Are you looking for a comforting and satisfying dish that’s perfect for a cozy night at home? Look no further than our delicious Italian Tuna Pasta Bake. This hearty recipe combines the flavors of Italy with the simplicity of a classic pasta bake. With tender pasta, savory tuna, rich tomato sauce, and a generous sprinkle of cheese, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Let’s dive into the details and prepare this mouthwatering meal together!
Italian Tuna Pasta Bake
Ingredients:
– 12 oz. fusilli pasta
– 2 cans (5 oz. each) of tuna in olive oil, drained
– 1 can (14 oz.) of diced tomatoes
– 1/2 cup of tomato sauce
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon of dried basil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
2. Cook the fusilli pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and cook until softened and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add the canned diced tomatoes (with their juices) and tomato sauce to the skillet. Stir in the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
5. Add the drained tuna to the skillet, breaking it up gently with a wooden spoon. Stir the tuna into the tomato sauce mixture until well combined.
6. Add the cooked fusilli pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
7. Transfer the pasta and tuna mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses evenly over the top of the pasta.
8. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
9. Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Enjoy this Italian Tuna Pasta Bake hot out of the oven, and savor the delicious combination of flavors in every bite. This dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends. Pair it with a simple green salad and crusty bread for a satisfying meal that will warm both your heart and your belly. We hope this recipe becomes a staple in your cooking repertoire!
