  10. 10Toss to combine all ingredients evenly.
  11. 11Transfer to a baking dish and top with cheese and breadcrumbs.
  12. 12Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until golden, about 15-20 minutes.

Ingredient Alternatives

canned tuna

Healthier: canned salmon

Cheaper: canned sardines

Canned salmon offers similar nutrition with a different flavor.

cheese

Healthier: nutritional yeast

Cheaper: cream cheese

Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor with fewer calories.

olive oil

Healthier: avocado oil

Cheaper: canola oil

Avocado oil provides health benefits and a high smoke point.

pasta

Healthier: whole wheat pasta

Cheaper: regular pasta

Whole wheat pasta adds fiber while still being affordable.

Techniques

boilingsautéingbaking

Equipment

large potskilletbaking dishcolander
🌶️🌶️🌶️Lowfishdairygluten

Also Known As

Tuna Noodle CasseroleTuna Pasta Salad

Penne pasta, originating from Italy, is a staple in Italian cuisine known for its tubular shape that holds sauces beautifully. Traditionally served with a variety of sauces, from creamy to tomato-based, it's a versatile dish that accommodates many regional variations. Today, penne is popular worldwide and often features in both home cooking and restaurant menus, showcasing its adaptability to different flavors and ingredients.

Ingredients

  • penne pasta
  • olive oil
  • garlic
  • onion
  • crushed tomatoes
  • basil
  • parmesan cheese
  • salt
  • black pepper
  • red pepper flakes
  • spinach
  • zucchini
  • mushrooms
  • bell pepper
  • carrot
  • oregano

Instructions

  1. 1Boil salted water in a large pot.
  2. 2Add penne pasta to boiling water and cook until al dente, about 10-12 minutes.
  3. 3Drain pasta, reserving a cup of pasta water.
  4. 4Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
  5. 5Add minced garlic and chopped onion; sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
  6. 6Stir in crushed tomatoes and bring to a simmer.
  7. 7Add salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste.
  8. 8Incorporate chopped vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, and bell pepper; cook until tender, 5-7 minutes.
  9. 9Add cooked penne pasta to the skillet, tossing to combine.
  10. 10If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time.
  11. 11Stir in fresh basil and adjust seasoning as needed.
  12. 12Serve hot, topped with grated parmesan cheese.

Ingredient Alternatives

parmesan cheese

Healthier: nutritional yeast

Cheaper: grated pecorino

Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor with fewer calories.

olive oil

Healthier: avocado oil

Cheaper: canola oil

Canola oil is more affordable while still being suitable for cooking.

spinach

Healthier: kale

Cheaper: frozen spinach

Frozen spinach is often cheaper and retains nutrients.

zucchini

Healthier: yellow squash

Cheaper: cucumbers

Cucumbers can add crunch at a lower cost.

Techniques

boilingsautéing

Equipment

large potcolanderlarge skilletwooden spoon
🌶️🌶️🌶️Lowglutenmilk

Also Known As

PennePenne Rigate

Ingredients

  • 8 oz elbow macaroni
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

  1. 1Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. 2Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. 3In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, cheddar cheese, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, marinara sauce, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are combined.
  4. 4Transfer the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
  5. 5In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with olive oil until evenly coated. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the top of the pasta mixture in the baking dish.
  6. 6Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
  7. 7Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
  8. 8Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.

Equipment

large potmixing bowl9x13 inch baking dishaluminum foilsmall bowl

Creamy Tuna Pasta is a beloved dish in Spain, often enjoyed as a comforting family meal. Combining pasta with canned tuna and a rich cream sauce, it reflects the country's penchant for simple, hearty ingredients. This dish has gained popularity beyond Spain, with variations appearing in many Mediterranean cuisines, making it a versatile option for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

  • pasta
  • canned tuna
  • heavy cream
  • onion
  • garlic
  • olive oil
  • parmesan cheese
  • frozen peas
  • salt
  • black pepper
  • parsley
  • lemon juice
  • butter
  • bread crumbs

Instructions

  1. 1Boil pasta in salted water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
  2. 2Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  3. 3Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. 4Stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  5. 5Add canned tuna to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon.
  6. 6Pour in heavy cream and stir to combine, cooking for 2-3 minutes.
  7. 7Add frozen peas and cook until heated through, about 2 minutes.
  8. 8Season with salt, black pepper, and lemon juice to taste.
  9. 9Combine the pasta with the tuna mixture, stirring until well coated.
  10. 10Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese and bread crumbs.
  11. 11Dot with butter on top for extra richness.
  12. 12Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F until golden and bubbly, about 20-25 minutes.
  13. 13Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Ingredient Alternatives

heavy cream

Healthier: Greek yogurt

Cheaper: milk + cornstarch

Greek yogurt reduces calories while maintaining creaminess

Techniques

boilingsautéingbaking

Equipment

large potskilletbaking dishcolanderspatula
🌶️🌶️🌶️Lowmilkfishwheat

Also Known As

Tuna Pasta BakePasta con Atún

Ingredients

  • 2 cups uncooked pasta (penne or rotini)
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. 1Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. 2Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. 3In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are combined.
  4. 4Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
  5. 5Top the pasta with the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.
  6. 6Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
  7. 7Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  8. 8Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
  9. 9Garnish with fresh basil if desired before serving.

Equipment

large potmixing bowl9x13 inch baking dishaluminum foilmeasuring cupsmeasuring spoons

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