Baked Tuna Primavera
Creamy baked tuna pasta with vegetables and cheeses, perfect for a comforting family dinner with rich flavors and hearty textures.
Ingredients
- 3 c. cooked rotini pasta ⓘ
- 3/4 c. milk ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. cornstarch
- 1 1/2 c. cottage cheese ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 3/4 tsp. leaf basil ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. garlic powder ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. onion powder ⓘ
- 3 c. frozen broccoli, cauliflower and carrot combo ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. shredded Mozzarella cheese ⓘ
- 1 (12 1/2 oz.) can tuna in water
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Lightly grease a 13 x 9-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, dissolve cornstarch in milk.
- Stir in cottage cheese, Parmesan cheese, basil, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Add cooked rotini pasta, frozen vegetables, shredded mozzarella cheese, and drained tuna to the bowl; mix lightly.
- Spoon mixture into the prepared baking dish and cover with foil.
- Bake at 375°F for 45 to 55 minutes or until hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using full-fat cottage cheese or adding a dollop of sour cream. You can substitute the frozen vegetable mix with fresh vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for a fresher taste. If you're short on time, using pre-cooked pasta can speed up the preparation. This dish is versatile and can be enhanced with herbs like thyme or oregano.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Baked Tuna Primavera with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Easy Oyster Cracker Party Mix for a crunchy contrast. You can also top it with extra Parmesan or a sprinkle of fresh herbs before serving for added flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover the dish with foil to retain moisture and bake at 350°F until heated through, about 20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions for convenience, adding a splash of milk if it seems dry.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Baked Tuna Primavera contains roughly 786 calories, with 35g protein, 106g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (82% of the Daily Value), calcium (72% of the Daily Value), and protein (70% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1102mg per serving (48% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the dish a day in advance. Just cover it tightly with foil and refrigerate. When you're ready to bake, allow it to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).