There is something so comforting about a hearty pasta bake, isn’t there? The combination of flavors, spices, and textures all melding together in one cozy dish is the epitome of comfort food. Today, we’re bringing you a delicious twist on a classic pasta bake with our recipe for Tuna Pesto Pasta Bake. This dish is not only easy to make but also packed with delicious flavors that are sure to please everyone at the table. Let’s dive in and create this delightful meal together!
Tuna Pesto Pasta Bake
Ingredients:
– 12 oz of pasta (such as penne or fusilli)
– 2 cans of tuna, drained
– 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/2 cup of black olives, sliced
– 1/2 cup of sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
– 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup of pine nuts
– 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, shredded
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set it aside.
2. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it is al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, drained tuna, cherry tomatoes, black olives, sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, and pine nuts. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything together until well combined.
4. Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
5. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the pasta mixture, covering it completely.
6. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
7. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Once the pasta bake is cooked through and the cheese is golden brown, remove it from the oven.
9. Allow the dish to cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves or more grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
10. Serve this Tuna Pesto Pasta Bake hot and enjoy with a side salad or a slice of garlic bread.
This Tuna Pesto Pasta Bake is a perfect dish for busy weeknights when you want something delicious and satisfying on the table without spending hours in the kitchen. The tuna adds a protein punch while the pesto and cheese bring rich flavors that complement each other beautifully. Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite veggies or switching up the type of cheese used. It’s a versatile dish that can easily adapt to your tastes and preferences.
We hope this recipe becomes a go-to favorite in your meal rotation, bringing smiles to your loved ones with every cheesy, flavorful bite. Enjoy the simple pleasure of hearty comfort food with this Tuna Pesto Pasta Bake that’s sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.
