Description
This homemade Tuna Noodle Casserole is a comforting family favorite, featuring tender pasta, flaky tuna, fresh vegetables, and a rich, cheesy sauce made entirely from scratch. No canned soup needed, just real ingredients blended into a creamy, savory casserole topped with a crunchy golden breadcrumb crust.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (egg noodles, rotini, macaroni, or any other short noodle)
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1 small onion, diced
- ½ tbsp minced garlic
- 3 tbsp flour
- 2¼ cups milk
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 3 cans (5 oz each) tuna
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
Topping
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil OR melted butter
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Spray a 9×13 baking dish with nonstick cooking spray and set aside. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make Sauce: In a large skillet or saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux. Gradually whisk in milk and continue whisking until the sauce is smooth and thickened, about 3–5 minutes. Add smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper, then stir to combine. Remove from heat.
- Mix Ingredients: Add the drained tuna, frozen peas, chopped spinach, cooked pasta, and shredded cheddar cheese to the sauce. Gently stir everything together until evenly combined.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Prepare Topping: In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs with olive oil or melted butter. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the cheese layer on the casserole. Optionally sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor.
- Bake: Bake the casserole in a preheated oven at 375°F for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden on top. For extra crunch, broil on high for 1-2 minutes at the end. Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use any short pasta you prefer such as elbow macaroni, rotini, or egg noodles.
- Adding fresh spinach enhances nutrition and flavor but can be omitted if unavailable.
- Broiling at the end adds a nice crunchy topping but watch it closely to prevent burning.
- You can substitute milk with a lower-fat or lactose-free option if desired.
- Feel free to add extra shredded cheese inside or on top for a cheesier casserole.
- The casserole can be made ahead and refrigerated before baking; add a few extra minutes to baking time if baking from cold.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
