Creamy Tuna Pasta Bake: A Hearty Dish With A Philadelphia Twist

Tuna pasta bake is a quick, easy, and delicious meal that can be made with mostly store-cupboard ingredients. It's a great option when you're short on time and cost-conscious, and it can be easily adapted to your liking. This recipe uses Philadelphia cream cheese to add a creamy texture to the dish.

Choosing your pasta

The pasta you choose for your tuna pasta bake with Philadelphia is important. You want to select a pasta shape that will hold the creamy sauce and complement the other ingredients. Here are some tips and suggestions for choosing the right pasta for your dish:

• Tubular pasta works best in bakes. Rigatoni, penne, and macaroni are all great options that will hold the sauce well.
• You can also use other pasta shapes such as fusilli, spirali, or even gluten-free or wholemeal pasta if you prefer.
• When cooking the pasta, follow the package instructions, but reduce the cooking time by a few minutes. This will ensure that the pasta doesn't get too soft or mushy during baking.
• If you want to add extra flavour to your pasta, you can cook it with a vegetable stock cube. This will give it a boost of flavour that will complement the other ingredients in your bake.
• Remember to reserve some of the pasta water before draining it. This starchy water can be added to your sauce to adjust the consistency and help bind the ingredients together.
• Don't overcook your pasta. You want it to be al dente, or slightly firm to the bite. This will ensure that it doesn't turn mushy when you mix it with the sauce and other ingredients.
• If you're short on time, look for quick-cooking pasta options. These can reduce the cooking time by a few minutes, making it even easier to get your tuna pasta bake with Philadelphia on the table.

Making the sauce

Ingredients

• 500 g passata or passata rustica
• 2 tbsp Philadelphia Extra Light (1.5 Syns)
• 2 tbsp pesto (optional)
• 2 tbsp tomato paste (optional)
• 1/2 tsp chilli flakes (optional)
• 1/2 tsp sweet smoked Spanish paprika (optional)
• 1/4 lemon, juiced (optional)
• 2 tsp Dijon mustard (optional)
• 50 g plain flour (optional)
• 600 ml milk (optional)
• 50 g butter (optional)
• 250 g grated cheddar (optional)
• Salt
• Black pepper

Utensils

• Ovenproof skillet or frying pan
• Large pot
• Baking dish (approx. 20x30cm)
• Grater
• Chopping board
• Knife
• Large bowl
• Colander

Method

Heat an ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil, two cloves of minced garlic, and a small, finely diced onion. Cook for 3-5 minutes until golden.

In a separate pot, boil a large volume of salted water. Add your chosen pasta and cook for 2 minutes less than the packet instructions. Drain the pasta, reserving 80ml of the pasta water, and set aside.

Add the passata, cream cheese, and tomato paste to the skillet and stir. If you're using chilli flakes, Dijon mustard, or lemon juice, add these now. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then lower the heat to medium and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.

Turn off the stove. Add the pasta, grated cheese, and stir gently. If you're using paprika, add this now. Drizzle with olive oil and top with cheese, then bake for 20 minutes or until golden.

Allow the dish to stand for 3 minutes, then serve.

Adding the tuna

For this recipe, you'll need two or three cans of drained tuna, depending on your preference. If you're using two cans, go for the 160g size, and if you're using three, 100g cans will do.

Once your pasta is cooked and your sauce is ready, it's time to gently mix in the tuna. Be careful not to break up the tuna too much—you want to keep some nice chunks intact. You can also leave some chunks on the surface of the pasta, as they'll turn golden and delicious during baking.

If you're making a creamy tuna pasta, you'll add the tuna towards the end of the cooking process. After sautéing your vegetables and creating your creamy sauce, simply stir in the tuna along with some fresh basil and serve immediately.

Baking the dish

Now that you have prepared the sauce, cooked the pasta, and mixed all the ingredients, it's time to bake your delicious tuna pasta! Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide to ensure your dish turns out perfectly:

• Preheat your oven to 180°C. This is a crucial step to ensure even cooking, so make sure your oven has reached the desired temperature before proceeding.
• Choose an ovenproof baking dish that is large enough to hold your pasta mixture comfortably. A 12-inch by 10-inch dish is a good size for this recipe.
• Transfer the pasta mixture into the baking dish. Spread it evenly, ensuring it is not packed too tightly.
• Drizzle the reserved pasta water over the pasta. This step helps to keep the pasta moist and prevents it from drying out during baking.
• Sprinkle the remaining grated cheese on top of the pasta. This will create a delicious, crispy, and golden cheese layer as it bakes.
• Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. The exact baking time may vary slightly, so keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking.
• Your tuna pasta bake is ready when the cheese on top is golden and starting to brown. The sauce should be bubbling around the edges, and the pasta should be tender.
• Remove the dish from the oven and let it stand for a few minutes before serving. This allows the dish to cool slightly and makes it easier to handle.
• Garnish your tuna pasta bake with freshly chopped basil or parsley to add a touch of freshness and colour.
• Serve your tuna pasta bake while it's still hot and enjoy the comforting, cheesy goodness!

Feel free to adjust the baking time slightly based on your oven's performance and your desired level of doneness. Remember, it's always better to check on your dish a little earlier than expected to prevent overcooking. Enjoy your homemade tuna pasta bake!

Serving suggestions

This tuna pasta bake is best served hot and can be enjoyed on its own or with a side salad. It can also be served with garlic bread or crusty bread for dipping into the sauce.

If you want to add a bit of crunch to your pasta bake, you can top it with breadcrumbs or crushed crisps. You could also sprinkle over some fresh herbs like basil or parsley before serving for a pop of colour and extra freshness.

For a more indulgent option, you could add extra cheese on top of the pasta bake before serving and grill it until melted and golden.

This dish is perfect for a comforting family meal and can be adapted to suit different dietary requirements. It's also a great option for meal prep, as it can be frozen in individual portions and reheated in the oven or microwave when needed.

Frequently asked questions