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Easy Tuna Pasta Bake (Budget & Family-Friendly)
A comforting tuna pasta bake made with simple pantry ingredients, a creamy sauce, and a golden cheesy topping. This easy, budget-friendly family dinner is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, and feeding everyone without stretching the grocery bill.
FAMILY FAVOURITESRECIPESBUDGET-FRIENDLY RECIPES
12/17/20251 min read
Prep: 10 minutes | Cook: 30 minutes | Total: 40 minutes | Serves: 4–6
Best For: Budget dinners, family meals, make-ahead cooking
A Budget-Friendly Pasta Bake the Whole Family Enjoys
This easy tuna pasta bake is one of those reliable meals that makes the most of pantry staples. It’s creamy, filling, and simple to put together, making it perfect for nights when you need something comforting without extra cost or effort.
Baked until bubbly and golden, it’s a familiar family favourite that brings everyone to the table with minimal fuss.
Ingredients for Easy Tuna Pasta Bake
400g pasta (penne or spirals)
2 x 425g tins tuna in springwater, drained
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, finely diced
2 tablespoons plain flour
2 cups milk
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 cup grated cheese
Optional:
Frozen peas or corn
A sprinkle of breadcrumbs on top
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cook the pasta – Bring a large pot of salted water to the boil and cook pasta according to packet instructions. Drain and set aside.
Make the sauce – Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and cook until soft. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute.
Add milk – Gradually whisk in milk until smooth. Cook, stirring, until thickened. Season with salt and pepper.
Combine – Stir tuna and cooked pasta through the sauce. Add peas or corn if using.
Bake – Transfer to a baking dish, sprinkle with grated cheese, and bake at 200°C (fan-forced) for 15–20 minutes until golden and bubbling.
Serve – Rest briefly before serving.
Helpful Tips
Use reduced-fat milk if preferred.
Short pasta shapes hold the sauce best.
This bake freezes well once cooled.
Why This Recipe Works
Uses affordable pantry staples
Creamy, mild flavours kids enjoy
Easy oven-baked comfort food
Perfect for batch cooking
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Alofa Tunoa shares budget-friendly recipes, family meals, one-pan dinners, and Pacific Island inspired food rooted in Samoan culture and faith-filled home cooking.