Introduction

The Creamy Tuna Noodle Casserole is a beloved classic comfort food that combines rich, creamy sauce, tender pasta, and flaky tuna, all baked together to perfection. This casserole is perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or even potluck gatherings. It’s a dish that’s easy to prepare, filling, and full of nostalgic flavors that everyone will enjoy. The best part is that it uses pantry staples, making it an affordable and convenient meal for any time of year.

Tuna noodle casserole has been a family favorite for generations, and it’s not hard to see why. The simplicity of the ingredients and the ability to customize it with your favorite vegetables or seasonings makes it a versatile and adaptable dish. The combination of creamy sauce, tender noodles, and juicy tuna in a golden, bubbly casserole topping is sure to satisfy your cravings for something hearty and comforting.

In this guide, we will take you through each step of preparing this delicious casserole from scratch. We’ll show you how to make the perfect creamy sauce, cook the pasta just right, and assemble the casserole so that it comes out hot, bubbly, and ready to serve. Let’s dive into the recipe!

Why You’ll Love Creamy Tuna Noodle Casserole

Comforting and Hearty: This casserole is the ultimate comfort food. The creamy sauce, combined with tender pasta and tuna, makes it both satisfying and filling.
Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, this recipe is quick to whip up. It’s perfect for a weeknight meal or a last-minute gathering.
Customizable: You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your taste. Add extra veggies, use a different type of cheese, or make it spicier to suit your preferences.
Affordable: This casserole uses ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry, making it an inexpensive meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
Family-Friendly: The creamy texture and mild flavors make it appealing to people of all ages. It’s a great dish to please picky eaters and is easy to scale up for a larger group.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total Time: 1 hour
Preparation Time: 20-25 minutes
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Servings: 6-8 servings (adjustable)
Calories per Serving: Approximately 350-400 calories per serving, depending on portion size and optional add-ins.

Ingredients

For the Casserole:

Egg Noodles: 3 cups uncooked egg noodles (or your choice of pasta, like rotini or penne)
Canned Tuna: 2 cans (5 oz each) tuna in water or oil, drained and flaked
Frozen Peas: 1 cup frozen peas (or substitute with any other vegetable you prefer)
Cheddar Cheese: 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)
Breadcrumbs: 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for topping)
Parsley: 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Creamy Sauce:

Butter: 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
Flour: 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Milk: 2 cups whole milk (or use 2% milk for a lighter version)
Chicken Broth: 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
Garlic: 2 cloves garlic, minced
Dijon Mustard: 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Salt: ½ teaspoon salt (to taste)
Pepper: ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
Paprika: ½ teaspoon paprika (for added flavor)
Onion Powder: ½ teaspoon onion powder

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Pasta

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a bit of butter or non-stick cooking spray.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the egg noodles (or pasta of your choice) and cook according to package instructions, usually about 7-8 minutes, until the pasta is al dente.
Drain the pasta and set it aside.

Prepare the Creamy Sauce

While the pasta is cooking, prepare the creamy sauce. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the garlic becomes fragrant and soft.
Sprinkle the flour over the butter and garlic, stirring continuously to make a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste, but do not let it brown.
Gradually add the milk and chicken broth, whisking constantly to ensure the mixture stays smooth. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for about 5-7 minutes, allowing it to thicken.
Stir in the Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, paprika, and onion powder. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Assemble the Casserole

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, flaked tuna, frozen peas, and shredded cheddar cheese. Pour the creamy sauce over the mixture and stir gently to combine, making sure everything is evenly coated.
Transfer the tuna noodle mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.

Add the Topping

In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs with a tablespoon of melted butter. Stir to coat the breadcrumbs evenly. Sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly over the top of the casserole.
Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the top is golden brown and crispy.

Serve and Enjoy

Once the casserole is finished baking, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a touch of color and flavor.
Serve the casserole hot, and enjoy with your favorite side dishes. This dish is perfect on its own or with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables on the side.

Tips for Perfect Creamy Tuna Noodle Casserole

Use High-Quality Tuna: Opt for tuna packed in water for a lighter version, or tuna in oil for a richer flavor. If you prefer fresh tuna, you can substitute it, but the canned version works well for convenience.
Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Be sure to cook the pasta al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven. Overcooked pasta can become mushy in the casserole.
Customize the Vegetables: If you’re not a fan of peas, try adding other vegetables like carrots, green beans, or corn. Just make sure they are pre-cooked or frozen so they cook properly in the casserole.
Make It Creamier: For an even richer casserole, you can use half-and-half instead of whole milk or add a dollop of sour cream to the sauce.
Add More Cheese: If you love cheese, feel free to add extra cheese to the casserole. You can mix different types of cheese like mozzarella, Swiss, or Parmesan for a different flavor profile.
Make Ahead Option: This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just be sure to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley adds a burst of color and freshness, but you can also use fresh thyme or basil for additional flavor.

Variations of Creamy Tuna Noodle Casserole

While the classic version is always a hit, there are plenty of variations you can try to give this dish your own spin. Here are some ideas:

Spicy Tuna Noodle Casserole: Add some heat to your casserole by incorporating a teaspoon of chili flakes, cayenne pepper, or a diced jalapeño into the sauce.
Vegetarian Tuna Noodle Casserole: Omit the tuna and use a combination of mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers for a vegetarian version that’s just as creamy and satisfying.
Cheesy Tuna Noodle Casserole: For an extra cheesy version, mix cream cheese or ricotta into the creamy sauce. You can also add more shredded cheese to the top for a gooey, cheesy crust.
Low-Carb Tuna Noodle Casserole: Replace the egg noodles with a low-carb alternative like zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles to make this dish more keto-friendly.
Crispy Onion Topping: Swap the panko breadcrumbs for crispy fried onions for a crunchy, savory topping that adds texture and flavor.

Side Dishes That Pair Well with Creamy Tuna Noodle Casserole

While the casserole is a meal in itself, you can add a few side dishes to round out your meal. Here are some great options to pair with this comforting dish:

Simple Green Salad: A fresh salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich casserole.
Garlic Bread: Serve the casserole with warm, buttery garlic bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus make a great side dish that adds both flavor and color to your meal.
Coleslaw: A tangy, crunchy coleslaw pairs wonderfully with the creamy tuna noodle casserole. The acidity of the dressing helps balance out the richness of the casserole.
Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn on the cob makes for a simple and delicious side that complements the flavors of the casserole.

Conclusion

The Creamy Tuna Noodle Casserole is a classic comfort food that is both easy to make and incredibly satisfying. With its creamy sauce, tender noodles, and flaky tuna, this casserole is a meal that will fill you up and leave you craving more. It’s a dish that can be enjoyed by everyone, from picky eaters to seasoned foodies, and it’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a busy weeknight or a laid-back family dinner.

By following the simple steps in this guide, you can make a delicious and comforting casserole that will quickly become a staple in your recipe collection. Customize the ingredients to suit your tastes, try out different variations, and enjoy this hearty dish with your loved ones. The creamy tuna noodle casserole is sure to become a favorite in your home for years to come!

Introduction

Why You’ll Love Creamy Tuna Noodle Casserole