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Tuna Spinach Pasta Bake with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe

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This Tuna Spinach Pasta Bake is a delightful combination of tender tuna, fresh spinach, and creamy tomato sauce baked to perfection. It’s a comforting dish that brings the family together around the dinner table.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz (225 g) penne pasta (or any pasta of your choice)
  • 1 (12 oz or 340 g) can tuna in water, drained and flaked
  • 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Italian seasoned)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 (14 oz or 400 g) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup cream
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the oven is ready when the dish is finished.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Be careful not to overcook as it will continue to cook in the oven.
  3. While the pasta is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent.
  4. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Be cautious not to burn the garlic as it can become bitter.
  5. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, cream, dried basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes until slightly thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Once the pasta is done, drain it and transfer it to a large bowl. Mix in the tuna, chopped spinach, and tomato sauce with the pasta. Stir well until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
  7. Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil. Pour the pasta mixture into the dish and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan evenly on top. Add breadcrumbs on the top layer for a crispy crust.
  8. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling. Keep an eye on the top to ensure it doesn't get too dark; cover with aluminum foil if necessary.
  9. Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps intensify the flavors and makes the dish easier to portion.

Nutrition

Keywords: Avoid overcooking the pasta as it will continue to cook in the oven. You can use a deeper baking dish to accommodate the sauce and pasta, and feel free to experiment with different cheeses or add extra vegetables for a healthier option.

Find it online: https://tastelle.com/tuna-spinat-pasta-auflauf-mit-tomatenrahmsauce-rezept/