Creamy Tuna Pasta Bake Recipe
This Creamy Tuna Pasta Bake is a comforting and easy-to-make dish featuring tender pasta combined with tuna, creamy mushroom soup, and a blend of seasonings. Enhanced with frozen peas and shredded cheddar cheese, it’s baked to golden perfection and makes for a hearty family meal or quick weeknight dinner.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Pasta and Protein
- 12 oz pasta (your favorite shape)
- 2 cans tuna in water, drained
Sauce and Vegetables
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cheese and Topping
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Optional: breadcrumbs for topping
- Optional: chopped parsley for garnish
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the pasta casserole.
- 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 well.
- Prepare the Sauce Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and well incorporated.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the drained tuna, frozen peas, and cooked pasta into the sauce mixture. Gently fold everything together to evenly coat the pasta and distribute the tuna and peas.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top. If using, add a layer of breadcrumbs for a crunchy topping.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and let cool slightly. Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top if desired, slice, and serve warm.
Notes
- For extra creaminess, substitute half of the milk with heavy cream.
- Try adding chopped onions or bell peppers for additional flavor and texture.
- Gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs can be used to make this dish gluten-free.
- To reduce calories, use a reduced-fat cheese and low-fat soup version.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
Keywords: tuna pasta bake, creamy tuna casserole, easy baked pasta, cheesy tuna pasta, weeknight dinner, comfort food