An easy pasta bake with tuna and creamy tomato sauce, all topped off with lots of lovely cheddar cheese! This is a great dish to serve to a crowd. Simple to make and you can even prep it ahead.

Pasta bakes really do make the best comfort food!
Simple ingredients that come together for a brilliant family dinner.

Yes, it's got cheese, cream and pasta in there, but there are loads of nutritious goodies included too. It's also one of those meals that works really well with a big side salad. So it ticks all the boxes for me.

What do we need?

What type of tuna should i use?

I prefer to use albacore tuna for this, as it's firmer and creamier than regular tuna fish. However it is a little on the expensive side, so you can sub it for regular canned tuna fish if you like and it will still taste delicious!
I would always suggest using tuna fish in oil (drain it before adding to the dish) as it has more flavour and a richer texture. However, you can use tuna in water or brine if you prefer.

How do we make it?

Soften a chopped onion in a large frying pan. Add chopped peppers, tuna fish, salt, pepper, garlic, tomato puree and oregano and cook for 2-3 minutes.
Pour in tinned tomatoes and cream, bring to the boil, then stir in cooked pasta.
Top with cheddar and mozzarella and bake for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is golden brown.
Sprinkle with parsley before serving.

Use up those veggies

Pasta bakes are great for using up those slightly sad-looking veggies in the fridge.
This version includes onion and bell peppers but you can add in or swap:

Mushrooms – Add chopped large or whole baby mushrooms at the same time you add the peppers.
Green beans – Add roughly chopped green beans at the same time you add the peppers.
Spinach – Use baby spinach and stir it in at the same time you add the pasta to the sauce
Sundried tomatoes – add in at the same time as you add the pasta to the sauce.
Frozen or canned peas or sweetcorn - drain if using canned, and add them in at the same time as you add the pasta to the sauce.
Add chopped spring onions at the same time as the pasta, or you can sprinkle them on at the end for a bit of crunch.

More heavenly pasta recipes

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Cajun Chicken Pasta One Pot

Penne Arrabiata with Mozzarella and Chorizo

Chicken and Bacon Mac and Cheese

How to make Lasagne

Spaghetti Bolognese - always on my weekly meal plan

If you fancy a creamy tuna pasta bake instead of tomato, I've got you covered.

The recipe video

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Hi I’m Nicky