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Tuna Melt Mac ‘n’ Cheese

A shot of a cheesy tuna macaroni and cheese
Food Network
Prep Time
20 min
Cook Time
40 min
Yields
6 servings

Mac and cheese doesn’t have to be from a box. This delicious dish uses canned tuna for a heartier pasta dinner.

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ingredients

Salt
1
lb(s) hollow cavatappi or elbow with lines, or macaroni with lines
3
Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
12
oz line-caught canned tuna, drained
½
cup finely chopped, red onion
½
cup ½ cup finely chopped fresh herbs, such as dill, parsley and tarragon
½
cup finely chopped red onion or scallions, whites and greens
2
Tbsp Dijon mustard
1-2
celery, finely chopped
1
lemon, juiced
Freshly ground black pepper
1
stick butter
3
Tbsp flour
2 ½
cups whole milk
2
cups white cheddar or Gruyère, grated
1 ½
cups homemade breadcrumbs
½
cup Parmesan cheese, grated
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directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of water to boil for the pasta. Salt the water and cook the pasta to less than al dente, 5 to 6 minutes. Drain and drizzle with a touch of oil to keep the pasta loose.

Step 2

In a large bowl, flake the tuna and add the herbs (reserving a tablespoon or 2 for breadcrumbs), onions, mustard, celery, lemon juice, extra-virgin olive oil and some salt and pepper. Add the pasta and combine well. Transfer to a baking dish or large casserole dish.

Step 3

In a medium saucepot, melt 4 tablespoons of butter. Whisk in the flour and cook 1 minute. Then whisk in the milk and season with salt and pepper, thicken to coat the back of a spoon. Stir in the Cheddar in a figure-eight motion. Pour the sauce evenly over the pasta and tuna. Gently combine with a spoon to settle the sauce. Cool and store for a make-ahead meal.

Step 4

Melt the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter in a small pan and add the breadcrumbs and reserved herbs, toss to evenly distribute the butter, remove from heat and transfer to airtight container.

Step 5

To prepare, preheat the oven to 400ºF and bring the casserole to room temperature. Top the casserole with breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese. Bake until golden and hot through.

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