Tuna-Macaroni Toss
A creamy tuna-macaroni toss with tender pasta, savory sauce, and fresh parsley, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or comforting family meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a 5-quart saucepot, cook macaroni as directed; drain. Return to saucepot; keep warm.
- Meanwhile, in a 2-quart saucepan over medium heat, melt butter or oleo.
- Add minced onion and cook until tender, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in flour until blended; cook for 1 minute.
- Gradually stir in milk, bouillon cube, salt, and pepper. Cook until thickened and smooth, stirring constantly.
- Stir in drained and flaked tuna and heat through.
- Gently toss cooked macaroni in the saucepot with the tuna mixture.
- Spoon the mixture into a warm bowl and garnish with chopped parsley.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider using fresh herbs like thyme or basil in addition to the parsley. For a creamier sauce, you could substitute half of the milk with sour cream or Greek yogurt. If you’re out of tuna, canned chicken or chickpeas can also work well in this dish. Remember to stir the sauce constantly to avoid lumps.
Serving Suggestions
This Tuna-Macaroni Toss makes for a hearty main dish and pairs beautifully with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. You can also serve it with crusty bread for a comforting dinner. For a twist, try adding peas or corn to the mix for added color and nutrition.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of milk to the mixture to help loosen the sauce, then warm it gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently. You can also microwave it, covered, in short intervals, stirring in between.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tuna-Macaroni Toss contains roughly 1908 calories, with 11g protein, 64g carbohydrates, and 179g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (26% of the Daily Value), protein (22% of the Daily Value), and iron (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2169mg per serving (94% 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 use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute bow tie macaroni with any pasta shape you prefer, such as shells, penne, or fusilli. Just ensure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you choose, as some may cook faster or slower than bow tie macaroni.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! To make this Tuna-Macaroni Toss gluten-free, simply use gluten-free pasta and ensure that your flour is also gluten-free. You can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour mix to thicken the sauce, maintaining the same delicious flavor and texture.
What can I add to make it more nutritious?
To boost the nutritional profile, consider adding sautéed vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini to the tuna mixture. You could also mix in some shredded cheese for added flavor and creaminess, making it a delightful comfort food option.
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).