High Fiber Tuna Casserole from Rachael Ray

By evamores

Ingredients

• Salt
• 1 box whole wheat penne
• 1 tablespoon EVOO
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 2 garlic cloves, grated
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1 cup chicken stock
• 1 cup half-and-half
• Ground black pepper
• Pinch of nutmeg
• 1/4 cup flat leaf parsley, chopped
• 1/2 cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, plus some for table
• 1 can cannellini beans (15 oz.) drained
• 2 boxes frozen spinach (10 oz. each), tawed adn squeezed in kitchen towel to remove excess moisture
• 2 cans tuna in water (6 oz. each), drained

Preparation

Step 1

1. Pre-heat the oven to 400 degrees F.
2. Place a large pot of water over high heat and bring up to a boil to cook the pasta. Once at a boil, add some salt and the pasta and cook until al dente, according to the package directions. Drain the pasta thoroughly, return it to the pot and reserve.
3. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat 1 tablespoon EVOO, one turn of the pan, and the butter. Cook the garlic and onion until tender, about 2-3 minutes. Sprinkle in the flour and cook for another minute, then whisk in the chicken stock and half-and-half and season with salt, ground black pepper and nutmeg. Bring it up to a bubble and thicken.
4. Turn off the heat, then fold in the parsley, grated parmigiano Reggiano cheese, cannellini beans, spinach, tuna and penne. Pour the mixture into a 9 x 13 inch baking dish and top with remaining cheese. Place in the oven to brown the topping, about 10 minutes.