Supercharged Tuna Mornay You’ll Crave Tonight
Hey friend, ready to turn your usual tuna into something spectacular? This Supercharged Tuna Mornay is like a cozy, creamy hug on a plate — think silky cheese sauce, tender tuna flakes, and that irresistible golden crust that makes you want to dive right in. Imagine the warm aroma of bubbling cheese mingling with savory tuna, teasing your taste buds before your first bite. Trust me, you’re going to love this one — it’s a total game-changer for weeknight dinners or any time you want comfort food with a bit of flair. Simple to whip up but fancy enough to impress, this recipe will have you coming back for seconds (and maybe thirds). Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love Supercharged Tuna Mornay
This isn’t just a creamy casserole — it’s your new kitchen hero. Here’s why this dish shines:
Versatile: Whether you’re throwing together a quick solo dinner or feeding a crowd, it fits the bill perfectly. Imagine coming home tired but still creating something special with minimal effort.
Budget-Friendly: Made with pantry staples and affordable ingredients, it’s proof that amazing flavors don’t need a fancy shopping list.
Quick and Easy: No complicated steps here — just straightforward cooking that anyone can follow, even if you’re not a seasoned chef.
Customizable: Add a pinch of spice or swap cheeses to make it your own. Like it mild? Dial it down for the kids. Want to spice things up? Go for it!
Crowd-Pleasing: Kids, adults, picky eaters — everyone loves it. It’s that comforting, cheesy dish that disappears fast.

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Ingredients in Supercharged Tuna Mornay
This dish is all about simplicity and flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:
Tuna: Canned or fresh, flaked and ready to bring the star protein to your dish.
Cheese: A combo of melty, flavorful cheeses that create that luscious mornay sauce.
Milk and Butter: The creamy base for the sauce that ties everything together.
Flour: For thickening the sauce to just the right consistency.
Onion and Garlic: Aromatics that add depth and warmth.
Mustard and Seasonings: For that subtle tang and perfect seasoning balance.
Breadcrumbs: To top it off with a satisfying crunch.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions for Supercharged Tuna Mornay
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready to give your dish that golden, bubbly finish.
Make the Mornay Sauce
In a saucepan, melt butter, then add finely chopped onion and garlic. Stir in flour and cook until bubbly. Slowly whisk in milk until thick and smooth. Stir in your cheese until melted and silky. Add mustard, salt, and pepper to taste.
Combine Tuna and Sauce
Gently fold in the flaked tuna into the sauce, making sure it’s evenly coated with that creamy goodness.
Assemble the Dish
Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle breadcrumbs and extra cheese on top for that irresistible crust.
Bake to Perfection
Bake for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly. Keep an eye on it—this is where the magic happens!
Serve and Enjoy
Let it cool for a few minutes, then serve warm. Pair with a crisp salad or steamed veggies for a complete meal
How to Serve Supercharged Tuna Mornay
This dish loves company on the plate! Try it with:
Fresh green salads with zesty vinaigrette to cut through the richness
Warm, crusty bread perfect for mopping up every last bit
Steamed or roasted vegetables for a colorful, nutritious side
A light squeeze of lemon juice on top to brighten the flavors
Additional Tips
Prep ahead by shredding cheese and chopping onions the day before.
If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika to the sauce.
Make it gluten-free by using gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.
Leftovers? Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven.
Double the recipe for a crowd or to freeze for busy nights.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use fresh tuna instead of canned?
A1: Absolutely! Just cook and flake it before mixing into the sauce.
Q2: Can I make this dish dairy-free?
A2: Yes, swap out dairy milk for plant-based milk and use dairy-free cheese alternatives.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Q4: Can I freeze Supercharged Tuna Mornay?
A4: Yes! Freeze in a suitable container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat in the oven.
Q5: What’s the best cheese to use?
A5: A mix of sharp cheddar and creamy mozzarella works wonders, but feel free to experiment.
Q6: Is this recipe kid-friendly?
A6: Definitely! You can adjust seasoning to keep it mild for little ones.
Q7: Can I add vegetables?
A7: Yes! Peas, spinach, or diced bell peppers make great additions.
Q8: What side dishes pair well?
A8: Try mashed potatoes, steamed green beans, or a fresh garden salad.
Q9: Can I prepare this ahead of time?
A9: Yes, assemble it, cover, and refrigerate before baking when ready.
Q10: What cookware is best?
A10: A medium-sized ceramic or glass baking dish helps with even cooking.
Conclusion
So, there it is — your new go-to recipe that’s creamy, comforting, and seriously delicious. Supercharged Tuna Mornay takes a simple pantry staple and turns it into a crowd-pleaser with minimal effort. Whether you’re feeding yourself or a hungry group, this dish has you covered. Go on, give it a try — trust me, it’s going to become one of your favorites!
Print
Supercharged Tuna Mornay You’ll Crave Tonight
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking, Stovetop
- Cuisine: Comfort Food
Description
This Supercharged Tuna Mornay takes a classic creamy tuna pasta bake to the next level with bright lemon zing, fresh spinach, sweet peas, and a golden, crispy panko topping. It’s a comforting, protein-packed dish perfect for family dinners or meal prep that feels both indulgent and wholesome. Trust me, the rich cheese sauce with tender tuna and veggies will quickly become your go-to comfort food!
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 500 g (1 lb 2 oz) conchiglioni or preferred pasta
- 100 g (3½ oz) unsalted butter
- 2 tsp freshly grated garlic
- ⅓ cup (50 g) all-purpose flour
- 3½ cups (875 ml) whole milk
- 2 cups (90 g) baby spinach
- 1 cup (155 g) frozen peas
- 425 g (15 oz) canned tuna in olive oil, drained
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon (about 3 tbsp juice)
- 1 cup (125 g) grated cheddar or similar cheese
- ½ cup (50 g) finely grated parmesan
- 1½ tsp sea salt flakes
- ¼ tsp cracked black pepper
Panko Topping
- ½ cup (60 g) grated cheddar
- ¼ cup (25 g) finely grated parmesan
- 1 cup (60 g) panko breadcrumbs
- Olive oil spray or 1–2 tbsp olive oil for drizzling
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Stir in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth and thickened.
- Add spinach and peas, cooking until wilted and tender.
- Stir in tuna, lemon zest and juice, cheddar, parmesan, salt, and pepper. Mix until cheese is melted and sauce is creamy.
- Combine cooked pasta with the sauce, then pour into a large baking dish.
- In a bowl, mix panko, cheddar, and parmesan. Sprinkle evenly over the pasta.
- Spray or drizzle with olive oil.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes, or until golden and bubbly. Let rest briefly before serving.
Notes
- Use high-quality canned tuna packed in olive oil for the best flavor and texture.
- Feel free to swap conchiglioni for penne, rigatoni, or shells.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg to the sauce for extra warmth and depth.
- For a crispier topping, broil for 1-2 minutes after baking—watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Leftovers reheat well and make great lunches.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 90mg