Creamy Tuna Macaroni Bake

This Creamy Tuna Macaroni Bake combines the comforting elements of traditional macaroni and cheese with a flavorful twist of tuna and vegetables. The dish is baked to perfection, resulting in a creamy texture with a delightful crunch on top, making it a comforting and satisfying meal. It's a great way to incorporate protein and veggies into your pasta, all while keeping it simple and delicious.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 1 can (12 oz) tuna, drained
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained tuna, frozen peas, cheddar cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, milk, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
4. Add the cooked macaroni to the tuna mixture and stir until evenly combined.
5. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
6. In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with olive oil. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the macaroni and tuna mixture.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the dish is heated through.
8. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.