Creamy Tuna Noodle Cazuela

Jarred piquillo peppers and imported canned tuna from Spain add an Iberian twist to the classic American tuna casserole, making it more elegant but keeping it as simple and quick as the original.
TOTAL TIME: 40 MINUTES       SERVINGS: 4 SERVINGS OR 
 4 INDIVIDUAL GRATINS

12 ounces farfalle pasta
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3 cups whole milk or half-and-half
1-1/2 cups frozen baby peas
3/4 cup piquillo peppers, sliced (6 ounces)
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
1           6-ounce can or jar solid white tuna in oil, drained and flaked
Salt
Freshly ground pepper
1/2 cup panko (Japanese bread crumbs)

1 .  Preheat the oven to 450*. Cook the farfalle pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water until al dente. Drain.

2 .  Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons of the butter. Add the onion and cook over high heat, stirring, until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the flour and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Add the milk and bring to a boil. Cook the sauce over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until thickened, about 3 minutes.

3 .  Add the farfalle pasta, frozen baby peas, sliced piquillo peppers, Parmigiano cheese and tuna and season with salt and pepper. Transfer the mixture to a large baking dish, a <em>cazuela</em> (casserole dish) or 4 individual gratin dishes.

4 .  In a small skillet, melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the panko and cook over moderate heat, stirring, until golden, about 1 minute. Sprinkle the panko over the casserole and bake for 10 minutes (5 minutes for individual gratins), or until bubbling. Serve right away.
SUGGESTED PAIRING
Crisp, medium-bodied Languedoc white.

Heart Healthy