There's nothing quite like the comforting aroma of a warm, bubbling Cheesy Tuna Mornay fresh from the oven. This creamy, savory dish is the perfect blend of tender pasta, delicate tuna, and a luscious, cheesy sauce that promises to satisfy the whole family.

I first discovered this recipe on a chilly weeknight when the pantry was nearly bare. With just a few staples, I pulled together a meal that’s now a go-to in our house, requested time and time again. Let me take you through how to make this incredibly satisfying dinner.

Why You'll Love This Cheesy Tuna Mornay

Get ready to fall in love with a classic dish that’s not only simple to make but incredibly versatile and comforting.

First off, this Cheesy Tuna Mornay is a weeknight hero. It comes together in just 40 minutes, making it perfect for when you need a warm, hearty meal on the table in a snap. The creamy, cheesy sauce is quick to whip up, yet tastes like something that’s been slow-cooked for hours.

The ingredients are pantry staples that are both affordable and accessible. You’ll find that you can make a satisfying meal without running to the grocery store for anything fancy. It’s a budget-friendly delight that feeds the whole family.

Even picky eaters will be won over. The sauce envelops tender pasta and flaky tuna, creating a flavor profile that kids and adults adore. You can even sneak in some vegetables without complaints, thanks to the ultra-creamy, cheesy goodness.

Plus, the dish is endlessly customizable. Whether you’re adding extra veggies or using different types of cheese, there’s plenty of room to get creative. Trust me, once you’ve tried it, you’ll be thinking of new variations to make this Mornay your own.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this Cheesy Tuna Mornay is in its simple yet impactful ingredients. Each element contributes to the dish’s comforting, full-bodied flavor.

The pasta is the foundation, and I recommend using fusilli or elbow macaroni. Their shapes trap the creamy sauce perfectly, ensuring each bite is packed with flavor. If you don’t have these, any short pasta shape will do.

Canned tuna in spring water or olive oil is ideal here. It adds a lovely, mild seafood flavor that pairs perfectly with the cheese sauce. Make sure to drain the tuna well before adding it in to avoid any extra liquid in your dish.

The cheese is what makes this dish irresistibly good. I use a combination of sharp cheddar and mozzarella. The cheddar adds bold, tangy flavor, while the mozzarella provides that stretchy, melty quality. For an extra punch, you can sprinkle a little grated Parmesan on top.

Milk forms the base of our béchamel sauce. Full-fat milk yields the creamiest result, but you can use reduced-fat if you prefer. To keep the sauce from being too heavy, the recipe balances the milk with chicken broth, adding depth of flavor.

A touch of butter and all-purpose flour creates the roux, which thickens the sauce beautifully. Whisking the roux until it's a light golden color gives the sauce a subtle nutty flavor.

No special equipment is needed for this recipe, just a saucepan, a baking dish, and a trusty wooden spoon.

How To Make This Cheesy Tuna Mornay

Making this delicious Cheesy Tuna Mornay is easier than you’d think, and I’ll guide you through every step.

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) while you prepare the sauce.

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Once the butter is melted and begins to bubble, add 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour. Whisk continuously for about 2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste. The roux should be smooth and light golden in color.

Gradually whisk in 2 cups of milk and 1 cup of chicken broth, making sure there are no lumps. Continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg for warmth and depth.

Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar and ½ cup of shredded mozzarella. The cheese should melt smoothly into the sauce, creating a creamy, luscious consistency.

Add your drained pasta to the cheese sauce, followed by two cans of drained tuna. Stir everything together until well combined. If you like, you can mix in a handful of frozen peas or chopped spinach for added nutrition.

Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle an extra ½ cup of shredded mozzarella on top, and if you love a crispy crust, add a layer of breadcrumbs. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.

Once out of the oven, let the Mornay rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to settle and the sauce to thicken just slightly, making it even more delicious.

Storage Options

If you find yourself with leftovers, don’t worry – Cheesy Tuna Mornay keeps well and tastes even better the next day.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to keep the sauce from drying out, and warm it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

You can also freeze portions for a longer storage solution. Simply let the Mornay cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Variations and Substitutions

This Cheesy Tuna Mornay is incredibly versatile, and there are plenty of ways to make it your own.

Want to add more vegetables? Feel free to mix in sautéed mushrooms, diced bell peppers, or finely chopped broccoli. The added veggies blend seamlessly into the dish, enhancing both flavor and nutrition.

For a gluten-free version, swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free alternative and use your favorite gluten-free pasta. The rest of the ingredients will remain the same, ensuring you don’t miss out on any of that creamy goodness.

If you’re not a fan of tuna, shredded rotisserie chicken or cooked shredded turkey are excellent substitutions. They provide a similar texture and work beautifully with the cheesy sauce.

Experiment with different cheeses if you want to switch things up. Gruyère, fontina, or a touch of blue cheese can elevate the flavor profile and make the dish feel a little more gourmet.

The beauty of this dish is in its adaptability. Don’t be afraid to get creative and tailor it to your taste – you’re bound to come up with a new family favorite!