Name: Healthy Tuna Noodle Casserole (Pasta Bake) Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups small pasta shape, dry (I used rigatoni); 1/4 cup olive oil (divided); 4 cloves garlic, minced; Optional: 1 small onion, diced; 1 large bell pepper, cored and chopped; 1 cup carrots, chopped (approx. 2-4 carrots, depending on size); 8 large green olives, chopped (approx. 1/2 cup); 2 cups baby spinach; 4 cans tuna, drained (approx. 5 oz cans, chunk light or solid white); 2 cups tomato sauce (e.g. marinara); Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 cup cheddar cheese, freshly grated or shredded; Optional: chopped basil or green onion, to garnish

Print Recipe· 4.4 from 12 reviews

If you’re on the lookout for a comforting, flavorful, and nourishing meal that hits all the right notes, then this Healthy Tuna Noodle Casserole (Pasta Bake) Recipe is about to become your new favorite go-to. Combining wholesome ingredients like fresh veggies, tender pasta, and protein-rich tuna, this casserole transforms simple pantry staples into a hearty, cheesy dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It balances health and indulgence so beautifully, you’ll find yourself reaching for seconds — guilt free!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows several white bowls and a glass measuring cup arranged on a white marbled surface. At the top left, there is a white bowl filled with large rigatoni pasta, pale yellow and smooth in texture. To the right of the pasta, a clear glass measuring cup contains thick, bright red tomato sauce. Below the pasta bowl, a bowl holds chopped green olives, while next to it, a larger bowl is filled with flaked, light brown tuna. To the right is a small white bowl of golden olive oil, followed by a bowl of bright orange carrot slices. At the bottom left, a bowl holds finely grated white cheese, near it is a small bowl of fresh green basil leaves. Centrally placed at the bottom is a bowl filled with bright red diced bell peppers. To the bottom right, a larger bowl contains fresh dark green spinach leaves, and next to it, a small bowl of finely chopped garlic is seen. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

To make this Healthy Tuna Noodle Casserole (Pasta Bake) Recipe truly shine, you only need a handful of fresh and straightforward ingredients. Each component plays a special role, whether it’s adding burst of flavor, texture, or vibrant color to your dish.

3 cups small pasta shape, dry (e.g., rigatoni): Perfect for holding onto the sauce and making every bite satisfying.
1/4 cup olive oil (divided): Adds richness and helps sauté the vegetables to perfection.
4 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses a fragrant, savory depth from the start.
Optional: 1 small onion, diced: Offers a subtle sweetness and enhances flavor complexity.
1 large bell pepper, cored and chopped: Brings crunchiness and a pop of color to brighten the dish.
1 cup carrots, chopped: Adds earthiness and a natural sweetness, plus a satisfying bite.
8 large green olives, chopped: Introduces a salty tang that lifts and balances the flavors.
2 cups baby spinach: Wilts down to add wholesomeness and a lovely green hue.
4 cans tuna, drained: Your main protein source, packed with healthy omega-3s and flavor.
2 cups tomato sauce (e.g., marinara): The hearty base that ties all elements together with rich umami.
Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and bringing all the flavors alive.
1 cup cheddar cheese, freshly grated or shredded: Creates a golden, melty topping that’s utterly irresistible.
Optional: chopped basil or green onion, to garnish: Adds a burst of fresh herbal brightness at the end.

How to Make Healthy Tuna Noodle Casserole (Pasta Bake) Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta

Start by heating your oven to 400°F. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta just until al dente according to the package directions. Cooking pasta al dente ensures it will hold up beautifully in the bake without turning mushy. Once cooked, drain and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics and Veggies

Heat half of the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat and add minced garlic (and diced onion if you’re using it). Sauté for a couple of minutes until the garlic is fragrant and slightly golden, which builds a flavorful base layer for the casserole. Then toss in chopped bell peppers, carrots, and green olives. Cook, stirring frequently, for about 5–7 minutes to soften the veggies and bring out their natural sweetness and tang.

Step 3: Add Greens and Tuna

Next, stir in your baby spinach and cook until it wilts, around two minutes. This adds a lovely green touch and some nutritious goodness. Then gently fold in the drained tuna and pour in the tomato sauce. Season well with salt and pepper to brighten all those flavors. Once everything is mixed, remove the pan from heat.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Mixture

Transfer your tuna and vegetable mixture into a large baking dish. Drizzle the remaining olive oil over the cooked pasta, then add the pasta to the dish. Carefully stir everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce and the ingredients are well combined. This step is key for a delightful, cohesive pasta bake.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Spread the pasta and tuna mixture evenly in your baking dish, making sure to leave more pasta exposed on top rather than burying it under sauce. This allows the pasta to crisp up beautifully in the oven. Finish off by sprinkling a generous layer of freshly grated cheddar cheese on top. Pop it in the oven and bake for about 15 minutes, or until your cheese is melted and starting to turn golden brown.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once out of the oven, add a fresh sprinkle of your chosen herbs like chopped basil or green onions for extra flavor and a fresh pop of color. Serve hot and enjoy the comforting, nourishing goodness of your Healthy Tuna Noodle Casserole (Pasta Bake) Recipe!

How to Serve Healthy Tuna Noodle Casserole (Pasta Bake) Recipe

A white rectangular baking dish contains three visible layers: the bottom layer is a mix of cooked vegetables including chopped red bell peppers, mushrooms, and greens with a slightly soft texture; the middle layer consists of large, tube-shaped rigatoni pasta pieces, pale yellow and arranged loosely; the top layer is bright red tomato sauce being poured from a clear measuring cup held by a woman's hand at the top right corner. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A simple sprinkle of fresh basil or chopped green onions is more than just decoration here — it lifts the whole casserole by adding brightness and a fresh aroma that perfectly balances the rich, cheesy flavors. For a little extra zing, a light drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving can really elevate the dish.

Side Dishes

This casserole is a hearty main on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette is a delightful way to add crunch and a refreshing contrast. You can also serve it alongside steamed green beans or roasted asparagus for a green, nutritious boost that rounds out the meal beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress guests or just make dinner feel extra special? Portion the casserole into individual ramekins for personalized servings with perfectly crispy tops. Or layer leftovers in glass casserole dishes and let everyone scoop their own helping — it’s fun to see the colorful layers through the sides. Adding a garnish of microgreens or edible flowers can make this humble comfort food feel fancy and fresh.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After your Healthy Tuna Noodle Casserole (Pasta Bake) Recipe cools, transfer leftovers into an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to three days, making it a fantastic option for quick lunches or easy weeknight dinners. The flavors meld even more after resting, so leftovers can be even tastier than the first serving.

Freezing

This casserole freezes wonderfully! Cool it completely before wrapping tightly in foil or transferring to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. This makes it a perfect make-ahead meal for busy days.

Reheating

Reheat your tuna noodle casserole gently in the oven at 350°F to preserve the crispy cheesy top, or microwave portions for a quicker option. To avoid drying out, cover with foil when reheating in the oven and add a splash of water or tomato sauce if needed. You’ll want that comforting, cheesy texture every time.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for this casserole?

Absolutely! While rigatoni works wonderfully for its sturdiness, other short pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or rotini will also hold the sauce perfectly and taste delicious.

Is it necessary to use canned tuna, or can I use fresh tuna?

Canned tuna is preferred for this recipe because it’s easy to drain and mixes well with the sauce. Fresh tuna won’t have the same texture or convenience, but if you like, you could sear small chunks and add them in at the end for a twist.

Can I make this casserole vegetarian?

You can! Simply substitute the tuna with your favorite plant-based protein like chickpeas, white beans, or even sautéed mushrooms for a similarly hearty and satisfying dish.

How spicy is this casserole? Can I add heat?

This recipe is mild and family-friendly, but feel free to add some red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño when sautéing the veggies if you’d like a kick of heat.

What cheese works best if I don’t have cheddar?

Cheddar melts beautifully and adds great flavor, but mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a sharp provolone can be excellent alternatives depending on your taste and what you have on hand.

Final Thoughts

This Healthy Tuna Noodle Casserole (Pasta Bake) Recipe is truly one of those dishes that brings joy from the very first bite. It’s straightforward to make, packed with wholesome ingredients, and endlessly comforting. Whether you’re cooking for family, meal prepping, or craving something warm and satisfying, this recipe ticks all those boxes. Give it a try—you might just find a new favorite to keep in your recipe rotation!