Saturday, September 6, 2008

Tuna and Pasta Bake

As I said in my last post, mid-week we had a lot of rain and our temps cooled tremendously, so I got the opportunity to make some soup. I had seen this recipe for Tomato and Basil Soup http://cookingdunkinstyle.blogspot.com/2008/09/tomato-basil-soup.html on Cheryl’s blog at: http://cookingdunkinstyle.blogspot.com and wanted to try it.

We still had loads of fresh heirloom tomatoes from our garden and tons of fresh basil so here was the perfect opportunity. I have to say this soup was absolutely delicious. The only changes I made to her original recipe are, I didn’t add any salt, as I don’t use salt in my cooking, I added a green pepper as well as the red, and I very naughtily doubled the amount of cream. This recipe is a definite keeper, and I’m sure I’ll be making plenty more over the fall and winter. Thanks a lot Cheryl.

Now I have a favor to ask of y’all. It’s my birthday mid-month (don’t even ask!), and I’d like hubby to get me a new cookbook for my presi, so I’m looking for some recommendations. I just want something that has great everyday recipes, nothing fancy or gourmet. Can you help me out?

Anyway, enough of that birthday humbug, back to the recipe. On Thursday, as it was still cold, and as I didn’t plan to make my pilgrimage to the store until Friday, I made this old store cupboard stand-by.

Tuna and Pasta Bake




Ingredients:

8 ounces tri-colored rotelle, or rotini pasta
1 jar of Alfredo sauce
1 12-ounce can albacore tuna
6 fresh mushrooms, sliced
1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
Fresh ground black pepper, to taste
1½ cups sharp cheddar, shredded, or sufficient to cover the top of your baking dish.

Directions:
  • Pre-heat oven to 350°F
  • Add pasta to a pan of boiling water and boil gently for 5 minutes, drain.
  • While pasta drains, in a medium saucepan, heat Alfredo sauce, tuna, mushrooms, basil, and black pepper over a low heat until sauce bubbles gently.
  • Add pasta and combine.
  • Pour mixture into an 11 x 8½ -inch baking dish, top with cheese, and bake in the oven for 30-35 minutes or until the cheese gets a bit crusty looking.



12 comments:

Lakeland Jo said...

I would love to try the pasta bake but as my boys don't eat cheese ( I know- madness) and my mum doesn't eat wheat, and all my friends are horribly calorie conscious, I don't know who I would eat it with. Maybe I could eat the whole thing myself- that works!
Thanks for tomato and basil soup recipe: now that is something my son will eat by the bucket load!

Paula said...

Just this afternoon, I was thinking that a tuna and pasta casserole would be so good. And look-y here! You've created a wonderful dish that I can try right away!

I'll have to think about a cookbook recommendation. I have a "thing" about cookbooks, and love them all. One book that has great recipes is called "The big book of easy suppers" by Maryana Vollstedt. The recipes are excellent, and I've yet to cook a dud out of it. The biggest drawback is that it doesn't have photos. That doesn't bother me a bit, but if you prefer pics, it won't work. Hmmm ... I'll think some more.

By the way, my twins turn 13 tomorrow (gulp!), and my birthday is at the end of the month!

Raquel said...

Hmmmm. . . . will have to do a bit of thinking on the cookbook, although I do like Country Cooking by the TOH group, very nice. Hot tuna is one of the few things I have no taste for, but yours looks good. Happy birthday early, mine is mid-month next month! Much love, Raquel XO

Beth (jamandcream) said...

Tuna pasta bake is a favourite in our house. Ive just pre-ordered Nigella Christmas (out in October) and a book by the Irish Cook Rachell Allen called - 'Bake - from cookies to casseroles'.

Jennifer said...

Thanks for the mention and I am so glad you enjoyed the soup! I have been thinking about making tuna casserole and that looks amazing!

Pam said...

Rich and delicious. I haven't had a tuna bake since I was a kid. I really love the Ina Garten cookbooks - she has delicous recipes and great pictures. Happy early birthday!

DeniseinVA said...

Hi Janet, I have enjoyed your cooking blog. This sounds delicious. Can't wait to try it.

Emily said...

Happy early birthday! I'm sure I'll tell you again when it gets closer. Um, I'm not sure about the cookbook. I checked out this one out from Everyday Food, the magazine from Martha Stewart, and it has really good, easy seasonal recipes.

http://www.amazon.com/Everyday-Food-Great-Fast/dp/0307354164

Wait - why don't you use salt? I eat salt by the palmful. ;)

Pam said...

It looks yummy, but I can't do tuna to save my life. But I do love a casserole with cheese on top.

Jan said...

Jo, Hi, this is definitely not a recipe for the calorie conscious.

Paula, thanks, and for the recommendation.

Raquel, thanks for the comment even if you don't like cooked tuna.
Thanks also for the recommendation.

Beth, thanks for the comment and the recommendations.

Cheryl, it was the least I could do after that delicious soup.

Pam, thanks for the recommendation, I'm going to be hard pressed to choose something now. Thanks also for the early birthday greeting.

Denise, thank you for popping in, I hope you'll drop by again.

Em, thanks for the birthday greeting and for the recommendation. I'll post about the salt thing sometime.

Pam, thanks. I love cheese too.

Dazy said...

I'm planning to make this tomorrow. I think I'll try to shoot it, but I don't think it will be as pretty as your picture!

Jan said...

I hope you enjoyed it, Dazy. My hubby calls it one of his all-time favourite dinners. And it's so easy - always a winner.