Spicy tuna pasta bake

Looking for something with a bit of a kick? Give this uniquely delicious pasta bake a go next time you’re stuck for ideas. Like all pasta bakes, this recipe is super simple with just 15 minutes preparation time before you pop it in the oven and let it cook to perfection.

In classic Italian style, this dish is rich with flavours and will leave you feeling full and satisfied. If you’re looking to mix in a few other flavours, try mixing pitted black olives through the dish right before it goes in the oven. Delicious!

Ingredients

• 300g penne pasta
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, crushed
• 1 brown onion, finely chopped
• 700g jar tomato passata
• 1 tablespoon dried Italian mixed herbs
• 2 teaspoons white sugar
• 11/2 teaspoons salt
• 1 to 2 teaspoons dried chilli flakes
• 425g can tuna in olive oil, drained, flaked
• 1/2 cup grated mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated tasty cheese

Method

1. Preheat oven to 200C. Cook pasta in saucepan of boiling water until almost tender. Drain well. Return to pan.
2. Meanwhile, heat oil in frying pan over high heat. Cook garlic and onion, stirring, for 3 minutes or until light golden. Add passata, herbs, sugar and salt. Season well with pepper. Add chilli, to taste. Bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low. Simmer for 3 minutes.
3. Pour sauce over pasta in pan. Add tuna. Toss to combine. Transfer mixture to a 12-cup-capacity baking dish. Sprinkle with cheeses.
4. Bake in preheated oven for 25 minutes or until cheese is melted and golden. Serve.