Though I usually like to prepare dishes from scratch, there are times when I’m grateful for the ready-to-use sauces in the market. They make meal preparations much easier, especially when I’m very busy and in a hurry.

One such sauce recently arrived in my house, unbidden, but most welcomed. Sent by a friend, Joy Buensalido of Buensalido and Associates, the basket was from Rustan’s Supermarket and contained various products such as pasta, tomato sauce, bottled herbs and chili sauce.

Most of the products looked familiar, but the one that easily caught my attention was an unfamiliar one. It’s called Leggos Tuna Bake, a creamy sauce made with spinach and garlic.

Since I’ve always wanted to cook a tuna casserole, I thought this might well be a good time to do that.

In the United States, tuna casserole is sometimes derided for being a “cop out” dish—one which housewives prepare when they’re on a budget, or when they need an easy way out of bringing a dish to a gathering. But this tuna casserole made with Leggos is far from being a cop out. While easy to prepare, it was also flavorful and yummy.

Leggos Tuna Bake

12 c water, for boiling the pasta
2 tbsp salt
250 g pasta of choice (preferably short ones like penne, macaroni, etc.)
2 cans (about 180 g each)
tuna, well drained
1 bottle (500 g) Leggos Tuna Bake with spinach and garlic
1 c grated cheddar or parmesan cheese
1 c bread crumbs

In a large casserole, bring the water to a boil, then add the salt. Stir in the pasta and let boil until the pasta is cooked but still firm to the bite (al dente stage), for about 10 minutes.

Drain the pasta and transfer to a mixing bowl. Let cool. Preheat the oven to 375º F (190º C).

Mix the drained tuna with the cooled pasta, then blend in the Leggos Tuna Bake. Transfer to a heatproof baking dish (about 9” x 7” x 2”).

Combine the grated cheese and bread crumbs and sprinkle on top.

Bake in the preheated oven until bubbly and the cheese topping turns golden brown and crisp. If desired, serve with toasted garlic bread.

Cook’s tips

Leggos Tuna Bake is available at Rustan’s supermarket.

For faster preparation, cook the pasta ahead so there’s time for it to cool before you mix it with the tuna.

You can omit the bread crumbs and just use grated cheese for the topping.