Baked Conchiglie with Tuna, Tomato Sauce, Béchamel & Cheddar

Baked conchiglie with tuna, tomato sauce, béchamel sauce & cheddar is one of those classic tuna bakes that we often see in the shops. I like this version because I am a big fan of tuna!

Ingredients

Pasta & Filling

• 150g Conchiglie pasta

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 1 garlic clove, minced

• 200g canned chopped tomatoes (or passata)

• 1 tbsp tomato purée

• 1 tsp dried oregano or basil

• 120g canned tuna, drained

• Salt & pepper, to taste

Béchamel Sauce

• 15g butter

• 15g plain flour

• 200ml semi-skimmed milk

• Pinch of nutmeg (optional)

• Salt & pepper, to taste

Topping

• 50g medium mature Cheddar cheese, grated

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Equipment Needed

• Medium saucepan (for sauce)

• Small saucepan (for béchamel)

• Pasta pot or large saucepan

• Baking dish (approx. 20×20 cm or similar)

• Wooden spoon or whisk

• Cheese grater

• Colander

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Timing

• Prep time: 10 minutes

• Cooking time: 30–35 minutes

• Total time: ~45 minutes

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Preparation

1. Cook the Pasta

• Bring a pot of salted water to the boil.

• Add conchiglie and cook until al dente (about 9–10 minutes, check package).

• Drain and set aside.

2. Make the Tomato-Tuna Sauce

• Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.

• Sauté onion for 4–5 minutes until soft.

• Add garlic and cook 1 minute.

• Stir in chopped tomatoes, tomato purée, and herbs.

• Simmer for 10 minutes until thickened.

• Stir in drained tuna, season with salt and pepper, and heat through.

3. Make the Béchamel

• In a small pan, melt butter over low heat.

• Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute (make a roux).

• Gradually whisk in milk until smooth.

• Simmer gently, stirring, until thickened (~3–4 minutes).

• Season with nutmeg, salt, and pepper.

4. Assemble & Bake

• Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F).

• In a baking dish, mix pasta with the tomato-tuna sauce.

• Pour béchamel evenly over the top.

• Sprinkle with grated Cheddar.

• Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until bubbling and golden brown.

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Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a green salad or steamed green beans.

• Optional: Add a splash of lemon juice or chili flakes before serving for brightness or heat.

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Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approximate)

Note: Values may vary depending on specific brands and exact quantities used.