Tuna Noodle Casserole

Tuna Noodle Casserole is an easy comfort food dish that’s affordable, and delicious. It’s made with tuna, egg noodles, and peas all combined with a creamy, cheesy sauce and topped with crunchy breadcrumbs.

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Keyword casseroles, easy dinner recipes, egg noodles

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 55

Rest Time 10

Servings

Calories 420kcal

Author Elizabeth

Ingredients

1 tablespoon Butter
¼ cup Plain Breadcrumbs or Panko Breadcrumbs
8 ounces Wide Egg Noodles
1 teaspoon Salt for the pasta water (we use kosher salt)
10 ounces Tuna in Water drained (we use white albacore)
4 ounces Frozen Peas defrosted (cooked to package directions using 1-2 minute less than the lowest suggested time on the package)
2 (10 ounce) cans Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup
1 cup Chicken Broth
4 ounces Shredded Cheddar Cheese

Instructions

Melt the butter in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the breadcrumbs and stir until they are completely moistened with the butter. Remove the breadcrumbs from the heat and reserve.
Cook the egg noodles to package directions. Do not overcook, check them 1-2 minutes before the recommended time. When the noodles are done use a colander/strainer to drain them completely.
Drain the tuna, cook the peas, and prepare the creamy cheese sauce while the water comes to a boil and the noodles cook.
Cook the Peas enough to defrost. Follow the package directions but use 1-2 minutes less than the suggested cooking time. Do not overcook so that they hold their shape and texture in the casserole. Drain completely.
Make the sauce by adding the cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, and shredded cheese to a saucepan. Heat over medium while stirring with a whisk or fork until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Do not let the sauce come to a boil. Remove it from the heat.

Build the casserole

Preheat the oven to 350°F
Add the noodles, tuna, peas, and the creamy sauce to a large bowl. Stir gently to combine the ingredients well. Keep stirring and tossing until everything is coated with the creamy sauce.
Transfer the mixture to a 2.5 quart baking dish. (Note: you can try to combine the ingredients in the baking dish, but it might get messy.)
Sprinkle the top of the tuna noodle casserole with the prepared breadcrumbs. Sprinkle them lightly, don’t pack them down.
Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes until bubbly on the edges, the top is golden, and it’s hot throughout, at least 165°F. in the center.
Let it set for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Notes

Rinse the noodles with cold water if they start to stick when you are ready to use them, so they get slippery. Drain well.
If you are sensitive to salt use reduced sodium ingredients where possible, like low-sodium butter, broth, tuna, and/or cream of chicken soup.

Nutrition