Description
Creamy cheesy tuna mornay brings comfort and nostalgia to classic comfort cuisine. Rich cheese sauce, tender tuna, and golden breadcrumb topping create a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 can (425 grams/15 ounces) tuna in spring water, drained
- 2 cups cooked pasta (macaroni, penne)
- 1 1/2 cups grated cheddar cheese
- 2 cups milk
Sauce and Seasoning Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons plain flour
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Topping Ingredient:
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Heat oven to 180°C (350°F) and prepare a baking dish with light greasing.
- Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Sauté finely chopped onions and minced garlic in melted butter over medium heat until translucent and fragrant.
- Sprinkle flour into the butter mixture, stirring continuously to create a smooth roux without browning.
- Gradually pour milk into the roux, whisking constantly to prevent lumps and create a creamy white sauce.
- Allow sauce to simmer and thicken, stirring frequently to prevent scorching at the bottom of the pan.
- Remove sauce from heat and fold in half of the cheese until completely melted and incorporated.
- Season sauce with salt and pepper, adjusting to taste.
- Gently fold drained tuna and cooked pasta into the cheese sauce, ensuring even distribution.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly to create a uniform layer.
- Sprinkle remaining cheese and breadcrumbs over the top to create a golden, crispy crust.
- Bake in preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the surface turns golden brown and sauce bubbles around the edges.
- Allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving to let the sauce settle and flavors meld.
Notes
- Use low-sodium tuna to control the salt content and make the dish healthier for those watching their sodium intake.
- Choose whole wheat pasta for added fiber and a more nutritious meal that keeps you fuller longer.
- Replace regular milk with almond or oat milk to make the recipe dairy-free and suitable for lactose-intolerant individuals.
- Add frozen peas or diced vegetables like spinach to boost the nutritional value and introduce more color and texture to the dish.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg