Italian Style Tuna Pasta Bake

Dive into the comforting flavors of an *Italian Style Tuna Pasta Bake*, a hearty and satisfying dish that's perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. This recipe combines al dente penne pasta with a rich tomato-based sauce infused with garlic, onion, and aromatic herbs like oregano and basil. Flaky tuna adds protein and a subtle brininess, while a generous layer of melted mozzarella and Parmesan creates an irresistibly golden, bubbling crust. Quick to prepare in just 45 minutes, this baked pasta dish is a family-friendly favorite that’s both easy and delicious. Garnish with fresh parsley for a vibrant touch, and serve it alongside a crisp green salad or crusty bread for an authentic Italian-style meal.

Nutriscore Rating: 83/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 300 grams Penne pasta
• 2 cans (approximately 150g each) Canned tuna in olive oil
• 2 tablespoons Extra virgin olive oil
• 1 medium, finely chopped Onion
• 2 minced Garlic cloves
• 400 grams (1 can) Crushed tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon Tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon Dried basil
• 1 teaspoon (adjust to taste) Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon (adjust to taste) Black pepper
• 50 grams, grated Parmesan cheese
• 125 grams, grated Mozzarella cheese
• 2 tablespoons, chopped (optional for garnish) Fresh parsley

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).

Step 2

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until just al dente according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.

Step 4

Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another 1-2 minutes, being careful not to let it burn.

Step 5

Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Simmer the sauce for 8-10 minutes to allow the flavors to combine.

Step 6

Drain the canned tuna and add it to the tomato sauce, breaking it up with a spoon. Mix well to combine.

Step 7

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and gently stir to coat the pasta in the sauce evenly.

Step 8

Pour the pasta and sauce mixture into a greased baking dish.

Step 9

Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top, followed by the grated mozzarella cheese.

Step 10

Bake the dish in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling with a golden-brown top.

Step 11

Remove from the oven and let the pasta bake cool slightly for a few minutes.

Step 12

Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	160993.5 grams (160993.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	35909

Total Fat 443.00g	568%
Saturated Fat 33.70g	169%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.90g
Cholesterol 276mg	92%
Sodium 17809mg	774%
Total Carbohydrate 7582.50g	2757%
Dietary Fiber 2014.70g	7195%
Total Sugars 4678.20g
Protein 1486.10g	2972%

Vitamin D 620IU	3100%
Calcium 28093mg	2161%
Iron 1018mg	5653%
Potassium 335359mg	7135%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 9.9%

Protein: 14.8%

Carbs: 75.3%