Photo of Tuna Meatball Baked Rigatoni

Tuna Meatball Baked Rigatoni

Recipe by: @brightmomentco

This Tuna Meatball Baked Rigatoni proves that Wild Planet's sustainable tuna can stand in for traditional meat in classic Italian comfort food. The tuna meatballs deliver impressive texture and flavor while providing lean protein and omega-3s, all nestled in marinara sauce with pasta and melted mozzarella. The key lies in getting a good sear on the meatballs before baking, creating that golden exterior that makes each bite satisfying. It's the kind of crowd-pleasing casserole that works equally well for family dinners or entertaining, with the added bonus of being lighter than its beef counterpart.

star
Image of Tuna Meatball Baked Rigatoni

Category

Tuna recipes

Prep Time

15 minutes

Cook Time

25 minutes

Recipe by: @brightmomentco

This Tuna Meatball Baked Rigatoni proves that Wild Planet's sustainable albacore tuna can stand in for traditional meat in classic Italian comfort food. The tuna meatballs deliver impressive texture and flavor while providing lean protein and omega-3s, all nestled in marinara sauce with pasta and melted mozzarella. The key lies in getting a good sear on the meatballs before baking, creating that golden exterior that makes each bite satisfying. It's the kind of crowd-pleasing casserole that works equally well for family dinners or entertaining, with the added bonus of being lighter than its beef counterpart.

Ingredients

  • 3 (5oz) cans Wild Planet Albacore Wild Tuna

  • ⅔ cup Panko Breadcrumbs

  • 2 large Eggs

  • ¼ cup Fresh Parsley, finely chopped

  • 1 tsp each: Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Dried Oregano

  • ½ tsp Salt

  • ½ tsp Black Pepper

  • 2 Tbsp Olive Oil, plus more if needed

  • 1 large Onion, finely chopped

  • 2 Garlic Cloves, minced

  • 40oz Marinara Sauce

  • 1 lb Dried Rigatoni

  • 2 cups Mozzarella Cheese, grated

  • ¼ cup Fresh Basil, chopped

SHOP ALL WILD PLANET PRODUCTS

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F

  2. Cook rigatoni according to package directions to al dente

  3. Drain and set aside

  4. While pasta cooks, add tuna to large bowl

  5. Mash with fork until well broken up

  6. Add panko breadcrumbs, beaten eggs, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper

  7. Mix until well combined

  8. Use 2-3 Tbsp tuna mixture per meatball

  9. Shape by pressing together in palm of hands

  10. Heat olive oil in skillet over medium-high heat

  11. Sear meatballs 1 minute per side until browned

  12. Remove and set aside

  13. In same skillet, sauté diced onion and garlic until fragrant, 4-5 minutes

  14. Add more olive oil if needed

  15. Add marinara sauce and cooked pasta to sautéed onions and garlic

  16. Stir together

  17. Transfer to 9x13" baking dish

  18. Evenly distribute tuna meatballs throughout

  19. Cover with foil

  20. Bake for 20 minutes

  21. Remove foil and sprinkle with mozzarella

  22. Bake another 10-15 minutes until cheese is melted and lightly golden

  23. Garnish with freshly chopped basil

  24. Serve hot

Image of Tuna Meatball Baked Rigatoni
Something went wrong, please contact us!
View cart

Cart

0 item(s)
Subtotal: