Crunchy Tuna Pasta Skillet

Crunchy Tuna Pasta Skillet is a delightful, easy-to-make dish that brings the richness of tuna and the comforting essence of pasta together in a single skillet. This dish features perfectly cooked pasta tossed with flaky tuna, a variety of vegetables like peas or diced carrots for a touch of sweetness and color, and often a creamy sauce that envelops every bite with savory goodness. The highlight of the dish is its crunchy topping, typically achieved by sprinkling breadcrumbs or crushed potato chips over the top and then briefly broiled to achieve a golden, crispy finish. This not only adds an appealing texture contrast but also enhances the flavors of the tuna and pasta below. Ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual dining occasion, this skillet meal is both fulfilling and flavorful, catering to those who appreciate a dish that's simple to prepare but rich in taste.

Serves 6-7 people

Ingredients:

• 1 lb box centelli pasta or 4 1/2 cups

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 shallots, diced

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 3 ½ cups half and half

• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard

• 8 ounces shredded sharp white cheddar cheese, about 2 cups

• 3 ounces cream cheese

• 3 (5-ounce) cans tuna in water, drained

• 1 cup frozen green peas, rinsed

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp onion powder

• 1 tbsp italian seasoning

• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives

Crunchy Topping:

• ⅓ cup Panko (italian blend)

• ⅓ cup freshly grated Parmesan

• 2 tablespoon melted butter

Directions:

1. In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta according to package instructions; drain well.

2. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

3. Melt butter in a dutch oven or large cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and shallots, and cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant, about 2 minutes.

4. Whisk in flour until lightly browned, about 1 minute.

5. Stir in half and half and Dijon until slightly thickened, about 4-5 minutes.

6. Add italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Stir until combined.

7. Remove from heat. Stir in cheddar cheese and cream cheese until smooth, about 2 minutes.

8. Stir in pasta, tuna and green peas until well combined; taste again for salt or pepper and add if needed; sprinkle with Panko mixture.****

9. Place into oven and bake until golden brown and bubbly. about 25-30 minutes.

10. Serve immediately, garnished with chives and more parmesan cheese if desired.

**For crunchy topping, melt butter then add panko and parmesan. Mix until combined.