The Creamiest Cheesy Tuna Mornay Recipe You’ll Ever Make

Crafting a delightful cheesy tuna mornay might sound like a culinary adventure waiting to unfold.

Comfort meets elegance in this classic dish that promises warmth and satisfaction.

Creamy sauce envelops tender chunks of seafood, creating a symphony of flavors.

Ingredients dance together, forming a harmonious blend that speaks to home-cooked goodness.

Pantry staples transform into a luxurious meal that feels both familiar and exciting.

Memories of shared meals and laughter emerge with each spoonful of this hearty creation.

Come join the delicious journey and let your taste buds celebrate this irresistible recipe.

Proper Storage of Tuna Mornay with Cheese

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Store cheesy tuna mornay in the refrigerator for 3-4 days maximum, ensuring food safety and quality.
• Cool the dish completely before transferring to storage containers to prevent condensation and soggy texture.

FAQs

• Is this dish kid-friendly?

Yes, children typically love this creamy, cheesy pasta. The mild tuna and cheese flavors are appealing to most kids, and the soft texture makes it easy to eat.

• Can I use different types of pasta?

Absolutely! While the recipe suggests a specific pasta, you can use penne, shells, or rotini. Just ensure the pasta can hold the creamy sauce well.

• How can I make this recipe healthier?

Use whole wheat pasta, opt for low-fat milk and cheese, and add extra vegetables like spinach or broccoli to boost nutritional value. Choose tuna packed in water instead of oil.

• What if I don't have fresh milk?

No problem. You can substitute with canned evaporated milk or a non-dairy alternative like almond or soy milk. These will still create a creamy sauce with similar consistency.

Tuna Mornay with Cheese: What Sets It Apart

• Craft Comfort Quickly: Transform simple ingredients into a heartwarming meal that satisfies hunger and soothes the soul with minimal kitchen effort.
• Customize with Ease: Adapt the recipe by swapping tuna with chicken, adding different vegetables, or experimenting with cheese varieties to match personal taste preferences.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Create a nutritious one-pot dish packed with protein, vegetables, and cheesy goodness that appeals to both kids and adults, making mealtime a breeze.
• Versatile Dining Solution: Perfect for busy weeknights, potluck gatherings, or casual dinner parties, this recipe delivers delicious results without complex cooking techniques.

Ingredients in Tuna Mornay with Cheese

• Pasta: A hearty base that provides texture and substance to the Cheesy Tuna Mornay.
• Tuna: A protein-rich seafood that adds savory flavor and nutritional value to the dish.
• Cheese: Delivers a creamy, rich taste and contributes to the signature cheesy character of the recipe.

• Butter: Creates a smooth foundation for the sauce and enhances overall richness.
• Milk: Helps create a creamy, velvety sauce with a consistent texture.
• Ground Nutmeg: Provides a subtle, warm spice that complements the cheese sauce.

• Onion, Salt, Pepper: Add depth of flavor and enhance the overall taste profile.
• Flour: Serves as a thickening agent for the sauce.
• Frozen Peas: Introduces a pop of color and sweet, fresh vegetable element.

• Breadcrumbs, Fresh Parsley: Add a crunchy texture and fresh herbal finish to the dish.

How to Make Tuna Mornay with Cheese

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 375F (190C) if you want a golden-topped casserole.

Step 2: Cook The Pasta

Boil your pasta following the package guide until perfectly al dente.

Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté The Aromatics

In a spacious saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.

Toss in chopped onions and cook until they turn soft and translucent.

Step 4: Create A Silky Roux

Sprinkle flour into the buttery onion mix, stirring constantly for 1-2 minutes to build a rich, smooth base.

Step 5: Build The Creamy Sauce

Slowly pour in milk, whisking continuously to prevent any pesky lumps. Keep stirring until the sauce transforms into a velvety consistency.

Step 6: Melt In The Cheese

• Shredded cheese
• Ground nutmeg

Stir until the cheese melts completely and creates a luxurious sauce.

Step 7: Season And Enhance

Season with salt and pepper.

• Tuna chunks
• Frozen peas

Mix thoroughly to distribute flavors evenly.

Step 8: Combine Pasta And Sauce

Pour the creamy sauce over the cooked pasta, stirring to ensure every noodle gets coated in deliciousness.

Step 9: Prepare For Baking

Transfer the mixture to a baking dish. Sprinkle breadcrumbs on top for a satisfying crunch.

Step 10: Bake And Serve

Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until the top turns golden and bubbly. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Tips to Boost Tuna Mornay with Cheese Flavor

• Select high-quality tuna in olive oil for richer flavor and better texture in the dish.
• Choose sharp cheddar or gruyere cheese to enhance the overall cheesy taste and create a more complex profile.
• Control sauce thickness by adjusting milk quantity, ensuring a creamy but not runny consistency for perfect coating.
• Add extra vegetables like spinach or diced bell peppers to boost nutritional value and create more vibrant colors.
• Replace regular pasta with gluten-free or whole wheat options for dietary accommodations without compromising taste.

Flavor Variations That Work with Tuna Mornay with Cheese

• Gluten-Free Tuna Mornay: Replace wheat flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend to make the dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Dairy-Free Seafood Casserole: Swap cow's milk with almond or coconut milk, and use nutritional yeast instead of cheese for a plant-based alternative.
• Protein-Packed Version: Add cooked quinoa or white beans to increase protein content and create a more substantial meal.
• Low-Carb Seafood Bake: Substitute pasta with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles to reduce carbohydrate intake while maintaining the creamy texture.

Side Dishes That Pair Well with Tuna Mornay with Cheese

• Comfort Food Family Night: Gather loved ones around this warm, hearty dish perfect for cozy dinners with its creamy texture and cheesy goodness.
• Quick Weeknight Meal Solution: Prepare this tuna mornay in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal solution for busy families needing a fast, nutritious dinner.
• Lunch Box Champion: Pack leftovers in sealed containers for a delicious next-day lunch that tastes just as wonderful when reheated at work or school.
• Potluck Party Pleaser: Bring this crowd-pleasing casserole to gatherings where friends and family will appreciate its comforting, classic flavors and easy preparation.

Creamy Tuna Mornay Recipe

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4.9 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savory cheesy tuna mornay elevates classic comfort cuisine with Australian coastal charm. Maritime ingredients blend seamlessly, delivering rich flavors you can easily enjoy at home.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 425 grams (15 ounces) canned tuna in spring water, drained

Dairy and Cheese:

• 3 cups milk
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 3 tablespoons butter

Main Ingredients:

• 300 grams (10.5 ounces) pasta (penne or macaroni)
• 1/2 cup frozen peas
• 1/2 onion, finely chopped

Seasonings and Extras:

• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
• Fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 375F (190C) for a golden, crispy finish.
2. Cook pasta according to package guidelines, ensuring al dente texture. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
3. Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat, creating a smooth base for the sauce.
4. Sauté chopped onions until they become translucent and release their aromatic sweetness.
5. Incorporate flour into the butter and onion mixture, whisking constantly to form a smooth roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes to eliminate raw flour taste.
6. Slowly pour in milk, continuously stirring to prevent lumps and create a velvety sauce. Simmer until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
7. Fold in shredded cheese and ground nutmeg, stirring until the cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes silky.
8. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to enhance the overall flavor profile.
9. Gently fold in tuna and frozen peas, distributing them evenly throughout the creamy mixture.
10. Add cooked pasta to the sauce, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated.
11. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, spreading it evenly for consistent cooking.
12. Sprinkle breadcrumbs over the top to create a crisp, golden crust.
13. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the surface turns golden brown and the edges become bubbly.
14. Remove from oven and garnish with fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness before serving.

Notes

• Use high-quality tuna packed in olive oil for richer flavor and better texture.
• Drain pasta slightly before the al dente stage since it will continue cooking in the cheesy sauce.
• Substitute regular milk with lactose-free or plant-based milk for dairy-sensitive diets.
• For a gluten-free version, replace wheat flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free breadcrumbs on top.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 410 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 380 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg