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.

Ingredients

Scale

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)

Instructions

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.
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.
Combine Sauce and Cheese: Stir the light soft cheese into the simmering tomato sauce until melted and fully incorporated, creating a creamy tomato sauce.
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.
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.
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.
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