This Creamy Tuna Pasta Bake is a midweek lifesaver—made with pantry staples, on the table in under 30 minutes, and guaranteed to win over even the fussiest eaters. It’s the perfect recipe to whip up when you’re low on time but still want something hearty, comforting, and packed with goodness.
Using a humble can of tuna, this dish brings together creamy cheese, tender broccoli, and a hint of paprika for a meal that feels like a warm hug. Bonus: it reheats beautifully, making it ideal for leftovers or meal prep.
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Why You’ll Love This Tuna Pasta Bake
- Family-friendly: Even picky eaters ask for seconds
- Quick & easy: Ready in 30 minutes with minimal prep
- Budget-conscious: Uses affordable, everyday ingredients
- Make-ahead friendly: Great for batch cooking and leftovers
How to Serve
Serve hot with:
- A side salad for freshness
- Garlic bread or crusty rolls
- Extra steamed veg for added greens
Tips & Variations
Time-Saving Tips:
- Cook pasta ahead of time and store in the fridge (don’t forget to reserve pasta water).
- Assemble the dish ahead and grill just before serving.
Protein Swaps:
- Replace tuna with shredded chicken, cooked bacon, or even leftover roast vegetables.
Budget-Friendly Tips:
- Use whatever veg you have on hand—peas, carrot, or frozen mixed veg all work well.
- Leave out the tuna to make a creamy veggie bake.
Fussy Eater Tip:
- This dish was a total hit with my fussiest six-year-old! Creamy, cheesy and familiar flavours make it a dinner-time winner.
Make It Ahead
This tuna pasta bake is perfect for meal prep. Simply:
- Assemble the dish without grilling
- Store in the fridge for up to 2 days
- Grill just before serving for a fresh, melty top
It also freezes well. Let it cool completely, portion, and freeze for a quick heat-and-eat option on busy nights.
This Creamy Tuna Pasta Bake is the definition of a reliable family dinner. It’s comforting, simple, and made with ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for kids, meal prepping for the week, or just want something easy and delicious, this one ticks all the boxes.
Creamy Tuna Pasta Bake
Ingredients
- 300 grams pasta I used spirals
- 2 cups broccoli florets I peel and slice the stalks too
- 1 tsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic finely chopped
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 225 grams cream cheese diced
- 425 gram can of tuna
- 1 can corn kernels
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1½ cups tasty cheese
- ½ cup pasta water
- salt and pepper
Instructions
-
Preheat grill to 220 degrees.
-
Cook pasta in salted boiling water as per packet directions until al dente. When the pasta has 2 minutes to cook, add the broccoli. Drain the pasta and broccoli and reserve ½ cup of pasta water. Set aside.
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Place a large pan or casserole dish over a medium heat and add the butter and garlic. Cook for 1 minute, stirring so the garlic doesn’t burn.
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Add the chicken stock and once hot, add the cream cheese & paprika. Whisk until combined, don’t worry if there are a few lumps.
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Add ¾ cup of tasty cheese and pasta water, stir until cheese has melted. Turn off the heat. Add the pasta, broccoli, and sweetcorn. Drain the tuna and flake into pasta so it doesn’t stay in a big clump.
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Mix well, taste and season well with salt and pepper.
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Sprinkle over the last of the cheese and place under the grill to cook for 5 minutes or until cheese has melted.
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Serve with extra veg, salad or fresh bread on the side if desired.
Recipe Notes
TIME SAVING NOTES
This dish reheats well so you can make up the base ,and reheat and grill the cheese
when serving. If not making the whole dish in advance, you can cook the pasta in advance, remember to reserve your pasta water too.
BUDGET NOTES
This is a cost effective dish, you could easily leave the tuna out or use different
vegetables if they are priced better.
PROTEIN CHANGES
You can use chicken or bacon in this dish, just fry off before you add the garlic.
NOTES
This dish was such a winner in our house, even with my fussiest 6 year old! The combo is
creamy, fresh and delicious!
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