- Rachael Ray's non profit organization, Yum-o! - https://www.yum-o.org -

Tuna Casserole



Ingredients


  • Salt
  • 1 box whole wheat penne pasta
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 2 garlic cloves, grated
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • 1 cup chicken stock
  • 1 cup half-and-half
  • Ground black pepper
  • A pinch of nutmeg
  • 1/4 cup flat leaf parsley, chopped
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, plus some for passing at the table
  • 1 can cannellini beans (15 ounces), drained
  • 2 boxes frozen spinach (10 ounces each), thawed and squeezed in a kitchen towel to remove excess moisture
  • 2 cans tuna in water (6 ounces each), drained


Directions


  1. Pre-heat the oven to 400°F.
  2. Place a large pot of water over high heat and bring up to a boil to cook the pasta. Once at a boil, add some salt and the pasta and cook until al dente, according to the package directions. Drain the pasta thoroughly, return it to the pot and reserve.
  3. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat 1 tablespoon EVOO, one turn of the pan, and the butter. Cook the garlic and onion until tender, about 2-3 minutes. Sprinkle in the flour and cook for another minute, then whisk in the chicken stock and half-and-half and season with salt, ground black pepper and nutmeg. Bring it up to a bubble and thicken.
  4. Turn off the heat, then fold in the parsley, grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, cannellini beans, spinach, tuna and penne. Pour the mixture into a 13-inch x 9-inch baking dish and top with the remaining cheese. Place in the oven to brown the topping, about 10 minutes.
  5. Serve with your favorite simple salad alongside.