Ahi Tuna and Pasta with Mushroom Bechamel

1. Stage

Preheat the oven to 200 degrees F (95 degrees C) or the lowest setting. Set tuna fillets out on the counter to take the chill off.

2. Stage

Prepare bechamel sauce by melting 3 tablespoons butter in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add flour and whisk constantly until a copper-colored paste (roux) forms. Slowly whisk in milk and stir constantly until heated through and thickened, about 5 minutes. Remove bechamel from the heat.

3. Stage

Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Add gemelli and boil until tender yet firm to the bite, about 12 minutes.

4. Stage

While the gemelli is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons butter and a drizzle of olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat until hot enough to hear a sizzle. Add mushrooms and saute until softened and golden brown, 5 to 7 minutes. Add Marsala wine and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from the heat.

5. Stage

Reheat the bechamel. Add the mushroom mixture and stir to combine.

6. Stage

Drain gemelli and add to the Dutch oven. Stir to combine with the mushroom sauce mixture. Cover and transfer to the preheated oven to keep warm.

7. Stage

Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and remaining 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until almost smoking. Add panko and saute until golden brown, 3 to 4 minutes. Transfer to a bowl and wipe out the hot skillet.

8. Stage

Return the skillet to medium-high heat and add remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil; heat until just shimmering. Swirl the oil in the pan and add tuna fillets. Cover the skillet and sear tuna for 2 minutes. Flip and sear the other sides for 1 1/2 minutes.

9. Stage

Immediately transfer tuna to a large cutting board and thinly slice across the grain. Plate tuna on warmed plates with gemelli and mushroom mixture. Garnish with panko and parsley.