Creamy Tuna Noodle Casserole

Introduction

Creamy Tuna Noodle Casserole stands the test of time as the ultimate comfort-food classic. What makes it a perennial favorite is its luscious, creamy sauce wrapping every strand of noodle, punctuated by tender flakes of tuna and bursts of sweet peas—all crowned with a perfectly golden, crispy topping. It’s deliciously filling, easy to prepare with basic pantry staples, and always a crowd-pleaser at family dinners or potlucks.

Why This Tuna Noodle Casserole is a Must-Make

This recipe delivers everything you crave in a weeknight meal: minimal fuss, big flavor, creamy nostalgia, and lots of savory satisfaction. With just one casserole dish and a handful of common ingredients, you’ll have a dish that delivers on both wholesome comfort and versatility. Whether you bake it fresh or prep it in advance, the creamy texture, subtle tuna flavor, and topping crunch hit all the right notes.

Creamy Filling: The Heart of the Casserole

The key to the best tuna noodle casserole is a deeply flavorful, creamy sauce. Begin by making a simple roux, then slowly whisk in milk for a smooth white sauce. Stir in a combination of cheese and seasonings to amp up the depth. Flake in the tuna alongside sweet peas for balance. Don’t forget to taste for seasoning before you combine everything with your cooked noodles.

For fast and uniform vegetable dicing, use a Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper to chop onions or celery for the sauce—this not only saves time, but also ensures even cooking and harmonious flavor with every bite.

Building Crunch and Baking Perfection

A tuna casserole is only as good as its topping. Classic choices like buttered breadcrumbs or crushed crackers add texture and toasty flavor. To create a mess-free baking experience and prevent sticking, line your baking dish with a sheet of Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll. This helps with easy cleanup and ensures a beautiful golden crust every time.

When transferring the hot dish to and from the oven, a set of KitchenAid Ribbed Soft Silicone Oven Mitts ensures safety and grip.

Serving Suggestions & Leftover Storage

Serve this casserole hot from the oven, garnished with fresh herbs for a pop of color, and pair it with a crisp green salad. For tidy and convenient leftover storage, portion cooled casserole into Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers, which keep the flavors fresh and make reheating or on-the-go lunches simple.

For enjoying leftovers away from home, the Bentgo Salad Container is the ideal solution for packing a hearty lunch, ensuring your casserole stays mess-free and delicious.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This casserole serves 6 generous portions. Each serving contains approximately 400–450 calories, depending on the quantities and brands of cheese, pasta, and topping used. With lean tuna and peas, it offers a decent balance of protein, carbs, and veggies—a comforting classic you can feel good about serving.

Creamy Tuna Noodle Casserole (Recap)

Creamy Tuna Noodle Casserole reimagines your favorite childhood meal with extra creaminess and crunch. Ridiculously easy, budget-friendly, and always satisfying, it’s just the meal to bring everyone to the table with smiles.

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F. Line a casserole dish with a sheet of Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll for effortless serving and cleanup.
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the egg noodles according to package instructions until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Sauté the diced onion and celery until softened, about 3–4 minutes.
4. Sprinkle in the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute. Slowly whisk in the milk until a smooth sauce forms. Continue cooking, stirring frequently, until slightly thickened, about 3–5 minutes.
5. Remove from heat. Stir in the cheddar cheese, sour cream, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until well combined. Add the flaked tuna and peas, then gently fold in the cooked noodles until fully coated.
6. Transfer the mixture to your prepared casserole dish.
7. In a small bowl, toss the crushed crackers or breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons melted butter. Evenly sprinkle over the casserole.
8. Bake, uncovered, for 20–25 minutes or until the top is golden and the casserole is bubbly.
9. Using KitchenAid Ribbed Soft Silicone Oven Mitts, carefully remove the casserole from the oven. Let cool for 5 minutes, then garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Enjoy the rich, creamy comfort of this tuna noodle casserole—an enduring favorite for good reason!