Sriracha Mac ‘n Cheese Tuna Bake

Comfort food at its best, this tuna-infused cheesy pasta casserole is sure to hit the spot on a cold evening!

I love that casseroles feed a crowd, or at least my little family for a few nights in a row.  🙂  It means I can get away with not cooking every night of the week, which in turn means fewer dishes to do.  It’s a win in a big way.

And, it’s pretty easy on the eyes too.

I can totally get behind a warm, hearty meal like this during the long winter months.  Add in cheese, pasta, and tuna, and I’m completely sold!We’ve been experiencing below freezing temps here for the last few months off and on.  So I’ve been staying indoors as much as possible.  And, do you know what the warmest place in the house is?  Right next to the oven, as long as it’s on!  So, needless to say, I bake and cook a lot! My family doesn’t want spring to arrive!  Ha ha!

I grew up eating tuna sandwiches for lunch, you know, in lieu of the traditional kid pb&j.  My siblings and I would enjoy it on toasted wheat bread with a side stalk of green onion while my mom read us our favorite books around the table.  It couldn’t be beat.  Now I find myself getting all nostalgic and wanting to bring those flavors of my childhood back to life in new ways for my own family.

This casserole brings back all those warm, fuzzy memories in a delicious, unique way.

I had no idea as a child when I was eating those sandwiches that tuna is super nutrient-rich, as it’s loaded with lean protein, includes healthy fat and vitamins and minerals.  But now, as a mother wanting to give my kids the very best at the dinner table, I completely appreciate it.

Bumble Bee® Solid White Albacore is the perfect way to incorporate all those nutritious benefits into a delightful meal for the whole family to enjoy.  And I know I can count on quality in every can with a firm texture, light color and fresh taste.

Visit this site for more mouth-watering recipes and discover for yourself why Only Bumble Bee Albacore Will Do™.

{SRIRACHA MAC ‘N CHEESE BAKE}3 Tbsp. butter
3 Tbsp. flour
1 c. milk (at least 2% fat)
1/2 cup chicken broth
2 c. pepper jack cheese, shredded and divided
3 c. elbow macaroni noodles, cooked according to pkg. directions and drained
Pinch of salt
1 tsp. sriracha sauce
1 can (5 oz.) Bumble Bee® Solid White Albacore, drainedTopping:
1/2 c. bread crumbs
1/4 c. grated parmesan
1/2 tsp. dried parsley
Fresh parsley for garnish, optional

In a large skillet over the stovetop on medium heat melt butter.  Whisk in flour until smooth.  Whisk in milk and chicken broth.  Turn heat to medium-high and stir while allowing mixture to get bubbly and thick.  Stir in 1 1/2 cups shredded pepper jack cheese and sriracha sauce until smooth.  Stir in drained macaroni noodles and Bumble Bee® Solid White Albacore.  Pour into an 8″x8″ casserole dish that’s been lightly sprayed with nonstick cooking spray.

Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup pepper jack cheese evenly over the top.

Prepare topping by combining bread crumbs, parmesan and dried parsley.  Sprinkle on top of casserole.  Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 to 30 minutes, or until completely warmed through.  Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.  Drizzle each portion with additional sriracha if desired.

This dish is so hearty and satisfying.  I love cold winter nights for this very reason!  I can bundle up, gather ’round the table with my family and enjoy great conversations about our day over a meal that will warm me from the inside out.