creamy tuna noodle casserole recipe

creamy tuna noodle casserole recipe

The Best creamy tuna noodle casserole recipe

I have been making creamy tuna noodle casserole for my family for years, and it’s always a hit. My kids love the combination of flavors and textures, and I appreciate how easy it is to make. This recipe is a classic, and it’s perfect for any occasion – whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting side dish for a family gathering.

The creamy sauce is made with a mixture of mayonnaise, sour cream, and shredded cheddar cheese, which gives it a rich and indulgent flavor. I like to serve it hot, topped with some chopped fresh parsley for added color and freshness. I first tried this recipe at my sister’s house, where she made it for our family Thanksgiving dinner.

It was love at first bite – the combination of tuna, noodles, and creamy sauce was just what I needed to satisfy my cravings. Since then, I’ve made it countless times for my own family, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser. One of the best things about this recipe is how versatile it is.

You can customize it to suit your tastes by adding in different vegetables or using different types of pasta. I like to use macaroni or penne pasta, but you could also try using shells or elbow noodles if you prefer. The key to making this recipe work is to cook the noodles until they’re al dente, then mix them with the creamy sauce and tuna until everything is well combined.

This helps to prevent the noodles from becoming mushy or overcooked. I’ve also found that this recipe freezes beautifully – simply thaw it out in the fridge overnight and reheat it in the oven or on the stovetop until hot and bubbly. This creamy tuna noodle casserole recipe is more than just a tasty meal – it’s also a great way to get some extra nutrients into your diet.

The tuna provides protein and omega-3s, while the noodles offer complex carbohydrates and fiber.

Creamy Tuna Noodle Casserole

Creamy Tuna Noodle Casserole

4.8 from 1816 votes

A comforting classic dish featuring tender egg noodles, creamy sauce, and flaky tuna. Topped with a crispy, cheesy breadcrumb topping.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

Ingredients

8 oz (225g) egg noodles
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 cups (480ml) milk
1 cup (240ml) chicken broth
1 can (5 oz/140g) tuna in water, drained
1 cup (115g) shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup (55g) breadcrumbs
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp dried parsley
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp onion powder

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2Cook egg noodles according to package instructions until al dente.
3Drain and set aside.
4In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
5Add flour and whisk to form a roux.
6Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly until the mixture turns light brown.
7Gradually add milk and chicken broth to the roux, whisking continuously.
8Bring the mixture to a simmer.
9Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
10Stir in Dijon mustard, dried parsley, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
11Remove the saucepan from heat.
12Stir in the drained tuna and 3/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until the cheese is fully melted and the mixture is well combined.
13In a baking dish, combine the cooked noodles and the creamy tuna mixture.
14Stir until the noodles are evenly coated.
15Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and the breadcrumbs evenly over the top of the casserole.
16This will create a crispy, cheesy topping.
17Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly around the edges.
18Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Saucepan
Colander
Baking dish
Oven

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 30mg🧂Sodium: 600mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 15g

📝Notes

Tips: You can use whole wheat noodles for a healthier option. Add frozen peas or carrots for extra nutrition and color.

Watch Video Of How Creamy Tuna Noodle Casserole Works

This creamy tuna noodle casserole recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting side dish for a family gathering.

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how well it freezes – simply thaw it out in the fridge overnight and reheat it in the oven or on the stovetop until hot and bubbly.

You can also customize this recipe to suit your tastes by adding in different vegetables or using different types of pasta.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Tuna Noodle Casserole

Q: What type of pasta should I use in this recipe?

I recommend using macaroni or penne pasta – they both work well with the creamy sauce and hold their shape nicely after cooking.

Q: Can I use canned tuna in water instead of chunk light tuna?

Yes, you can use canned tuna in water if that’s what you have on hand. However, keep in mind that canned tuna will be slightly drier than chunk light tuna.

Q: How do I prevent the noodles from becoming mushy?

The key is to cook the noodles until they’re al dente – this means they should still have some bite or chewiness left after cooking.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time by preparing all of the components (the creamy sauce, the cooked noodles, and the tuna) separately and then assembling everything just before baking.

Q: Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

No, this recipe contains fish (tuna), so it’s not suitable for vegetarians.

Q: Can I use low-fat mayonnaise instead of regular mayonnaise?

You can use low-fat mayonnaise if you prefer – just keep in mind that it might affect the overall flavor of the dish slightly.

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