Cheesy Tuna Pasta Bake
Cheesy Tuna Pasta Bake is a comforting, oven-baked casserole that combines cooked pasta, canned tuna, and a creamy cheese sauce, often with vegetables like peas or corn mixed in. It's a popular and convenient home-cooked meal, particularly in Western countries like the UK, Australia, and the United States, where it's valued for being hearty and easy to prepare.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is typically high in carbohydrates from the pasta and protein from the tuna and cheese, with a significant amount of fat from the cheese sauce. A standard serving provides a good source of energy, calcium, and omega-3 fatty acids, with a calorie count roughly in the range of 400-600 calories per portion, depending on the recipe.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 480 kcal |
| Protein | 28 g |
| Carbs | 45 g |
| Fat | 20 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 5 g |
| Sodium | 850 mg |
| Calcium | 300 mg |
| Iron | 2.5 mg |
| Potassium | 400 mg |
| Vitamin A | 150 mcg |
| Vitamin C | 8 mg |
| Vitamin B12 | 2.5 mcg |
| Phosphorus | 350 mg |
| Selenium | 60 mcg |
Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, it's a classic example of 'comfort food' and a staple of home cooking that showcases the practical use of pantry staples like canned tuna. Nutritionally, it's interesting because it can be a balanced one-pot meal, offering protein, carbs, and fats, and is often adapted to include hidden vegetables, making it a versatile option for families.
