Can I use fresh tuna instead of canned?

Absolutely! While canned tuna is super convenient, fresh tuna works beautifully too - just be sure to cook it first. I like to quickly pan-sear a tuna steak (about 2 minutes per side), then flake it into the sauce. The texture will be slightly different but equally delicious!

How do I make this tuna bake gluten-free?

Easy-peasy! Simply swap regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free penne (I like the brown rice ones) and use cornstarch instead of flour in the sauce. The breadcrumbs can be substituted with crushed gluten-free crackers or even almond meal for that crispy topping we all love.

What's the best cheese substitute if I'm dairy-free?

I've had great success with vegan cheddar-style shreds - they melt surprisingly well! For extra creaminess, try mixing in a tablespoon of nutritional yeast. If you can handle some dairy, goat cheese also makes a fantastic tangy alternative that pairs wonderfully with the tuna.

Can I prepare this tuna bake ahead of time?

You bet! Assemble everything (except the breadcrumb topping) up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate, then add the topping right before baking. It might need 5 extra minutes in the oven since it's going in cold. This trick saves my sanity on busy weeknights!

What can I add to make it more flavorful?

Oh, let me count the ways! My favorite boosters are: a teaspoon of Dijon mustard in the sauce, a handful of caramelized onions, or a sprinkle of smoked paprika on top. Frozen peas or chopped sun-dried tomatoes add great pops of color and flavor too. Find more tasty ideas on our Pinterest !

Creamy 30-Minute Tuna Bake That Will Wow Your Family

Name: Cheesy Tuna Pasta Bake
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 oz pasta (penne or fusilli); 2 cans (5 oz each) tuna, drained; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs; 2 tbsp butter; 2 tbsp flour; 2 cups milk; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; Salt and pepper to taste

Cheesy Tuna Pasta Bake

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A creamy, cheesy tuna-pasta bake ready in under 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights. Includes freezer tips and breadcrumb topping ideas.

Author: Sophia Collins
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Dinner
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Low Lactose

Ingredients

Scale

12 oz pasta (penne or fusilli)
2 cans (5 oz each) tuna, drained
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp flour
2 cups milk
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook pasta according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour to make a roux.
Gradually whisk in milk until smooth. Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Cook until sauce thickens, then stir in tuna and half the cheese.
Mix sauce with cooked pasta and transfer to a baking dish.
Sprinkle remaining cheese and breadcrumbs on top.
Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden and bubbly.

Notes

For a crispy topping, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter before sprinkling.
Freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Reheat in the oven for best texture.
Find more recipe ideas on our Pinterest account.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 450
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 60mg

Find it online: https://kitchenuser.net/creamy-cheesy-tuna-bake-recipe/