Tuna and Broccoli Pasta Bake Recipe

Introduction

This Tuna & Broccoli Pasta Bake is a comforting and easy meal that combines tender pasta, healthy broccoli, and flavorful tuna in a creamy tomato sauce. Topped with melted cheddar and crispy breadcrumbs, it’s perfect for a family dinner or batch cooking.

Ingredients

• 2 x 185g cans tuna in olive oil, drained well, 1 tbsp oil reserved
• 2 x 400g cans chopped tomato with garlic and herbs
• 350g dried pasta shapes
• 300g broccoli, chopped into small florets
• 200g pack light soft cheese
• 100g cheddar, finely grated
• 25g breadcrumbs
• Salad, to serve (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat the reserved oil from the tuna in a very large saucepan. Add the canned tomatoes and 200ml water, then simmer gently while cooking the pasta according to the pack instructions.
2. Step 2: Add the broccoli florets to the pasta water for the final 3 minutes of cooking. Drain the pasta and broccoli, reserving some of the cooking water.
3. Step 3: Stir the soft cheese into the tomato sauce in the pan until it melts completely. Mix in the drained pasta, broccoli, and tuna, adding a little reserved cooking water if the sauce seems too thick. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Step 4: Transfer the mixture to an ovenproof dish. Sprinkle the grated cheddar and breadcrumbs evenly on top.
5. Step 5: Place under a grill set not too close to the heat for about 4-6 minutes, until the topping is golden and bubbling.
6. Step 6: Serve hot with a fresh salad on the side, if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a pinch of chili flakes or herbs like basil or oregano to the sauce.
• You can substitute the broccoli with other vegetables such as spinach or courgettes.
• Use full-fat soft cheese for a richer sauce or try cream cheese as an alternative.
• To make it gluten-free, choose gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until piping hot. The topping may lose some crispness when reheated but will still be delicious.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh tuna instead of canned tuna?

Canned tuna is ideal for this recipe because it’s already cooked and easy to mix into the sauce. If you want to use fresh tuna, cook it separately and flake it before adding, but be careful not to overcook it.

Is it possible to prepare this dish in advance?

Yes, you can assemble the pasta bake up to the grilling step and refrigerate it for a day before cooking. Just add a few extra minutes under the grill if baking from cold.

Tuna and Broccoli Pasta Bake Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 54 reviews

• Author: Jake
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This Tuna & Broccoli Pasta Bake is a hearty and comforting dish combining tender pasta, flaky tuna, vibrant broccoli, and a flavorful tomato and cheese sauce. Topped with melted cheddar and crispy breadcrumbs, it’s a perfect easy-to-make meal for family dinners or casual gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein and Dairy

• 2 x 185g cans tuna in olive oil, drained well, 1 tbsp oil reserved
• 200g pack light soft cheese
• 100g cheddar, finely grated

Vegetables and Canned Goods

• 2 x 400g cans chopped tomato with garlic and herbs
• 300g broccoli, chopped into small florets

Carbohydrates

• 350g dried pasta shapes
• 25g breadcrumbs

Optional

• Salad, to serve (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Tomato Sauce: Heat the reserved olive oil from the drained tuna in a very large saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped tomatoes along with 200ml water, then let this simmer gently while you cook the pasta.
2. Cook the Pasta and Broccoli: Cook the dried pasta shapes according to the package instructions. Add the chopped broccoli florets to the pasta water in the last 3 minutes of cooking. Once done, drain the pasta and broccoli, reserving some of the cooking water.
3. Combine Sauce and Cheese: Stir the light soft cheese into the simmering tomato sauce until melted and fully incorporated, creating a creamy tomato sauce.
4. Mix Pasta, Broccoli, and Tuna: Add the drained pasta, broccoli, and flaked tuna into the tomato and cheese sauce. If the sauce appears too thick, stir in a little of the reserved pasta cooking water to loosen it. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Assemble the Bake: Transfer the pasta mixture into an ovenproof dish. Evenly sprinkle the finely grated cheddar cheese and breadcrumbs on top for a deliciously crispy crust.
6. Grill to Finish: Place the dish under a preheated grill, positioning it not too close to the heat source. Grill for about 4-6 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and bubbling.
7. Serve: Serve the tuna and broccoli pasta bake hot, accompanied by a fresh side salad if desired.

Notes

• Ensure to drain the tuna well to avoid excess oil in the dish, but save the oil to enhance the sauce’s flavor.
• If you prefer a milder flavor, use less garlic in the canned tomatoes or opt for plain chopped tomatoes and add your own seasoning.
• Breadcrumbs create a crunchy topping but can be omitted for a softer bake.
• Use any pasta shape you like; small shapes work best for even mixing.
• This dish can be prepared in advance and grilled just before serving.
• Adding a splash of reserved pasta water helps keep the sauce creamy and prevents drying out.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: British

Keywords: tuna pasta bake, broccoli pasta bake, baked pasta, comfort food, easy family dinner, tuna recipes