Ingredients
Scale
- 350g / 12oz penne pasta (or other short pasta)
- 40g / 3 tbsp butter
- 3 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 4 tbsp (50g) plain/all-purpose flour
- 4 cups (1 litre) milk (any fat %, dairy or non-dairy)
- 2 tsp vegetable or chicken stock powder (like Vegeta or bouillon)
- 1/2 cup (50g) parmesan, finely shredded
- 1/2 tsp each mustard powder, onion powder, and garlic powder
- 425g / 15 oz canned tuna, preferably in oil, drained
- 400g / 14 oz canned corn, drained (or substitute with peas or other vegetables)
Crunchy Topping
- 25g / 1.5 tbsp butter, melted
- 1/2 cup (60g) panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup (25g) parmesan, finely grated
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Chives or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Crunchy Topping
- In a small bowl, mix together the panko breadcrumbs, grated parmesan, melted butter, and salt. Set aside.
2. Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook pasta according to package directions, reducing the cooking time by 1 minute so it’s just under al dente.
- Drain and return to the pot.
3. Make the White Sauce
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Gradually whisk in about one-third of the milk, ensuring the mixture is smooth before adding the rest.
- Add the stock powder, mustard powder, onion powder, and garlic powder. Whisk to combine.
- Continue to cook, whisking constantly, until the sauce thickens (about 4–5 minutes). You should be able to draw a path on the back of a spoon.
- Remove from heat and stir in the parmesan cheese.
4. Assemble the Tuna Mornay
- Flake the tuna into large chunks with a fork (don’t over-mix to avoid mushiness).
- Add the tuna and corn to the pot with the drained pasta.
- Pour the white sauce over the pasta mixture and gently stir to combine.
5. Bake
- Preheat oven to 180°C/350°F.
- Transfer the mixture to a large baking dish.
- Sprinkle the prepared crunchy topping evenly over the surface.
- Bake for 25 minutes, until the top is golden and the edges are bubbling.
- Garnish with chives or parsley if desired.
6. Serve
- Let the tuna mornay sit for a few minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Serve hot with a crisp salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- Stock Powder: Vegeta is a popular vegetable stock powder in Australia, but any chicken or vegetable bouillon works well.
- Vegetable Add-ins: Swap corn for peas, or add cooked carrots, broccoli, or spinach for extra nutrition.
- Tuna: Tuna in oil provides the best flavor, but spring water or brine is fine.
- Make Ahead: Prepare up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze. Add a splash of milk when reheating to keep it creamy.
- Leftovers: Store in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven.
- Crunchy Topping Variations: Try crushed cornflakes, crispy fried onions, or even potato chips for a twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Australian, Western
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 659 kcal
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 1374mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 82g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 41g
- Cholesterol: 73mg
Keywords: Tuna Mornay Recipe