A copycat version of a boxed favorite, this cheesy tuna pasta skillet is on the table in under 30 minutes!

We used to eat those all-in-one boxed meals where you add a meat, a lot during the week. It was a quick meal that the whole family loved. After Kelsie was diagnosed with food allergies we had to change our fast family fixes, because we could no longer have those type of meals. I loved the convenience, and simplicity, since week nights are hectic with homework, kitchen clean-up, and getting everything ready for the next day.

With our meal changes due to the food allergies, I found myself in the kitchen more often, and longer. I realized that I could do better with my time, and decided to recreate our old time boxed favorites. I came up with several copy cat versions of our old favorites. They are still just as fast and simple as cracking open that box. However, now they contain real ingredients that I can feel good about feeding family.

One of our all time favorites used to be a tuna cheddar cheese meal. I had tried to make it before but never could get the flavors just right. They say "if at first you don't succeed try and try again!" Lucky for me, I didn't give up! Your gonna love this version that's packed with taste and chunks of Bumble Bee^® Solid White Albacore in Water that the whole family is going to devour!

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

Yield: 5

Cheesy Tuna Pasta Skillet

Name: Cheesy Tuna Pasta Skillet
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 5
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/3 cup Italian bread crumbs; 2 tablespoons butter melted; 2 cans Bumble Bee® Solid White Albacore in Water drained; 1 pound pasta cooked according to the directions, and drained; 4 tablespoons butter; 2 3/4 cup milk; 1/4 cup flour; 1 cup sharp white cheddar; 1 cup regular sharp cheddar; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan; 1 teaspoon salt; 3/4 teaspoon dry mustard; 1/8 teaspoon pepper; 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1/8 teaspoon onion powder; 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder

A copycat version of a boxed favorite, this cheesy tuna pasta skillet is on the table in under 30 minutes!

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 25 minutes

Ingredients

2 cans Bumble Bee® Solid White Albacore in Water drained
1 pound pasta cooked according to the directions, and drained
4 tablespoons butter
2 ¾ cup milk
¼ cup flour
1 cup sharp white cheddar
1 cup regular sharp cheddar
½ cup grated Parmesan
1 teaspoon salt
¾ teaspoon dry mustard
⅛ teaspoon pepper
⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
⅛ teaspoon onion powder
⅛ teaspoon garlic powder

topping

⅓ cup Italian bread crumbs
2 tablespoons butter melted

Instructions

While the pasta is cooking in salted water, in a medium to large size sauce pan, melt 4 tablespoons butter over medium heat.
When the butter is melted, whisk in your flour, salt, dry mustard, pepper, cayenne, onion and garlic powder.
Continue stirring until thoroughly incorporated.
Slowly whisk in your milk, very small amounts at a time, making sure to keep stirring, you don't want lumps!
Once your milk is incorporated, turn the heat down to low.
Simmer for 8-10 minutes or until sauce has thickened slightly. - Continue stirring constantly.
Once the sauce has thickened slightly (coating the back of a spoon), stir in your cheese.
Pour in your drained pasta, and Bumble Bee® Solid White Albacore in Water.
Stir until everything is thoroughly combined.
Mix together the topping, sprinkle evenly on top; place under broiler until the top is golden brown.
Allow to cool 5 minutes, serve hot!

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 716Total Fat: 44gSaturated Fat: 26gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 14gCholesterol: 125mgSodium: 1342mgCarbohydrates: 48gFiber: 2gSugar: 1gProtein: 31g

Comments

Amanda says

August 30, 2015 at 10:06 pm

My husband loves tuna, this would be a wonderful addition to our meal rotation! Thank you for sharing at Merry Monday!
- Joanna says
  
  August 31, 2015 at 8:49 am
  
  Then this will surely be a family pleaser for y'all! 🙂
Jess says

August 31, 2015 at 11:31 am

This sounds so delicious! I've pinned it! 🙂

Thanks for joining Cooking and Crafting with J & J!
- Joanna says
  
  August 31, 2015 at 1:39 pm
  
  Thanks Jess!!
Lisa @ Fun Money Mom says

August 31, 2015 at 2:50 pm

I love tuna and often just eat it plain with a little bit of relish! However, this recipe looks delicious and I'm sure my family would love it! Visiting from Mama Moments
- Joanna says
  
  August 31, 2015 at 4:21 pm
  
  I love tuna plain as well! On a sandwich or crackers, or just in a bowl, tuna is so versatile!
Glenda Cates says

September 02, 2015 at 7:08 pm

I have never likes Tuna Casserole but I might have to make this for a teachers dinner at my sons school as I think the teachers would enjoy it a lot.
- Joanna says
  
  September 02, 2015 at 8:18 pm
  
  I think that's a great idea!
CJ Huang says

September 04, 2015 at 9:40 am

Looks like a great weeknight meal! Thanks for stopping by and sharing this recipe with us - you're featured this week on Five Friday Finds! I'm looking forward to your recipe this week. 🙂
- Joanna says
  
  September 07, 2015 at 10:09 am
  
  Thank you so much for the feature CJ!
Ping~The Laotian Chic (@masalasomtum) says

September 10, 2015 at 6:35 am

Hi Joanna! I found your recipe @ Julie's Lifestyle blog. This recipe was a hit in my family tonight. The creaminess of the cheeses and a hint of mustard was so good! Thank you for sharing. Cheers from Bangkok!
- Joanna says
  
  September 10, 2015 at 10:27 am
  
  I'm so glad that you and your family enjoyed it!