Baked Tuna and Pasta with Herb-Infused Cheese

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A comforting casserole of flaked tuna and pasta baked in a creamy herb-infused cheese sauce, creating a satisfying weeknight meal. This american-inspired pasta ready in about 40 minutes pairs elbow macaroni, drained tuna in water, shredded cheddar cheese for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Step 2: Cook 8 oz elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Melt 1 tbsp butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
  4. Step 4: Whisk in 1/4 cup milk, 1 tbsp all-purpose flour, 1/2 tsp dried thyme, 1/4 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until thickened, about 3-4 minutes.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese until melted, then add drained macaroni and 5 oz drained tuna, mixing until combined.
  6. Step 6: Transfer mixture to a greased baking dish and top with 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese.
  7. Step 7: Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Baked Tuna and Pasta with Herb-Infused Cheese take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (10 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Baked Tuna and Pasta with Herb-Infused Cheese?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep elbow macaroni from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Baked Tuna and Pasta with Herb-Infused Cheese?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Baked Tuna and Pasta with Herb-Infused Cheese for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Baked Tuna and Pasta with Herb-Infused Cheese?

American pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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