Save to Pinterest A comforting classic casserole featuring tender egg noodles, savory tuna, and a rich creamy sauce, all topped with golden crispy onions for irresistible crunch.
This creamy tuna noodle casserole has been a favorite in my family for years especially during cozy weeknights when comfort food is a must.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 12 oz (340 g) wide egg noodles
- Sauce: 2 tablespoons unsalted butter 1 small yellow onion finely chopped 2 cloves garlic minced 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk 1 cup (240 ml) low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
- Filling: 2 cans (5 oz/140 g each) solid white tuna in water drained and flaked 1 cup (120 g) frozen peas thawed 1 cup (100 g) sliced white mushrooms (optional) 1 cup (115 g) shredded cheddar cheese
- Topping: 1 1/2 cups (75 g) store-bought crispy fried onions
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) Lightly grease a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish.
- Step 2:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil Cook egg noodles according to package directions until al dente Drain and set aside.
- Step 3:
- While noodles cook melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat Add chopped onion and cook for 3 minutes until softened Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Step 4:
- Sprinkle flour over onions and stir constantly for 1 minute to cook the flour.
- Step 5:
- Gradually whisk in milk and broth Cook whisking until the sauce thickens about 34 minutes.
- Step 6:
- Remove from heat Stir in sour cream salt pepper thyme and parsley.
- Step 7:
- Add drained tuna peas mushrooms (if using) and shredded cheddar cheese to the sauce Stir until evenly combined.
- Step 8:
- Add cooked noodles and gently fold until everything is well mixed.
- Step 9:
- Transfer mixture to the prepared baking dish Spread evenly.
- Step 10:
- Top with crispy fried onions.
- Step 11:
- Bake uncovered for 2530 minutes or until the casserole is bubbling and the onions are golden brown.
- Step 12:
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Save to Pinterest Sharing this dish with my family brings back cherished memories of comfort and warmth around the dinner table.
Notes
For a lighter version use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and reduced-fat cheese Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for a kick Pair with a crisp green salad and a glass of Chardonnay.
Required Tools
Large pot Large skillet Whisk 9x13-inch baking dish Mixing spoon
Allergen Information
Contains Wheat (noodles flour) Dairy (milk butter sour cream cheese) Fish (tuna) Eggs (egg noodles) Possible soy (crispy onions) Always verify labels if you have allergies or sensitivities.
Save to Pinterest This creamy tuna noodle casserole is the perfect comfort meal you'll keep coming back to season after season.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I substitute the tuna with another protein?
Yes, you can use canned salmon or cooked chicken as alternatives to tuna for varied flavors.
- → What makes the onion topping crispy?
The topping uses store-bought crispy fried onions which add a crunchy, golden finish when baked.
- → Can I make this dish lighter?
For a lighter version, substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt and use reduced-fat cheese.
- → How do I ensure the noodles are cooked properly?
Cook the egg noodles in boiling salted water until al dente, then drain before mixing into the sauce.
- → Is this dish suitable for pescatarians?
Yes, using tuna and dairy ingredients aligns this dish with a pescatarian diet.