Save A hearty, budget-friendly casserole featuring protein-rich tuna (or chickpea pasta for extra plant-based protein) that's perfect for family dinners and made mostly from pantry staples.
This Tuna Pasta Bake became a weeknight staple in my home when my kids needed more filling dinners that everyone actually enjoyed. I love that it's easily adaptable for allergies or preferences and always turns out flavorful.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 350 g (12 oz) dried pasta (regular or chickpea pasta)
- Tuna: 2 x 160 g (5.6 oz) cans tuna in water or olive oil, drained
- Frozen peas: 1 cup (150 g)
- Chopped tomatoes: 1 can (400 g/14 oz)
- Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Olive oil: 2 tbsp
- Plain flour: 2 tbsp
- Milk: 1 1/2 cups (375 ml, dairy or unsweetened plant-based)
- Grated cheese: 1 cup (100 g, cheddar or mozzarella, optional)
- Dried oregano: 1/2 tsp
- Dried basil: 1/2 tsp
- Salt and pepper: To taste
- Bread crumbs: 1/2 cup (50 g)
- Parmesan or extra cheddar: 1/4 cup (25 g, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Cook Pasta:
- Cook pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare Sauce:
- While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook 3-4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.
- Thicken Sauce:
- Stir in flour, cook 1 minute, then gradually whisk in milk to form a smooth sauce. Simmer, stirring, until thickened (about 3-4 minutes).
- Combine Sauce Ingredients:
- Stir in chopped tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer 3-5 minutes.
- Add Tuna & Veggies:
- Add drained tuna, peas, and half the grated cheese. Stir to combine.
- Mix With Pasta:
- Add cooked pasta and mix gently.
- Assemble Bake:
- Pour mixture into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle with remaining cheese, breadcrumbs, and Parmesan (if using).
- Bake:
- Bake 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
- Serve:
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Save We always serve this with a simple green salad, and it's a dish that disappears fast at the table, especially after school nights when everyone's hungry.
Recipe Variations
Swap the tuna for a can of drained chickpeas or cooked chicken for a different protein. Add spinach, bell peppers, or sweetcorn for extra veggies.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy with a crisp green salad or some fresh crusty bread to round out the meal.
Allergen & Nutritional Info
Each serving contains about 480 calories, 13 g fat, 60 g carbs and 29 g protein. For nut-free, gluten-free, or dairy-free diets, use suitable alternatives and check all labels.
Save 
This Tuna Pasta Bake is cozy comfort food made easy. Make it ahead for busy weeknights or bring to potlucks—everyone will ask for seconds!
Kitchen Help
- → Can I use chickpea pasta instead of regular pasta?
Yes, chickpea pasta works well here, boosting the protein content and catering to gluten-free diets.
- → How do I make this dish vegetarian?
Simply replace the tuna with cooked chickpeas or extra vegetables like spinach and bell peppers for a plant-based version.
- → What cheese options are suitable for topping?
Cheddar, mozzarella, or grated Parmesan all complement the flavors and create a delicious golden crust.
- → Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble it in advance and bake when ready; just add extra baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
- → Are there gluten-free adaptations?
Use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs to keep the dish suitable for gluten sensitivity.