There's something nostalgic about a warm, bubbling dish of Cheesy Tuna Mornay, fresh from the oven. The creamy, cheese-laden sauce envelops tender pasta, flaked tuna, and a hint of golden breadcrumbs on top, filling your home with a comforting aroma. This classic dish is a hit for busy weeknights and cozy family dinners alike, providing the perfect balance of convenience and heartiness.

My love affair with Tuna Mornay began on a chilly Sunday when my mom would make it to warm us up after long days of playing outside. Now, I whip up this dish for my own family whenever we crave a meal that hugs us from the inside out.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Tuna Mornay
Get ready to savor a timeless favorite that’s simple to prepare and hard to resist. This Cheesy Tuna Mornay is more than just a comfort dish – it’s an adaptable, budget-friendly crowd-pleaser.
First off, it’s incredibly easy to make. With just a handful of pantry staples and minimal prep, you can get this dish from the stovetop to the oven and onto your dinner table in under 45 minutes. It’s perfect for those nights when you need something filling without a lot of fuss.
The creamy sauce is to die for. Made with melted cheese, a touch of milk, and a hint of mustard, it coats every piece of pasta and tuna in velvety deliciousness. The crispy breadcrumb topping adds a perfect contrast, making every bite a textural delight.
Another reason to fall for this dish? It's family-friendly and flexible enough to cater to picky eaters. The simple flavors and cheesy goodness make it a winner with kids and adults alike, and you can easily adjust the ingredients to fit whatever you have in your pantry.
Last but not least, this recipe is a fantastic way to use up leftover ingredients, from canned tuna to shredded cheese and frozen veggies. Who doesn’t love a meal that’s as resourceful as it is tasty?
Ready to dig in? Let’s break down the ingredients you’ll need.
Ingredients Notes

The beauty of Cheesy Tuna Mornay lies in its straightforward ingredients. Here’s a closer look at what makes this dish so special and why each element is important.
Canned Tuna: The star of this dish is humble yet flavorful. Choose high-quality canned tuna packed in water or oil, depending on your preference. Tuna packed in oil will add a richer flavor, while water-packed tuna keeps it lighter.
Pasta: Short pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or macaroni work best. Their curves and grooves help catch the sauce, ensuring every bite is full of flavor. Feel free to use gluten-free pasta if needed, or even whole wheat for a nuttier taste.
Cheese: A combination of sharp cheddar and Parmesan is ideal. The cheddar melts beautifully into the sauce, while Parmesan adds depth and a savory edge. Don’t be shy with the cheese – this is a Mornay, after all!
Breadcrumbs: A crispy breadcrumb topping brings texture to the dish. I recommend using panko for extra crunch. Toasting the breadcrumbs in a bit of melted butter before sprinkling them over the Mornay elevates the flavor even further.
Milk and Butter: These two form the base of your béchamel-style sauce. Whole milk gives the richest result, but 2% works well too. Don’t skip the butter – it adds that classic, creamy flavor we all love.
You’ll also need basic seasonings like salt, pepper, a pinch of nutmeg, and a touch of Dijon mustard to balance the richness. Special equipment? Just an oven-safe baking dish and a good whisk.
How To Make This Cheesy Tuna Mornay

Creating Cheesy Tuna Mornay is as straightforward as it is satisfying. Let me walk you through the process.
Start by cooking your pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until it’s al dente. You want it to have a little bite because it will continue cooking in the oven. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
While the pasta is cooking, make your creamy Mornay sauce. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Once it’s melted and starting to bubble, add an equal amount of flour and whisk constantly to create a roux. Keep stirring until the mixture turns a pale golden color, about 2 minutes.
Next, slowly pour in the milk, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Continue to cook until the sauce thickens, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the cheddar and Parmesan, along with a dollop of Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and a hint of nutmeg. Keep whisking until the cheese is melted and the sauce is silky.
Combine the cooked pasta, flaked tuna, and any veggies you want to add (like peas or chopped spinach) into a large bowl. Pour the Mornay sauce over the top and stir until everything is well coated. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
For that irresistible crunchy top, sprinkle the toasted panko breadcrumbs and a little extra cheese over the pasta. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and the edges are bubbling.
Total prep and cooking time is under 45 minutes, and what you’ll get is a dish that’s creamy, cheesy, and deeply comforting.
Storage Options
Have leftovers? Cheesy Tuna Mornay keeps beautifully, making it a perfect make-ahead meal. Here’s how to store it for maximum freshness.
Refrigerator: Transfer the cooled Mornay into an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to reheat, you can use the oven or microwave. If reheating in the oven, cover the dish with foil to keep the top from over-browning.
Freezer: This dish is freezer-friendly! Wrap your baking dish tightly in plastic wrap and foil, or transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It will keep for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
Reheating Tips: To keep the sauce creamy, add a splash of milk before reheating. This prevents the pasta from drying out.
Variations and Substitutions
This dish is incredibly flexible, making it perfect for experimenting. Here are some ideas to change things up.
Protein Swaps: Not a tuna fan? You can easily substitute shredded rotisserie chicken, cooked shrimp, or even canned salmon. Each protein gives the dish a unique twist while still delivering that satisfying, comforting flavor.
Vegetable Add-Ins: Amp up the nutritional value by adding veggies like broccoli florets, frozen peas, or sautéed mushrooms. Just make sure any added vegetables are pre-cooked or steamed, so they don’t water down the sauce.
Cheese Variations: While cheddar is a classic choice, you can get creative with the cheese. Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or even blue cheese can transform the flavor profile. Just remember to stick to cheeses that melt well.
Gluten-Free Options: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta and replace the flour in the roux with a gluten-free alternative like rice flour or a 1:1 gluten-free blend.
Spice It Up: If you like a bit of heat, try adding red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the Mornay sauce. The spice cuts through the richness and adds a welcome kick.
Have fun with this recipe and make it your own. No matter how you customize it, this Cheesy Tuna Mornay is sure to hit the spot!
PrintCheesy Tuna Mornay Recipe
Indulge in this cheesy tuna mornay recipe, an ultimate comfort dish made with tender pasta, savory tuna, and a rich, creamy cheese sauce. A family-friendly favorite, perfect for weeknight dinners or anytime you crave a delicious and simple meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Australian, British
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons plain flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
- 1 can tuna in spring water, drained
- ½ cup frozen peas
- ½ cup sweet corn
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add flour, stirring to form a paste. Cook for 1 minute.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, cooking until the sauce thickens and bubbles.
- Add cheddar cheese and stir until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
- Fold in the drained tuna, peas, and corn, then add the cooked macaroni. Mix well.
- Transfer to a baking dish, sprinkle with parmesan (if using), and bake at 180°C (350°F) for 20 minutes or until golden and bubbly.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- For extra crunch, top with breadcrumbs before baking.
- Use any short pasta you prefer, like penne or fusilli.
- You can add a pinch of mustard or garlic powder for additional flavor depth.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 650mg
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