Herbed Pasta-Tuna Bake
Herbed Pasta-Tuna Bake is a comforting, flavorful dish combining tender pasta shells with savory tuna and fresh herbs. The creamy parsley and green onion sauce adds a bright, aromatic touch, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying family meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a greased 2-quart baking dish, toss the cooked and drained macaroni shells, drained tuna, and chopped celery together.
- In a blender, combine the mayonnaise, milk, parsley, and green onions until smooth.
- Pour the blended mixture over the tuna and pasta mixture; toss to coat evenly.
- Bake in a preheated 400°F oven for 15 minutes or until bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider mixing in some grated cheese or using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a healthier twist. If you're short on time, you can substitute the fresh parsley with dried herbs. Cooking the macaroni al dente will ensure it holds its texture during baking. This dish is a wonderful option for busy weeknights or potlucks, similar to other American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Herbed Pasta-Tuna Bake with a light side salad for a refreshing contrast. Crusty bread or garlic bread makes a nice accompaniment as well. This dish pairs beautifully with Flounder With Lemon Butter Sauce or can be enjoyed on its own as a hearty meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through, about 20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, adding a splash of milk to keep it creamy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Herbed Pasta-Tuna Bake contains roughly 1055 calories, with 99g protein, 111g carbohydrates, and 39g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (319% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (218% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1578mg per serving (69% 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?
Absolutely! You can prepare the entire dish in advance and store it unbaked in the fridge for up to a day. Just bake it when you're ready to serve, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it's coming straight from the fridge.
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).