Tuna Pasta Bake
A classic go-to for busy weeknight!
Ingredients:
For the pasta bake:
- 300g penne pasta, cooked
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 pepper, diced
- 2 tins tuna, drained
- 1 tin chopped tomatoes
- 3 Tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the cheese sauce:
- 2 Tbsp butter
- 2 Tbsp flour
- 400ml lukewarm milk
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, grated
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
Topping:
- ½ cup cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs
How To Make Tuna Pasta Bake
- Preheat oven to 200°C.
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Sauté onion and garlic until softened (about 3-4 minutes).
- Add pepper and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Stir in the chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, herbs, salt, and pepper.
- Add tuna and simmer for 5-7 minutes.
- Set aside.
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
- Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth.
- Cook, stirring, until the sauce thickens (about 4-5 minutes).
- Stir in the cheese and mustard, then remove from heat.
- In a large ovenproof dish, mix the pasta with the tuna tomato sauce.
- Pour the cheese sauce over and gently stir to combine.
- Sprinkle the top with more cheese and breadcrumbs if using.
- Bake for 20 minutes, or until golden and bubbling.
- Serve hot with a green salad or garlic bread on the side.