Italian Tuna Casserole Recipe

Name: Italian Tuna Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 (10 ounce) box frozen chopped spinach; salt; 1 lb shell pasta (medium or large, with ridges); 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil; 2 tablespoons butter, cut into pieces; 1 medium onion, finely chopped; 5 garlic cloves, minced; 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup dry white wine; 1 cup chicken broth; 2 cups milk; 1/4 teaspoon grated fresh nutmeg; 1 teaspoon hot sauce; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; black pepper; 2 (6 ounce) cans white tuna in vegetable oil, drained; 1 cup grated parmigiano-reggiano cheese; 2 -3 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

Servings: persons

1 (10 ounce) box frozen chopped spinach
salt
1 lb shell pasta (medium or large, with ridges)
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons butter, cut into pieces
1 medium onion, finely chopped
5 garlic cloves, minced
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 cup dry white wine
1 cup chicken broth
2 cups milk
1/4 teaspoon grated fresh nutmeg
1 teaspoon hot sauce
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
black pepper
2 (6 ounce) cans white tuna in vegetable oil, drained
1 cup grated parmigiano-reggiano cheese
2 -3 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

1
Place spinach on a plate and microwave it for 6 minutes on HIGH to defrost it; place it in a clean kitchen towel and wring it dry; set aside.
2
While the spinach is defrosting, get a big pot of water on the stove; bring to a boil; then salt the water liberally and cook the shells to al dente.
3
While the pasta cooks, heat a deep large skillet over medium heat.
4
Add in the olive oil, then melt the butter into the oil.
5
When the butter melts, add in the onions and garlic; cook 4-5 minutes until tender.
6
Sprinkle the flour around the pan and cook for a minute, then whisk in the wine-it will cook off and the mixture will thicken almost immediately.
7
Whisk in the stock, then whisk in the milk and bring it to a bubble.
8
Reduce heat slightly; season the sauce with nutmeg, hot sauce, and mustard; season with salt and pepper to taste.
9
Simmer 2-3 minutes to thicken; then add in the spinach, separating it as you add it to the sauce.
10
Preheat the broiler.
11
Back to the sauce, add in the tuna, flaking it as you go; then stir to combine.
12
Heat the spinach and tuna for a minute or so.
13
Drain the pasta and toss with the sauce.
14
Transfer mixture to a casserole dish; cover it with the cheese.
15
Place the casserole under the broiler for 2 minutes to brown the edges and the cheese.
16
Top with parsley and serve.

1493

kcal

Calories

Fat

146

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Use a neutral oil or a plant-based spread in place of butter for a dairy-free version.
A good 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works well if you need a gluten-free version.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 18 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 1 (10 ounce) box frozen chopped spinach, salt, 1 lb shell pasta (medium or large, with ridges), 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, and more.

Yes, Italian Tuna Casserole falls under the Seafood category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Italian Tuna Casserole

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions