Description
Tuna noodle casserole brings comfort straight from your grandma’s kitchen, mixing creamy cheese and tender pasta into a classic family favorite that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. Grab your fork and dive into this simple, hearty dish that turns weeknight dinners into something special.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups egg noodles
- 1 can (12 ounces) tuna, drained
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup frozen peas
Supporting Ingredients:
- ½ cup milk
Seasonings:
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat your oven to precisely 350F so it’s ready for the casserole.
- Boil 2 cups egg noodles in salted water for 8-9 minutes until perfectly al dente, then thoroughly drain.
- Whisk 1 cup softened cream cheese with ½ cup milk until completely smooth and creamy.
- Fold in your drained 12 oz can of tuna, breaking it into small flakes as you mix.
- Stir 1 cup frozen peas into the mixture, ensuring even distribution.
- Sprinkle ½ teaspoon garlic powder and ½ teaspoon onion powder across the mixture, then season with salt and pepper.
- Gently incorporate the cooked noodles, making sure every strand gets coated with the creamy sauce.
- Transfer the entire mixture into a lightly greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading evenly.
- Scatter 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese across the top of the casserole.
- Bake for exactly 25-30 minutes until the cheese melts and edges turn golden brown.
- Remove from oven and let stand 5 minutes before serving to allow sauce to settle.
Notes
- Drain noodles thoroughly to prevent a watery casserole and ensure a creamy texture.
- Use full-fat cream cheese for the richest, most luxurious sauce that coats every noodle perfectly.
- For a gluten-free version, swap egg noodles with your favorite gluten-free pasta and check that all seasonings are certified gluten-free.
- Create a crunchy topping by sprinkling crushed butter crackers or breadcrumbs over the cheese before baking for added texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Casseroles
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 438 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 29 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg