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Tuna Mornay (Creamy Tuna Casserole Pasta Bake) Recipe

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4.1 from 15 reviews

Tuna Mornay is a creamy and comforting tuna casserole pasta bake combining tender penne pasta, a silky white sauce infused with garlic and cheese, and flaky tuna mixed with sweet corn. Topped with a crunchy, buttery breadcrumb and Parmesan crust, this classic baked dish delivers a perfect balance of creamy, savory, and crispy textures. Perfect for a hearty family meal ready in under an hour.

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 5 servings

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 350g / 12oz penne pasta (or other short pasta)

White Sauce

  • 40g / 3 tbsp butter
  • 3 garlic cloves, finely minced
  • 4 tbsp (50g) plain/all-purpose flour
  • 4 cups (1 litre) milk (any fat %, dairy or non-dairy)
  • 2 tsp Vegeta, or chicken or vegetable stock powder/granulated bouillon
  • 1/2 tsp mustard powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 cup (50g) Parmesan, finely shredded

Filling

  • 425g / 15 oz canned tuna, preferably in oil, drained (substitute salmon if desired)
  • 400g / 14 oz canned corn, drained (or other vegetables)

Crunchy Topping

  • 25g / 1.5 tbsp butter, melted
  • 1/2 cup (60g) panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup (25g) Parmesan, finely grated
  • 1/4 tsp salt

Garnish (optional)

  • Chives or parsley

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) to prepare for baking your tuna mornay.
  2. Prepare Crunchy Topping: Combine the panko breadcrumbs, finely grated Parmesan, melted butter, and salt in a small bowl. Mix well until evenly coated and set aside.
  3. Cook Pasta: Boil the penne pasta according to package instructions but reduce cooking time by one minute for a firmer texture. Drain the pasta, let it cool slightly, and then return it to the pot.
  4. Make White Sauce – Melt Butter and Cook Garlic: In a large pot over medium heat, melt 40g butter. Add the finely minced garlic cloves and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  5. Incorporate Flour and Milk: Stir in the flour, mixing thoroughly with the melted butter and garlic. Gradually whisk in about a third of the milk, ensuring a smooth mixture before adding the remaining milk while continuously whisking.
  6. Add Seasonings: Whisk in the Vegeta (or stock powder), mustard powder, onion powder, and garlic powder to flavor the sauce.
  7. Simmer Sauce: Heat the sauce while whisking constantly to prevent it from catching on the bottom of the pot. After 4 to 5 minutes, it will thicken enough to coat the back of a spoon.
  8. Finish Sauce: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the finely shredded Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
  9. Combine Filling: Fold the drained tuna chunks and corn into the cooked pasta. Gently pour the white sauce over the mixture and carefully stir together to combine without breaking up the tuna too much.
  10. Assemble & Bake: Transfer the pasta mixture into a baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the crunchy breadcrumb topping over the surface.
  11. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the edges are bubbling hot.
  12. Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and sprinkle with chopped chives or parsley if desired. Serve warm and enjoy your creamy tuna mornay!

Notes

  • Use tuna canned in oil for richer flavor, but tuna packed in water or salmon can be substituted.
  • Vegeta seasoning adds a mild savory depth, but chicken or vegetable bouillon can be used alternatively.
  • Corn adds sweetness and texture; you may swap for other vegetables like peas or diced bell peppers.
  • Do not over-stir the tuna to keep some chunkiness in the dish.
  • Cooking pasta slightly underdone prevents it from becoming mushy after baking.
  • If preferred, use dairy-free milk and butter substitutes to make this dish lactose-free.
  • Author: Olivia
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Casserole
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Western

Find it online: https://iamstarved.com/tuna-mornay-creamy-tuna-casserole-pasta-bake-recipe/