This Tuna Mornay casserole transforms simple pantry ingredients into a creamy, comforting meal that’s both satisfying and nourishing.
What sets this dish apart is its rich, velvety white sauce combined with flaky canned tuna and sweet bursts of corn, finished with a crunchy golden topping that adds irresistible texture.
High in protein thanks to the tuna and parmesan, it supports muscle health and keeps you full longer.
The inclusion of vegetables adds fiber, promoting digestive health, while the moderate fat content includes good fats from the tuna oil and dairy.
This recipe is a perfect everyday dinner choice because it’s quick to prepare, budget-friendly, and versatile—ideal for meal prep or feeding a family.
Plus, it’s easy to adapt with your favorite pasta shapes or vegetables, making it a reliably delicious weeknight winner.
Must-Have Tools for Perfect Results
Large Pot
Essential for cooking pasta and preparing the white sauce. A sturdy pot with even heat distribution ensures your sauce thickens smoothly without burning, making it a versatile workhorse in any kitchen.
Whisk
Perfect for blending the roux and milk into a lump-free, creamy sauce. A high-quality whisk speeds up mixing and ensures consistent texture, ideal for sauces, dressings, and batters.
Baking Dish (about 9×13 inches)
Provides the perfect size for assembling and baking the casserole evenly. A durable, oven-safe dish is invaluable for lasagnas, gratins, and sheet-pan meals.
Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula
Useful for folding the tuna, corn, and sauce together gently without breaking up the fish too much. Heat-resistant spatulas are indispensable for stirring, scraping, and mixing in hot pots and pans.
Measuring Cups and Spoons
Accurate measurement ensures the balance of flavors and sauce thickness is just right. A reliable set helps maintain consistency across all your recipes.
Delicious Tuna Pasta Bake
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 180°C (350°F) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature while you prepare the casserole. This allows the dish to bake evenly and develop a golden, bubbly crust.
- Prepare the Crunchy Topping: In a small bowl, combine melted butter, panko breadcrumbs, grated parmesan, and salt. Mix thoroughly until the crumbs are evenly coated with butter, which will help create a crispy, flavorful topping once baked.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the penne pasta. Cook the pasta according to package instructions but reduce the time by one minute to keep it slightly firm (al dente). Drain and set aside to cool just enough to handle safely.
- Make the White Sauce Base: In the same large pot, melt butter over medium heat until foaming. Add finely minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, careful not to brown it.
- Create the Roux: Sprinkle flour into the melted butter and garlic mixture. Stir constantly with a whisk for about 1-2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste, forming a smooth paste (roux).
- Gradually Add Milk: Slowly pour in about one-third of the milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Once smooth, add the remaining milk gradually, whisking constantly until the sauce is fully combined and smooth.
- Season and Thicken Sauce: Add the Vegeta (or stock powder), mustard powder, onion powder, and garlic powder to the sauce. Continue whisking over medium heat until the sauce thickens to coat the back of a spoon, about 4-5 minutes, then remove from heat and stir in the shredded parmesan cheese.
- Combine Pasta, Tuna, and Corn: Return the cooked pasta to the pot. Gently fold in drained tuna, breaking it into large chunks with a fork to avoid it turning mushy. Add the drained corn and pour the white sauce over everything, stirring carefully to combine without breaking the tuna too much.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Transfer the mixture into a greased or non-stick baking dish, spreading evenly. Sprinkle the prepared crunchy topping over the casserole in an even layer to ensure a golden crust.
- Bake Until Golden: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes. Bake until the topping turns golden brown and the edges are bubbling hot, signaling the dish is cooked through and ready to serve.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Sprinkle freshly chopped chives or parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness before serving warm
Notes
- Vegeta is a popular vegetable stock powder that adds savory depth; substitute with any chicken or vegetable bouillon or two crumbled stock cubes.
- If you don’t have all the spices, use whatever you have—mustard, garlic, or onion powder can be swapped or omitted based on preference.
- For added veggies like carrots or broccoli, pre-cook them by steaming or boiling before mixing, as they won’t fully cook during baking.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days and reheated in the microwave for convenience.
- To freeze, prepare the casserole without baking, cover tightly, freeze, then thaw and bake as usual for a quick meal later.
Chef’s Secrets for Creamy Perfection
Achieving the ideal creamy texture in this Tuna Mornay starts with mastering the white sauce or béchamel.
Slowly whisking in the milk while keeping the heat moderate prevents lumps and ensures a smooth, velvety sauce.
Using a mix of spices like mustard powder and garlic powder adds subtle depth without overpowering the delicate tuna flavor.
When folding in the tuna, be gentle to preserve its chunky texture — over-stirring can cause it to break down into mush. For an extra indulgent touch, consider stirring in a splash of cream or a handful of shredded cheese before baking.
Finally, the crunchy breadcrumb topping is the finishing touch that balances creamy richness with a satisfying crisp, so don’t skip it!
Serving Suggestions to Elevate Meals
Tuna Mornay is wonderfully versatile and pairs beautifully with fresh, vibrant sides that add contrast in texture and flavor.
A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette or steamed green beans with a squeeze of fresh lemon brighten the richness of the casserole.
For heartier meals, roasted or sautéed vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or zucchini complement the creamy pasta bake perfectly.
Adding a side of crusty garlic bread or warm dinner rolls can turn this dish into a complete, comforting feast.
For an easy weeknight meal, serve it with simple steamed vegetables and a glass of chilled white wine or sparkling water with lemon for a refreshing balance.
Storage Tips for Freshness and Flavor
To keep your Tuna Mornay tasting fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.
When reheating, cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or wrap and heat in short intervals to avoid drying out the sauce.
For longer storage, prepare the casserole without baking and freeze it well-covered for up to three months.
Thaw it overnight in the fridge before baking to maintain its texture and flavor.
Avoid freezing the crunchy topping separately; instead, keep breadcrumbs on hand to add fresh before baking after thawing.
Proper storage not only preserves taste but also helps maintain the creamy texture and golden crust you love.
Frequently Asked Questions Answered Clearly
1. Can I use fresh tuna instead of canned?
Yes, but fresh tuna will need to be cooked separately and flaked before mixing. It won’t absorb flavors the same way canned tuna does, and cooking times may vary.
2. Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed nuts for the topping.
3. Can I add other vegetables to the bake?
Absolutely! Peas, spinach, or steamed broccoli work well. Just make sure any firm veggies are pre-cooked since the baking time won’t soften them enough.
4. What can I substitute for Vegeta seasoning?
You can use any chicken or vegetable stock powder or bouillon cubes. If unavailable, a pinch of salt and a dash of soy sauce or mushroom powder can add umami flavor.
5. How can I make this dish dairy-free?
Swap butter for a plant-based alternative and use non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk. Choose dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor in the sauce and topping.
This recipe has been adapted and simplified from the original version by recipetineats. We’ve refined the steps for a smoother cooking experience and added helpful notes, nutrition insights, and essential kitchen tools to make it even easier for home cooks.
Jessica T. Brown is the founder of KitchenHush.com, a platform born out of her deep love for cooking and the quiet joy found in the kitchen. From a young age, Jessica discovered that the kitchen wasn’t just a place to prepare meals—it was a space for connection, creativity, and comfort. Inspired by those early memories, she created Kitchen Hush to share that experience with home cooks everywhere.