Tuna Noodle Casserole
Try this Tuna noodle casserole recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this Tuna noodle casserole recipe, or contribute your own.
- cooking spray
- 2 tbsp parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp whole wheat seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1 cup 1% milk
- 1 medium onion minced fine
- 3 tbsp flour (gluten free use rice flour)
- 1 3/4 cups fat free chicken broth
- 1 oz sherry (optional)
- 10 oz sliced baby bella mushrooms
- 1 cup frozen petite peas (thawed)
- 4 oz 50% reduced fat sharp cheddar (i used cabot)
- 6 oz no-yolk noodles (ronzoni healthy harvest or brown rice pasta for gluten free)
- 2 (5 oz) cans tuna in water drained (i used albacore)
- Carbohydrate 1.29505750005806 g
- Cholesterol 33.2531250142603 mg
- Fat 13.9704137553183 g
- Fiber 0 g
- Protein 5.55684875056713 g
- Saturated Fat 7.86329125335718 g
- Serving Size 1 1 (1229g)
- Sodium 3336.23825005554 mg
- Sugar 1.29505750005806 g
- Trans Fat 2.19783750036906 g
- Calories 149 calories
Step-by-step
- Cook noodles in salted water until al dente, or slightly undercooked by 2 minutes. Set aside.
- Melt the butter in a large deep skillet. Add onions and cook on medium heat until soft, about 5 minutes.
- Add the flour and a pinch of salt and stir well, cooking an additional 2-3 minutes on medium-low heat.
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Lightly spray 9 x 12 casserole with butter flavored cooking spray.
- Slowly whisk in the chicken broth until well combined, increasing heat to medium and whisking well for 30 seconds, then add the milk and bring to a boil.
- When boiling, add sherry, mushrooms and petite peas, adjust salt and pepper to taste and simmer on medium, mixing occasionally until it thickens (about 7 to 9 minutes).
- Add drained tuna, stirring another minute.
- Remove from heat and add 1 cup reduced fat sharp cheddar and mix well until it melts. Add the noodles to the sauce and mix well until evenly coated.
- Pour into casserole and top with parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs. Spray a little more cooking spray and top and bake for about 25 minutes.
- Place under the broiler a few minutes to get the crumbs crisp (careful not to burn).
A Weeknight Wonder: My Tuna Noodle Casserole
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook a healthy and delicious dinner can feel like a Herculean task. Between school pick-ups, after-school activities, and the never-ending cycle of laundry, the thought of spending hours in the kitchen often feels overwhelming. That's why I rely on quick and easy recipes that don't compromise on flavor or nutrition. And my Tuna Noodle Casserole is a perfect example. It's a childhood favorite reimagined for modern lifestyles, offering a comforting taste with a healthier twist.
This isn’t your grandma’s tuna noodle casserole. I’ve swapped out some of the heavier ingredients for lighter alternatives to reduce the fat and calorie content without sacrificing the creamy, cheesy goodness we all love. The use of whole wheat breadcrumbs adds a nice textural element and a boost of fiber. And let's be honest, the cheesy, bubbly topping is the star of the show! The reduced-fat cheddar provides that satisfying cheesy pull without the guilt.
Why this recipe works: The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility. It's adaptable to whatever ingredients you have on hand. Feel free to experiment with different types of noodles (I love using brown rice pasta for a gluten-free option), swap the mushrooms for other vegetables, or add a sprinkle of your favorite herbs for an extra layer of flavor. It's a great way to use up leftover vegetables or add in whatever seasonal produce you have available. The entire process takes less than an hour from start to finish, perfect for busy weeknights.
Beyond the casserole: This recipe is more than just a quick weeknight dinner; it’s a versatile dish that can be easily transformed for different occasions. For a potluck or a casual gathering, you can double or triple the recipe. You can even prepare the casserole ahead of time and bake it when you’re ready to serve. The creamy, comforting nature makes it a perfect comfort food on a chilly evening or a satisfying meal after a long day. Its adaptability makes it an ideal dish for both weeknights and special occasions.
A Taste of Home: For me, this tuna noodle casserole evokes feelings of warmth and nostalgia, reminding me of simpler times spent with family. It's a recipe that I've adapted and perfected over the years, making it a staple in my family’s meal rotation. While the original recipe might have been heavier, this version retains the comforting flavors while aligning with my healthier lifestyle choices. It’s a dish that effortlessly balances convenience and taste, proving that nutritious doesn't have to mean boring.
I encourage you to give this recipe a try and make it your own. Experiment with different variations, share it with your loved ones, and create your own cherished memories around this simple yet satisfying dish. It's a testament to the idea that even the busiest schedules can accommodate delicious, healthy, and home-cooked meals.
So, the next time you're looking for a quick, easy, and flavorful dinner that's both healthy and satisfying, look no further than my Tuna Noodle Casserole. It’s a weeknight wonder that's sure to become a family favorite.
