Island-Style Tuna Pasta Mornay

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• A budget-friendly family meal that stretches simple ingredients.
• Creamy, cheesy, and hearty—comfort food at its best.
• The addition of island-inspired flavors makes it stand out from the traditional version.
• Easy to make ahead and bake when ready.
• Leftovers reheat beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Short pasta (penne, macaroni, or shells)
• Canned tuna, drained
• Onion, finely chopped
• Garlic, minced
• Butter
• All-purpose flour
• Milk
• Grated cheddar cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Sweet corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
• Bell pepper or capsicum, diced
• Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped
• Salt and pepper
• Breadcrumbs (for topping)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a medium baking dish.
2. Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, cooking until softened.
4. Stir in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to form a roux.
5. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth. Simmer until thickened.
6. Stir in cheddar and Parmesan cheese until melted into a creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper.
7. Fold in tuna, corn, and bell pepper. Stir gently to combine.
8. Add cooked pasta and mix until well coated.
9. Pour into prepared baking dish. Top with extra cheese and breadcrumbs.
10. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until golden and bubbly.
11. Garnish with parsley or green onions before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 6 servings. Prep time is 20 minutes, baking time is 25 minutes, for a total of 45 minutes.

Variations

• Add a touch of curry powder or paprika to the sauce for a warm island-style spice.
• Mix in pineapple tidbits for a subtle sweet-savory balance.
• Use coconut milk for part of the liquid to give a tropical flair.
• Swap tuna for canned salmon or shredded chicken.
• Make it extra cheesy with mozzarella or Gruyère in the topping.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave for individual servings, or cover with foil and warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through. This dish also freezes well—wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

FAQs

What makes this version “island-style”?

It often includes sweet corn, bell peppers, or mild spices that give it a brighter, tropical feel compared to the traditional Mornay.

Can I use canned salmon instead of tuna?

Yes, salmon works well as a substitute.

Do I need to pre-cook the pasta?

Yes, the pasta should be cooked to al dente before mixing with the sauce.

Can I use evaporated milk instead of regular milk?

Yes, it gives the sauce a richer, slightly sweeter flavor.

What’s the best cheese for Mornay sauce?

Cheddar is classic, but Parmesan, Gruyère, or mozzarella can be used for different flavors.

Can I make this without baking?

Yes, you can serve it straight from the stovetop as a creamy tuna pasta, though baking adds a golden crust.

How can I make it healthier?

Use whole wheat pasta, low-fat milk, and reduced-fat cheese. Add extra vegetables like spinach or zucchini.

Can I prepare it ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the casserole up to a day ahead, refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve.

Will coconut milk change the flavor?

Yes, it adds a mild tropical flavor that pairs surprisingly well with tuna.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, this dish freezes well for up to 2 months. Just thaw before reheating.

Conclusion

Island-Style Tuna Pasta Mornay takes a beloved classic and gives it a flavorful twist with bright, tropical-inspired ingredients. Creamy, cheesy, and satisfying, it’s a versatile dish that works for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep. Whether you enjoy it with a hint of spice, a touch of sweetness, or extra veggies, this comforting casserole is sure to become a go-to favorite.

Island-Style Tuna Pasta Mornay

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Island-Style Tuna Pasta Mornay is a creamy baked pasta dish made with tender pasta, flaky tuna, and a cheesy white sauce enriched with tropical-inspired ingredients like sweet corn and bell pepper. It’s hearty, comforting, and perfect for family dinners or meal prep.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Island-Inspired

Ingredients

1. 12 oz short pasta (penne, macaroni, or shells)
2. 2 cans tuna, drained
3. 1 small onion, finely chopped
4. 2 garlic cloves, minced
5. 3 tbsp butter
6. 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
7. 2 1/2 cups milk
8. 1 1/2 cups grated cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
9. 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
10. 1 cup sweet corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
11. 1/2 cup diced bell pepper or capsicum
12. 1/4 cup fresh parsley or green onions, chopped
13. Salt and pepper, to taste
14. 1/3 cup breadcrumbs (for topping)
15. Nonstick spray or butter for greasing baking dish

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a medium baking dish.

1. Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes.
3. Stir in flour to form a roux and cook for 1–2 minutes.
4. Gradually whisk in milk, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
5. Reduce heat and stir in cheddar and Parmesan cheese until melted. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Fold in tuna, sweet corn, and bell pepper.
7. Add the cooked pasta and stir until evenly coated in the sauce.
8. Transfer mixture to prepared baking dish. Top with additional cheese and breadcrumbs.
9. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden and bubbly.
10. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions before serving.

Notes

1. Add a pinch of curry powder or paprika for a warm, spiced flavor.
2. Substitute part of the milk with coconut milk for a tropical twist.
3. Use canned salmon or shredded chicken as a variation.
4. This dish freezes well—wrap tightly and store for up to 2 months.
5. Make it ahead and refrigerate overnight before baking.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 portion
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 620mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 11g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 29g
• Cholesterol: 75mg