Description
This Tuna Pasta Bake Recipe with Feta Cheese is made with feta cheese, cherry tomatoes, shallots, garlic, lemon zest, tuna, and rigatoni pasta.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 (8 oz) block feta cheese
- 2 pints cherry tomatoes
- 1 shallot, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, smashed
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- Pinch red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper
- Zest 1/2 lemon
- 1 (5 oz) can tuna
- 10 oz al dente rigatoni pasta
- Grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F. In a large ovenproof making dish, place the feta in the center of the dish and add the tomatoes, shallot garlic, and olive oil around. Season with salt and red pepper flakes.
- Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, until tomatoes are bursting and feta is golden on top.
- Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to pasta instructions.
- Add the cooked pasta and tuna and stir.
- Add parmesan cheese on top.
Notes
- Use quality tuna: Since tuna is the star ingredient in a tuna pasta bake, using high-quality canned tuna can make a big difference in the flavor and texture of the final dish. Opt for solid or chunk tuna packed in water or olive oil for the best results.
- Cook pasta al dente: When boiling the pasta, be sure to cook it al dente, which means it should be firm to the bite. This is because the pasta will continue to cook as the dish bakes in the oven, and you don't want it to become overly soft or mushy.
- Add flavor with herbs and spices: To enhance the flavor of your tuna pasta bake, experiment with herbs and spices. Basil, oregano, thyme, and parsley are commonly used in pasta dishes and can add a burst of flavor. You can also add garlic, onion, and red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
- Include vegetables: Tuna pasta bake is a great opportunity to sneak in some extra veggies. You can add vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, peas, or broccoli to the dish to boost its nutritional value and add color and texture.
- Don't over-bake: To prevent the pasta bake from becoming dry, be careful not to over-bake it. Follow the recommended baking time in the recipe and keep an eye on it while it's in the oven. You want the cheese to be melted and golden, but not overly browned or burnt.
- Let it rest before serving: Allow the tuna pasta bake to rest for a few minutes after removing it from the oven before serving. This will help the dish set and make it easier to slice and serve.
- Leftovers can be delicious: Like many baked pasta dishes, tuna pasta bake can be even more flavorful the next day as the flavors meld together. Don't hesitate to enjoy the leftovers for a tasty and convenient meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 262.3
- Sugar: 2.0 g
- Sodium: 378.7 mg
- Fat: 10.2 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.7 g
- Carbohydrates: 36.2 g
- Fiber: 2.6 g
- Protein: 7.0 g
- Cholesterol: 46.9 mg
