Baked pasta with tuna

Baked Pasta with Tuna - A Quick and Delicious Recipe

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Baking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4

Welcome to the delicious world of baked pasta with tuna! This simple and quick recipe is perfect for a hearty lunch or a comforting dinner. With just a few ingredients, you will transform plain pasta into a dish that will delight all tastes. Let's start the culinary adventure!

A Little About the Recipe

Baked pasta with tuna represents a perfect combination of the creamy texture of the sauce and the unmistakable flavor of tuna. This recipe has deep roots in culinary tradition, based on simple combinations of ingredients found in many cultures. Tuna, an accessible and nutritious ingredient, not only offers flavor but also an excellent source of protein.

Ingredients

- 2 cans of tuna in oil (approximately 240 g)
- 250 g spiral pasta (or your preferred pasta)
- 125 g sweet cream
- 125 g béchamel sauce
- 2-3 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 50 g grated parmesan, for topping

Necessary Utensils

- A large pot for boiling pasta
- A strainer for draining pasta
- A large mixing bowl
- An ovenproof dish
- A grater for parmesan

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Boil the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. Add a handful of salt and 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil. When the water is boiling, add the spiral pasta. Cook according to the package instructions (usually between 8-10 minutes) until al dente. This step is essential to avoid overly soft pasta after baking.

2. Prepare the Pasta Mixture
After the pasta is cooked, drain it well in a strainer. Place it in a large bowl and drizzle with a little olive oil to prevent sticking. Add the drained tuna, sweet cream, and béchamel sauce. Mix the composition well, adding salt and pepper to taste. This is the perfect time to taste! If you like, you can also add some dried herbs like basil or oregano.

3. Transfer to the Baking Dish
Pour the pasta mixture into the ovenproof dish. Gently flatten the surface to even out the mixture. Now, for an extra burst of flavor, add a thin layer of béchamel sauce on top. This will help create a delicious crust.

4. Add the Parmesan
Grate the parmesan and sprinkle it evenly on top. This will provide a rich flavor and a crunchy texture at the end.

5. Bake
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place the dish in the oven and let it bake for 10-15 minutes or until the surface is golden and crispy. It's time to enjoy the aromas that develop during baking!

6. Serve
Remove the dish from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes, and then serve warm. You can add a fresh salad on the side or some slices of toasted bread to add texture.

Practical Tips

- Ingredients Can Be Varied: Don’t limit yourself to just tuna! You can add sautéed vegetables, olives, or even goat cheese to enrich the recipe.
- The Tuna: Make sure the tuna is of good quality, as its taste will directly influence the final result.
- Béchamel Sauce: If you don’t have béchamel sauce on hand, you can substitute it with a simple white sauce or a combination of milk and flour.
- Storage: If you have leftover pasta, you can keep it in the fridge to be consumed the next day. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stove with a little milk to bring it back to life.

Nutritional Benefits

This recipe is rich in protein due to the tuna, and the cream and béchamel sauce add a dose of calcium and healthy fats. The pasta provides essential carbohydrates for energy, making this dish an excellent choice for a balanced meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use other types of pasta?
Absolutely! Any type of pasta works well, from penne to farfalle.

- What can I do if I don’t have béchamel sauce?
You can create a quick version with flour, milk, and butter, mixing until thickened.

- How can I make the recipe spicier?
Add a little chili pepper or spicy seasonings to the pasta mixture.

Delicious Combinations

This tuna pasta pairs perfectly with a crunchy green salad with cherry tomatoes and a lemon dressing. Additionally, a bottle of dry white wine will perfectly complement the meal, bringing a sophisticated and pleasant air.

Personal Note

This recipe has been tested countless times in my family and has always been received with smiles and appreciation. Every time I prepare it, I am reminded of the evenings spent around the table, where the joy of sharing food has bonded relationships and created memories.

I hope this baked tuna pasta recipe brings the same joy to your home! Enjoy your meal!