Name: Tomato Tuna Pasta Bake Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 400 g rigatoni pasta; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 onion, chopped; 2 medium bell peppers, cut into 1 cm (1/2 inch) pieces; 3 cloves garlic, crushed; 2 cans (200 g each) tuna; 400 ml tomato passata; 2 tbsp tomato puree; 100 ml milk; 1 tsp ground oregano; 2.5 tsp smoked paprika; 0.5 tsp cayenne pepper; 1 tsp vegetable or chicken stock powder; 2 tsp Worcester sauce (optional); 1 can (200 g) corn; 100 ml single cream; 1 tsp Tabasco sauce (optional); 120 g cheddar cheese, grated; 1 handful breadcrumbs (optional); 2 fresh jalapeños, thinly sliced (optional)

Print Recipe· 4.1 from 4 reviews

There is something incredibly comforting about a warm, cheesy pasta bake that brings everyone to the table with happy smiles. The Tomato Tuna Pasta Bake Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a big, delicious hug on a plate. Combining tender rigatoni pasta with a vibrant tomato sauce, hearty tuna, a touch of spice, and a golden cheesy crust, it’s the perfect crowd-pleaser for weeknights or casual gatherings. It’s simple to make but packed with flavors and textures that keep you coming back for more.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A top-down view of various cooking ingredients neatly arranged on a white marbled surface. At the center left, a pot filled with uncooked, beige tube-shaped pasta. To the right of the pot, two bright red bell peppers sit side by side. Above the peppers are three bottles: a tall red bottle of tomato sauce, a dark bottle of Worcestershire sauce, and a white container of fine sea salt. Below the bell peppers, there is a white bowl filled with shredded cheese, next to a small white bowl of sliced green jalapeño peppers. To the left, there are two open cans, one with tuna and the other with corn kernels. Below these are a white bowl of diced onions and three small white bowls containing yellow powder, red paprika powder, and dried herbs. There are also three garlic cloves on the bottom right, and near the cheese bowl are small white bowls with cream, yogurt, and oil. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe calls for straightforward pantry staples and fresh ingredients that work in harmony to create a beautiful balance of taste, texture, and color. Each component plays a crucial role, from the pasta giving it body to the creamy sauce bringing everything together, ensuring a satisfying meal every time.

400 g rigatoni pasta: A ridged pasta that holds onto the sauce perfectly for every bite.
1 tbsp olive oil: Adds depth and helps soften the vegetables with a rich, fruity base.
1 onion (chopped): Brings sweetness and a mild bite when sautéed.
2 medium bell peppers (cut into 1cm pieces): Adds vibrant color and a subtle crunch.
3 cloves garlic (crushed): Provides aromatic warmth that lifts the whole dish.
2 x 200g cans tuna: The star protein that’s flaky and tender, blending beautifully with the sauce.
400 ml tomato passata: Smooth and rich, forming the luscious tomato base of the sauce.
2 tbsp tomato puree: Concentrated tomato flavor boosting the depth of taste.
100 ml milk: Adds creaminess to balance acidity.
1 tsp ground oregano: A classic herb that brings earthiness and warmth.
2.5 tsp smoked paprika: Infuses a smoky depth and gentle heat.
0.5 tsp cayenne pepper: Adds a subtle kick of spice (optional, but recommended!).
1 tsp vegetable or chicken stock powder: Enhances the overall savoriness.
2 tsp Worcestershire sauce (optional): Provides umami complexity to the sauce.
1 x 200g can corn: Little bursts of sweetness and texture in every mouthful.
100 ml single cream: Makes the sauce luxuriously velvety.
1 tsp Tabasco sauce (optional): For those who love an extra spicy punch.
120 g cheddar cheese (grated): Melts beautifully to create a crispy, golden topping.
1 handful breadcrumbs (optional): Adds a lovely crunchy crust when combined with cheese.
2 fresh jalapenos (optional, thinly sliced): For an extra layer of heat and fresh zing.

How to Make Tomato Tuna Pasta Bake Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. This seasoning step is key because it flavors the pasta itself. Cook the rigatoni according to the package directions until al dente, as it will continue cooking in the oven later. Drain and set aside to keep warm.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil over medium heat in a large frying pan or Dutch oven. Add the chopped onion and bell peppers, cooking gently for about 5 minutes until the onion is translucent and the peppers soften nicely. This forms a fragrant and colorful base for the sauce.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Tuna

Next, toss in the crushed garlic and fry it with the vegetables for another minute to release its aromatic oils. Then, stir in the tuna and cook just long enough to warm it through without breaking it down too much. This keeps nice chunks of tender fish in the final dish.

Step 4: Pour in Tomato Base and Spices

Mix in the tomato passata, tomato puree, and milk for that creamy, rich sauce. Sprinkle in the ground oregano, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and stock powder, stirring everything well. If you want a deeper umami flavor, splash in Worcestershire sauce. Finally, add drained canned corn, and let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes — this allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Step 5: Finish the Sauce and Combine

Stir the cream into the sauce and cook for a couple more minutes until it’s evenly warmed. If you’re a fan of heat, now’s the time to add the Tabasco sauce. Then, combine the sauce with the cooked pasta so every rigatoni is generously coated and bursting with flavor. Spoon this mixture into your baking dish to prepare for the finishing touch.

Step 6: Top and Bake

Sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese evenly over the pasta, adding a handful of breadcrumbs if you like that extra crunch. Scatter thin slices of jalapeno on top for a fresh, spicy contrast if you’re feeling adventurous. Place the dish under a hot grill for about 5 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbling, and just starting to turn golden brown.

How to Serve Tomato Tuna Pasta Bake Recipe

A white rectangular baking dish filled with baked rigatoni pasta arranged in one layer, covered with bubbly, melted golden cheese that has browned spots on top. Thin green jalapeño slices are scattered evenly over the cheese layer, adding a fresh green contrast. The pasta underneath shows a reddish tomato sauce peeking through. The dish rests on a white marbled surface with a white and blue checkered cloth partially visible beneath the dish. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Simple garnishes like fresh parsley or basil can add a pleasant herbal lift and beautiful green contrast to the cheesy, tomato-rich bake. For an extra pop of color and texture, a sprinkle of finely chopped spring onions or a drizzle of good quality olive oil works wonders.

Side Dishes

This pasta bake pairs wonderfully with a crisp mixed green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread on the side is always a hit, adding crunch and a fragrant, buttery element that complements the pasta perfectly. Roasted vegetables or steamed green beans can round out the meal for a more balanced plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve individual portions in small ramekins or mini cast iron pans that brown nicely under the grill for a pretty presentation. Alternatively, layering the bake in a clear casserole dish means you get to admire all those delicious layers through the glass, adding a homey visual appeal to your meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers from your spectacular Tomato Tuna Pasta Bake Recipe, let the dish cool completely before placing it in an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, it will keep well for up to 3 days, making it a convenient option for quick lunches or dinners.

Freezing

This pasta bake freezes beautifully, making it a great meal prep option. After cooling, portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Just be sure to avoid the fresh jalapenos if freezing, as they lose their freshness.

Reheating

To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen, then warm in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 20 minutes or until piping hot throughout. You can also use a microwave, but the oven will keep the bake’s texture delightful, especially the cheesy topping.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta in this tomato tuna pasta bake recipe?

Absolutely! While rigatoni is great for catching the sauce, penne, fusilli, or even macaroni work really well. Just ensure you cook the pasta al dente since it will bake further in the oven.

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

Canned tuna is convenient and works perfectly for this recipe because it flakes easily and absorbs flavors. Fresh tuna would need a different technique to avoid overcooking and doesn’t have the same texture, so canned is recommended here.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?

To make it vegetarian, you could replace the tuna with hearty vegetables like mushrooms or a plant-based protein. For vegan, swap the cream and cheese for dairy-free alternatives and use a vegan Worcestershire sauce or omit it altogether.

How spicy is the dish with the cayenne and jalapenos?

The heat is gentle and can be controlled by adjusting the amount of cayenne and jalapenos or leaving them out altogether. The spices add warmth and depth without overpowering the other flavors.

Can I prepare this dish gluten-free?

Certainly! Just opt for gluten-free pasta and check that your stock powder, Worcestershire sauce, and breadcrumbs are gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy the Tomato Tuna Pasta Bake Recipe without worry.

Final Thoughts

This hearty Tomato Tuna Pasta Bake Recipe is such a joy to make and share. It’s full of flavor, quick to prepare, and brings a wonderful blend of comfort and excitement to your dinner table. Whether you’re cooking for your family, friends, or simply treating yourself, this bake is sure to become one of your go-to favorites. Give it a try and savor every delicious, cheesy bite!