Cheesy Tuna Noodle Casserole Recipe

If you’ve ever felt nostalgic for a classic comfort dish that’s both delicious and satisfies a crowd, you’re going to adore this Cheesy Tuna Noodle Casserole Recipe. It’s one of those timeless meals that’s creamy, cheesy, and topped with a crunchy panko crust—trust me, it’s fan-freaking-tastic. I love how it transforms everyday pantry staples into a cozy dinner that feels like a warm hug.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

I love how these ingredients come together to create the perfect balance of creamy sauce, tender noodles, and just the right amount of savory tuna. Grab good-quality canned tuna and fresh veggies when possible—it really lifts the flavor.

• Panko breadcrumbs: Use them for that golden, crispy topping that elevates the whole casserole experience.
• Olive oil or melted butter: Adds richness to the panko topping and prevents it from drying out.
• Shredded parmesan cheese: A little bit goes a long way adding savory depth to the topping.
• Flat leaf parsley: Freshens up the dish with a burst of color and mild herbaceous notes.
• Shell pasta: The shape holds sauce beautifully compared to other pasta types.
• Unsalted butter: For sautéing veggies and creating that luscious roux for the sauce.
• Diced celery and shallots: Adds subtle crunch and sweet undertones to the creamy filling.
• Garlic: Because garlic always makes everything better.
• Flour: To thicken the sauce without it getting gloopy—just the right consistency.
• Dijon mustard: A secret little punch of tang that brightens the sauce so it’s not overly heavy.
• Low sodium chicken broth: Adds savory umami without overpowering the tuna.
• Milk (warmed): Helps keep the cheese sauce smooth and creamy.
• Shredded cheddar cheese: The star of that melty, cheesy sauce you’ll swoon over.
• Canned tuna in water (drained): Flakey and light, it blends perfectly with the creamy sauce.
• Frozen peas: Sweet little bursts that brighten each bite and add a pop of color.

Variations

I like to keep this recipe adaptable depending on what’s in my fridge or the season. You can easily tweak ingredients to match your taste or dietary needs—don’t be shy to personalize!

• Use different cheese blends: I sometimes swap cheddar for Gruyère or add mozzarella for extra meltiness—your call!
• Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta and flour substitutes; I’ve found it still comes out wonderfully creamy.
• Veggie boost: Stir in mushrooms, spinach, or carrots if you want more veggies—great way to sneak them in.
• Protein swap: If you’re not into tuna, canned salmon or shredded chicken work perfectly fine too.

How to Make Cheesy Tuna Noodle Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Topping

Start by combining the panko breadcrumbs, olive oil (or melted butter), and shredded parmesan cheese in a small bowl. This mix is what gives the casserole its irresistible crunchy, golden crust. I usually set this aside while the rest of the dish comes together. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Cook your shell pasta just 1-2 minutes shy of al dente. This step’s important because the pasta will continue cooking later in the oven, absorbing all those wonderful flavors without turning mushy. Drain well and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Veggies and Make the Sauce

This step is where the magic happens. Melt a tablespoon of butter in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat, then sauté diced shallots, celery, and garlic with a pinch of salt and pepper for about 2-3 minutes until nicely softened. Add the remaining butter and sprinkle flour over the veggies—stir constantly until you see no white flour streaks. Then mix in the dijon mustard for a subtle zing.

Slowly pour in the chicken broth and warmed milk while whisking to get a smooth sauce—no lumps allowed here! Bring it to a gentle simmer, keep whisking until it thickens slightly. Finally, lower the heat and whisk in your shredded cheddar cheese until melted and silky.

Step 4: Combine Pasta, Tuna, and Peas

Stir the cooked pasta, well-drained tuna, and frozen peas right into your creamy cheese sauce. Everything should be evenly coated—this ensures each bite is perfectly balanced with cheesy goodness and tender tuna chunks.

Step 5: Bake with the Crispy Topping

Spread the panko topping evenly over your casserole and pop it into a preheated 350°F oven. Bake for about 25 minutes until bubbly and that topping turns a gorgeous golden brown. When you pull it out, the smell alone will tell you all is right in the world.

How to Serve Cheesy Tuna Noodle Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle chopped flat leaf parsley right on top after baking—it adds a lovely fresh note and a little pop of color. Sometimes I add a pinch of freshly ground black pepper or even a squeeze of lemon juice for extra brightness.

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs beautifully with simple sides like a crisp green salad or roasted seasonal vegetables. I love serving it with steamed broccoli or green beans, which add a fresh crunch that balances the creamy richness perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve baked individual servings in ramekins and topped them with extra panko for that personal golden crisp crust. It’s a fun way to elevate the dish for guests, and everyone loves their own perfectly portioned casserole.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, I add a splash of milk to loosen up the sauce so it doesn’t dry out. It reheats beautifully in the oven or microwave without losing any of its creamy charm.

Freezing

This recipe freezes well! I’ll portion it into freezer-safe containers, leaving room for expansion. To thaw, I usually pop it in the fridge overnight, then reheat in the oven. The texture stays creamy, and the panko topping is still delightful if you re-crisp it under the broiler for a minute.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers covered in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, adding a drizzle of milk if it seems dry. If you want to refresh the topping, remove the foil the last 5 minutes to bring back its crispness. Microwave works too—you just need to stir halfway through for even heating.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly comforting about this Cheesy Tuna Noodle Casserole Recipe that makes me want to share it with every friend who loves hearty, cozy meals. It’s easy to trust and even easier to love—whether it’s a weeknight family dinner or a casual get-together. I hope you’ll find it as satisfying and foolproof as I do. Once you try this recipe, it might just become one of your go-to comfort foods too!

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