Cajun Bacon Tuna Casserole

Cajun Bacon Tuna Casserole

Cajun Bacon Tuna Casserole

May 29, 2019
: 6 servings

By:

Ingredients
  • 12 ounces retina cooked al dente (don’t overcook!)
  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon sweet butter
  • 1/2 red onion, chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 green pepper, chopped
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/4-1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 1/4 cups chicken broth, divided
  • 1 1/2 cups milk (I use low fat)
  • 2-4 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 6 pieces cooked turkey bacon crumbled, or regular
  • 1 (10 ounce can) diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
  • 1/2 cup petite frozen peas, thawed
  • 1 (5 ounce can) Albacore Tuna, drained
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup Mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup sour cream (optional)
  • 3/4 cups (+ 3 tablespoons) cheddar cheese, divided
  • 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
Directions
  • Step 1 Preheat oven to 375F degrees F.
  • Step 2 Melt butter in olive oil over medium-low heat in a large skillet.
  • Step 3 Add red onions and sauté 2 minutes.
  • Step 4 Add red and green bell peppers and sauté 1 minute.
  • Step 5 Add garlic, red pepper flakes and sauté 30 seconds.
  • Step 6 Sprinkle in flour and cook while stirring for 3 minutes, or until raw flour smell is gone.
  • Step 7 Turn heat to low and slowly whisk in 2 cups chicken broth, then milk, stirring constantly until smooth.
  • Step 8 Turn heat to medium high and bring to a simmer.
  • Step 9 Stir in Cajun seasoning, salt and pepper and continue to simmer until slightly thickened, stirring occasionally.
  • Step 10 Stir in bacon, tomatoes, peas and tuna until combined and heated through.
  • Step 11 Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan and mozzarella cheese until melted.
  • Step 12 Stir in pasta until well coated, adding an additional 1/4+ chicken broth if sauce has become too thick.
  • Step 13 For even creamier pasta, stir in 1/2 cup sour cream (optional).
  • Step 14 Pour half of pasta into a 9 x 13 baking dish.
  • Step 15 Top with 3/4 cup cheddar cheese (or more for extra cheesiness) then remaining pasta.
  • Step 16 Stir 3 tablespoons cheddar cheese (or more for extra cheesiness) and 1/4 panko breadcrumbs together and sprinkle over top of pasta.
  • Step 17 Lightly spray the top with nonstick baking spray and bake for 30 minutes or until cheese is melted then broil until panko is golden.

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