This Cheesy Tuna Pasta recipe is a delicious twist on traditional macaroni and cheese. It’s loaded with flavorful tuna and gooey melted cheese, making it a comfort food favorite.
Cheesy Tuna Pasta
Who doesn’t love a nice warm bowl of pasta? Today I’m sharing a recipe for Cheesy Tuna Pasta, which brings together the rich flavors of cheese and tuna to create a delicious meal. This recipe is quick and easy, making it ideal for busy weeknights when you want something delicious and filling. Let’s get into the details and learn how to whip up this delicious pasta dish.
Ingredient Notes
To make this Cheesy Tuna Pasta, you’ll need a few pantry staples along with some fresh ingredients. Here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll need:
- 400g elbow macaroni
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cans of tuna, drained
- 500g spaghetti sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Sugar (optional), to balance the taste
For the Cheese Sauce:
- 165g grated cheese
- 154 ml evaporated milk
- 2 tbsp butter
Cheese Sauce Ingredients
Cooking Tips
Feel free to customize the dish by adding your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, or mushrooms.
How to Store and Serve
If you have any leftovers, refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to three to five days. Simply reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or milk to prevent drying out.
Serve the Cheesy Tuna Pasta hot from the oven. It’s a great meal on its own, but it’s even better with a fresh green salad or garlic bread to round out the meal.
Cheesy Tuna Pasta
Course: Main, Sides8-10
Servings5
minutes40
minutes45
minutesThis Cheesy Tuna Pasta recipe is a delicious twist on traditional macaroni and cheese. It’s loaded with flavorful tuna and gooey melted cheese, making it a comfort food favorite.
Ingredients
400g elbow macaroni
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 onion, chopped
2 cans of tuna, drain oil
500g spaghetti sauce
Salt and Pepper to taste
Sugar (optional)
- Cheese Sauce:
165g cheese, grated
3/4 cup evaporated milk or fresh milk
2 tbsp butter
Directions
- Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Add 2 tablespoons of salt to the boiling water, then add the pasta. Cook the pasta according to the packet instructions, minus 1 minute. This will allow the pasta to finish cooking in the oven. Once cooked, drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside.
- In a separate pan, heat some oil and sauté the minced garlic and chopped onion until the onions become soft and translucent.
- Add the drained tuna and cook until heated through.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. If desired, add a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity of the sauce. Simmer on low heat for 3 minutes, then remove from heat.
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Combine the cooked macaroni with the tuna mixture and mix well. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- To cook the cheese sauce: In a saucepan, melt the butter and add the grated cheese and evaporated milk. Cook on low heat, stirring continuously until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Pour the cheese sauce over the macaroni mixture, spreading it gently to cover the whole pan. Sprinkle some additional cheese on top for an extra cheesy crust.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 20 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown and bubbling.
Recipe Video
Notes
- For a more flavorful pasta, you can use a combination of different cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, or parmesan.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some chopped chili peppers to the sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
Some of the most commonly asked questions about cheesy tuna pasta include the following:
