Another easy and delicious pasta recipe to make in your slow cooker is this Tuna Mornay, made with condensed cream of mushroom soup, cream, tuna in brine, penne pasta, and tasty cheese.

To make Tuna Mornay in your slow cooker or crockpot, simply combine all ingredients except the cheese and cook on low for 5 hours or high for 3 hours. Stir in the cheese just before serving.

So try this comforting Tuna Mornay recipe to simplify your dinner preparations. It combines simple ingredients for a rich and creamy pasta dish that the whole family will love.

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Is It Possible To Prepare This Dish Ahead of Time?

You can prepare this dish ahead of time by assembling all the ingredients in the slow cooker insert, covering it, and storing it in the refrigerator overnight. When ready to cook, place the insert in the slow cooker, set your desired time and temperature, and start cooking.

Slow Cooker Tuna Mornay Ingredients

• 1 can (approximately 300g) condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 300ml cream or evaporated milk
• 1 can (425g) tuna in brine, including the brine
• 2 cups uncooked penne pasta
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 cup frozen corn (canned corn is also fine)
• 3 shallots, finely chopped
• 1/3 cup water
• 1 cup grated tasty cheese (like sharp cheddar)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

How To Cook Tuna Mornay In Slow Cooker

1. Combine base ingredients: Add the condensed soup, cream, or evaporated milk, the entire can of tuna with its brine, uncooked penne, frozen peas, corn, chopped shallots, and water into the slow cooker. Season with salt and pepper to your liking.
2. Cook: Set your slow cooker to low and let the mixture cook for 5 hours. Alternatively, if you’re short on time, cook on a medium-high setting for 3 hours.
3. Add cheese and finish: Roughly 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, stir in the grated cheese until it’s well incorporated and melted into the creamy pasta.

Recipe Tips

• Choose your dairy wisely: Opt for full-fat cream or evaporated milk to enhance the creamy texture of your mornay sauce, making every spoonful rich and satisfying.
• Pre-cooking pasta: If you prefer your pasta al dente, pre-cook it for about five minutes less than the package instructions before adding it to the slow cooker.
• Thicken the sauce: If you find the sauce too thin after cooking, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of water and stir it in, cooking for an additional 20 minutes.
• Balancing flavors: To cut through the richness of the dish, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a dash of white wine vinegar before serving to add a fresh, zesty flavor.
• Cheese variations: Experiment with different types of cheese for topping; smoked gouda or a mix of parmesan and mozzarella can add a delightful twist to the final flavor.

Can I Use Fresh Vegetables Instead of Frozen?

Yes, you can use fresh vegetables instead of frozen in this recipe. For example, fresh peas and corn can be blanched briefly before adding them to the slow cooker. This will maintain their crisp texture and bright color throughout the cooking process.

Recipe Variations

• Go gluten-free: Swap the regular penne pasta with your favorite gluten-free pasta or use cooked rice for a different texture and to make this dish gluten-free.
• Add more veggies: Enhance the nutritional value by adding chopped spinach, diced bell peppers, or mushrooms during the last hour of cooking.
• Make it meatier: For those who prefer a bit more heft, consider adding chopped cooked chicken or crumbled bacon along with the tuna.
• Spice it up: Introduce a bit of heat by adding a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the mix before cooking.
• Cream alternative: If you’re looking for a lower-fat option, substitute the cream with Greek yogurt stirred in during the last 30 minutes of cooking to maintain a creamy consistency without the extra fat.

What To Serve With Tuna Mornay

Serve your Tuna Mornay with garlic-roasted broccoli, sun-dried tomato couscous, or a crisp apple celery salad. Add some sautéed spinach with pine nuts, or herbed zucchini ribbons for a fresh touch.

You can also pair it with avocado slices drizzled with lemon, or a tangy beetroot and feta salad for vibrant flavor contrasts.

How To Store Leftover Tuna Mornay

In The Fridge:

Store leftover Tuna Mornay in an airtight container in the refrigerator. I recommend using it within three days for the best taste and safety. Make sure it’s cooled to room temperature before sealing to prevent condensation and bacterial growth.

In The Freezer:

Tuna Mornay does not freeze well due to the dairy components like cream and cheese. Freezing can cause separation and a grainy texture upon reheating. It’s best enjoyed fresh, so I’d avoid freezing it.

How To Reheat Leftover Tuna Mornay

Reheat your leftover Tuna Mornay gently over medium heat on the stove, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Add a splash of milk or cream to bring back the creamy texture if it appears too thick. Alternatively, you can microwave it in intervals, stirring between each to ensure even heating.

Check out More Slow Cooker Recipes:

• Bored of Lunch’s Chilli Con Carne Macaroni Melt
• Slow Cooker Nando’s Chicken Pasta
• Slow Cooker Chicken Pesto Pasta