Tuna Noodle Casserole

If Tuna Helper and green bean casserole decided to steal away to Vegas and get hitched, this would be their someday baby. A little hybrid bundle of joy.

The thing about tuna noodle casserole is that it’s so delightfully classic, so proudly retro, that I’m happy to let it be. Most comfort food recipes, especially those that rely heavily on canned foods and convenience, give me pause. I bite my lip, look upstairs to by brain, and ask, “Can we make this more homemade? Can we make it healthy? [Most importantly] Should we?”

And the truth is, sometimes we should not. Cans of Campbell’s condensed soup, like cans of Aqua Net hairspray, make me smile with nostalgia.  And while it’s not quite the olden days, but more just the dayglow surrounding the ’80’s, they remind me of my childhood- an era of fabulous perms and legwarmers.

I’m comforted by this dish. Creamy verging on gooey, warm, and hearty. It has all the savory depth of green bean casserole, from cream of mushroom soup, a sharpness from grated parmesan cheese, and a gentle zing of garlic. But it’s the little pops of sweet peas between my canines and the saltiness of flaked tuna that really dazzle my taste buds. I topped it all with french fried onions because I feel like those trump bread crumbs in nearly every circumstance. I dare you to find something more lovely than a crisp, buttery crust atop a melting cheesy center.

Let me know if you find something. I’ll be here eating things that taste like 1985. And getting a perm.

In a large bowl, stir together 5 cups of cooked pasta, 2 cans of tuna fish, and 2 cups of frozen, unthawed, peas.

In a separate small bowl, whisk together 2 cans of condensed cream of mushroom soup, 1 cup of milk, 1/2 cup of grated parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper. Pour that mixture on top of the pasta.

Stir it all together until well combined. Pour it into a lightly greased casserole dish (I used a 13×9″ pan). Cover the pan with foil and bake for 20 minutes at 375°F. Remove the foil, sprinkle crushed french fried onions evenly over the top and bake, now uncovered, for an additional 5 minutes.

 

Tuna Noodle Casserole

The classic tuna noodle casserole that you grew up with!
Prep Time7 minutes
Cook Time40 minutes
Total Time47 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: casserole recipe, easy tuna casserole, tuna noodle casserole
Servings: 5 Servings
Calories: 402kcal

Ingredients

  • 5 cups cooked rotini pasta or egg noodles about 10 ounces
  • 2 cans tuna drained and flaked with a fork
  • 2 cups peas fresh or frozen
  • 2 cans condensed cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 cup milk
  • ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup finely crushed French fried onions recommended: French’s brand

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 375°F.
  • Boil the pasta according to package directions. Drain and place in a large bowl. Add the tuna and peas and toss to combine.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk the soup, milk, cheese, garlic powder, and pepper, and pour over the pasta mixture. Stir to combine.
  • Pour the tuna and pasta mixture into a casserole dish that's been coated with cooked spray. Cover the dish with foil and bake until hot, about 25 minutes. Remove the foil, sprinkle the french fried onions evenly over the top and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes. Serve.

Nutrition

Calories: 402kcal | Carbohydrates: 47g | Protein: 26g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 64mg | Sodium: 1121mg | Potassium: 522mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 652IU | Vitamin C: 23mg | Calcium: 204mg | Iron: 3mg
Share:

Subscribe!

79 thoughts on “Tuna Noodle Casserole

  1. Evan Thomas

    I could never let my mother see this post or she’d insist I make it for her. Her two favorite foods are pasta and tuna salad sandwiches, and this seems like a holy union of the two.

    Reply
    1. KO

      Make it for your mom!
      I lost my mom a few years ago due to a motorcycle accident. I WISH I could make her this dish.
      Make it for your mom this weekend!

      Reply
  2. Kelly

    This takes me back to my childhood and college. One of my college friends knew she could get me to come over if she promised me tuna noodle casserole for lunch, except I’ve always used egg noodles. Whole wheat noodles sound really delicious too.

    Reply
  3. kitchenarian

    I don’t eat a lot of casseroles, but I LOVE tuna casserole and this looks delicious. I always put a little bit of chopped jalapeno peppers in my tuna casserole for a little extra kick.

    I will be making this soon. Thanks!

    Reply
    1. Renee

      Thanks so much for the tip about the jalapeno peppers to add to this fantastic tuna casserole. I just made this using about 1/3 cup chopped pickled jalapenos, and it is the best I have ever eaten! Didn’t have french fried onions – sounds so good as a topping – so I crushed Ritz crackers on top after baking. I added 1 tsp of onion powder since I wasn’t using the onion topping, and a splash of lemon juice, since I like it in almost everything.
      I think it would have been delicious for me just as written, but now my husband, who does not like anything without a bit of heat, will love it also! Thanks for posting this recipe! I am looking forward to trying your other recipes, they all look fantastic!

      Reply
  4. Pingback: Tuna Noodle Casserole « Topicco – Find, Read, Share

  5. Karen Matthews

    I’ve never had or made tuna noodle casserole either. I grew up in England and hadn’t heard of it before I moved to the States. This recipe sounds wonderful and I’m going to try it out this weekend.
    Quick question…what size cans of tuna? the small 6oz or the larger 12oz?
    Thanks XO

    Reply
  6. Lu

    I love canned mushroom soup. There I said it. I know there has to be some group I can join to help me with this. But, in all fairness, I’m only buying the 98% fat free version. I’m ok with that. Is that what one would define as denial? This casserole looks great. Just right for a chilly day.

    Reply
  7. Megan (Braise The Roof)

    I’m with you- some traditions should not be messed with. This is how I feel about pretty much any of my dad’s “recipes”. Mostly because they aren’t written down. You just have to watch him, the way he watched his mom, and repeat. Classic. And no- there is nothing in the world known to man more wonderful and comforting than a crunchy, buttery top over cheesy carbs.

    Reply
  8. Cindy

    so now you are really messing with me.
    We love a good tuna noodle casserole. Giada De Laurentiis has a good recipe and that’s the last one I made a while ago, so now I am ready to make another one.

    After a night of heavy soul searching and careful consideration, I have decided that I am going to make everything (or attmept too) you post (recipe wise) this year.

    Did you think you would get away with double daring me? NO.

    If stuffed shrimp wasn’t bad, a comforting bowl of tuna noodle casserole put me over the edge.

    So let the Can You Stay For Dinner Challenge Commence.

    Oye, what have I gotten myself into???

    Bring it!

    Reply
  9. Kace

    I’ve never had tuna noodle casserole, but it reminds me of the 60s ha. I will have to try this soon! It looks like a good Friday in Lent type of meal.

    Reply
  10. Pingback: she called me a WUSS. « A Sparkle A Day

  11. Healthy Coconut

    Before I saw the ingredients, the dish looked so creamy in the pictures. It doesn’t look healthy at all, but once I started reading the rest, I’m glad your cream of choice is cream of mushroom. Easy enough, hopefully I will be able to make it soon.

    Reply
  12. Pingback: Focus on your breath « A Sparkle A Day

  13. Jenn @ Cooking Aweigh the Pounds

    I wanted to come back to let you know that I finally got to try this tonight and it was sooo good and comforting! Even my husband (the Tuna Helper Hater) liked it a lot. His issue with Tuna Helper was that it’s too salty and this was perfectly seasoned. Thanks for sharing this!

    Reply
  14. purplehappytree

    Hi :)
    Just wondering, is your oven fan-forced?
    Only I cooked this for 20 minutes and its still cold in the middle, so am wondering if I should be doing something differently (my oven isn’t fan forced).

    Reply
  15. Cami

    We made this for dinner the other night and it was delicious! Thanks for sharing! I love your blog and not just for the recipes and photography!

    Reply
  16. Pingback: No Sugar Added Tuna Noodle Casserole « A Sparkle A Day

  17. Liz Vadset-Olver

    I love tuna noodle casserole,I just try to find ways to cut back now on calories, fat and carbs. I use Dreamfields pasta, the 98% fat free Cream of Mushroom soup and fat free half and half to dilute the soup. I’ve never used french fried onion rings, I guess because I associate that with the infamous green bean casserole. :) I top my tuna casserole with fat free shredded cheddar. And of course I use peas as you do. It still tastes yummy, it really does.

    Reply
  18. Jennifer Varady

    This yummy looking dish is in the oven as we speak, thanks! Found it on Pintrest! I just wondered if you wanted us to use 1/2 t or 1 t of black pepper… the top recipe with pictures says 1t and the bottom says only 1/2…. I went with 1/2 and can add more later if it’s needed!

    Reply
  19. Jeannette

    I made this last night, and holy cow that’s a lot of food. My family of three ate, one of us had seconds, and there’s easily almost half left, so I’d say it yields 6 generous servings (esp when paired with a veggie on the side).

    Here’s the nutrition info for 1/6 the recipe (note: I used skim milk and 98% fat free cream of mushroom soup, and omitted the onion topping, plugged ingredients into an internet gadget, so YMMV, etc.): 463 cals, 7 g fat, 70 g carbs, 31 g protein.

    Reply
  20. Pingback: toona noodz « sponge champion

  21. top resorts in kerala

    Great beat ! I wish to apprentice whilst you amend your web site, how can i subscribe for a blog web site? The account aided me a appropriate deal. I had been tiny bit acquainted of this your broadcast provided vivid transparent concept

    Reply
  22. Scott

    Just made this for lunch…very yummy. I added some bacon and used cream of celery soup (don’t like mushrooms). I also added some red pepper flakes for a little kick. Big hit and it make a ton!!

    Reply
  23. Kevin W

    Nice recipe. You can use cream of celery soup if you’re not crazy about the cr. of mush.- a little herb doesn’t hurt. Dill is good or the standard Mrs. Dash is very good in it. I’ve never thought about using the fried onions on top. It was really good. I also use panko crumbs mixed with parmesan and held together with a little (or alot) of butter or margarine and spread on top. YUM!

    Reply
  24. Diane

    I know what I’m having for dinner tonight! :-) I can’t seem to get enough of your inspiration and I find I glean more every time I read one of your posts. I believe I have read everything (so I apologize if I’m making a request that might already be out there) about how you dealt with portion control. For me, if something is good – I want more… and I tend to give in, even though it won’t taste as good as the first bite. -Diane, who worries she’ll make the TNC and eat the whole damn thing! ;-)

    Reply
  25. Alexandra

    Do you think this could be made and then frozen (without cooking) and then put in the oven and cooked (after being thawed)?

    Reply
  26. ELee

    I make a variation of this, but I start with a roux instead of cream soups. That way, I’m not eating enough sodium to kill a man. I begin with equal amounts flour and butter (I know, I know, butter is bad, but it’s SO GOOD), let’s say 4T each, whisk together until a roux is formed, and add 1 1/2 C milk. Let it boil, turn it down to a simmer and let it thicken. Add tuna , and salt to taste. Voila!

    Reply
  27. Sully_04

    Made this casserole last night… talk about YUMMY comfort food! I could have eaten the WHOLE dish.. BUT I decided to save some for my husband and daughter.. LOL! Thanks again! Making your Honey BBQ Meatloaf tommorrow!

    Reply
  28. Sara

    I just made this last night. YUMMMMMY! I only had a bag of frozen mixed veggies (green beans, peas, and carrots) My kids loved it and they were getting some extra vegetables in so WIN WIN :) thank you for this site. my husband and I are currently trying to lose weight but not wanting to deprive our selves of good tasting food. I love love love your recipes.

    Reply
  29. Pingback: Putting My Mom on a Diet: Week 16 Meal Plan and Weigh-In | Can You Stay For Dinner?

  30. Anne

    Hey Andie, loved seeing mom looking GREAT! She is on a roll !!!!! Chin up and keep it up.
    Loved the thought of tuna helper and green bean casserole running off to Vegas and having a hybrid buncle of joy! I laughted outloud!!!!!!!!!! I remembering going to my friend Marg’s house back in the sixties. It would be Friday and they were good Catholics and had tuna casserole. At the time, the Catholics could only eat fish or no meat on Friday. I LOVED being invited to dinner on those Friday nights because my mother did not fix this at our house. WOW! Good stuff. Use to make it on WWatchers with mayo, tuna, peas and pasta. Ate it for lunch and LOVED it! I am going to make this one for sure. Just another of your wonderful dishes!!!! Have a great day!!!!! p.s. Chicken sounds good in it too!!!!!

    Reply
  31. Beth

    Hi Andie!!!

    Love you, love your blog!!!! You and your mom are doing amazing work together, so inspiring!

    I know what you mean about the classics – i pretty much survived highschool eating cream of mushroom soup lol. However, like you said, it isn’t the healthiest thing to eat :). I didn’t read all the comments, so sorry if someone already posted this – http://www.grouprecipes.com/36004/condensed-cream-of-mushroom-soup-substitute.html
    Can’t wait to try your recipe!

    -Beth

    Reply
  32. Jill

    I’m just wondering how many servings your nutritional info is based on? Thanks! Making it now and can’t wait to try it!

    Reply
  33. helen

    I just maid this for dinner in honor of my mom today is her bday and she loved this dish. my mom passed away I love her and think of her all the time. thanks for the recipe you sure are a awesome cook.

    Reply
  34. Anne

    Andie, I love tuna casserole!!! I used to make it on Weight Watchers. This looks devine and I am VERY afraid that I will pull it from my oven, put on counter, pull up a chair and eat the entire casserole!!!! Lol Love your wtiting. I have missed it so much. Glad you are liking NY!
    af

    Reply
  35. Marion

    Hi Andie
    Just put the tuna bake in the oven…..I used a can of tuna and a can of pink salmon, just makes it a bit different, and potato crisps on top….my family love this- what’s not to love – pasta cheese crisps -true comfort food

    Reply
  36. Tosh

    Hi Andie,
    I have been really craving tuna casserole and I just came across your recipe. Thanks so much for posting and now I ‘LIKED’ your Facebook Page. Your recipes are great! This tuna casserole recipe was perfect for everything I already had in the house and it was just so easy to make. I am trying to cook healthier so I used whole wheat rotini pasta noodles, fit & active condensed soup (sodium is less than regular condensed soup, I buy it at Aldi), I used a little cumin because it just makes everything taste good, I used the fit & active mexican blend shredded cheese because I still like that little cheddar flavor mixed in and I topped it with a dust of italian style bread crumbs, (as I get older it seems onions don’t want to be my friend anymore, lol). Oh not sure if anyone ever heard of this, but when I was at ‘Ross’ I saw this sprayer called MISTO, you fill it only a 3rd way full of your favorite oil, (mine is extra virgin olive oil) and then you just pump the lid a little til it gives resistance, (so easy), and it sprays your oil like you bought it in a spray can but without the chemicals. I bought mine for $7.00 and i love it! I used it to spray my pan and to spray the top of the bread crumbs before I put it back in the oven to crust up. Well thanks Andie and I look forward to making more of your recipes and I will share your page with my TOPS group (Taking Off Pounds Sensibly, non-profit weight-loss group).

    Reply
  37. Pingback: Menu Plan for Week 11 of 2013 | Life Lived

  38. Pingback: Menu Plan for Week 11 of 2013 | Working With What You Have

  39. Ryan D.

    I find jalapeño “bottle caps” (beer battered deep fried jalapeño slices) to be a superior topping to the old onions… Occasionally I’ll add the leftover tortilla chip crumbs as well.

    Reply
  40. Trixiebelle

    This was delightful, even without the french onions.

    I was thinking this would be good with shredded chicken and peas/carrots….kind of like a chicken pot pie with pasta instead of crust.

    Reply
    1. Andie Mitchell Post author

      Hi Jessie! A 1 lb box of pasta has 8, 2-ounce servings and we want to use 5, 2-ounce servings, so I like to measure it dry just to ensure that you’re not wasting any of it.

      For rotini, 1/2 cup dry pasta makes 1 cup cooked. So measure out 2 1/2 cups DRY rotini to get 5 cups cooked. Here’s a good guide from Barilla: http://www.barilla.com/faq?p=measuring

      Hope this is helpful!!

      Andie

      Reply
  41. Pingback: Putting My Mom on a Diet: Week 16 Meal Plan and Weigh-In - Andie Mitchell

  42. Dara

    This is my favorite tuna casserole recipe!! SO good!
    I made one (accidental) tweak. I set out to make the recipe as directed but realized I didn’t have any frozen peas on hand. I did, however have frozen mixed veggies (corn, green beans, carrots and peas). It came out so well, I’ve made it the same ever since. That, coupled with tri-colored rotini make this a very colorful, delicious recipe!!

    Reply
  43. Esther

    We can’t really get condensed soups like Campbell’s where I live in Europe. What’s a homemade alternative? Craving American comfort food right now with this virus. <3

    Reply

Leave a Reply to Andie Mitchell Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.