Description
This easy tuna casserole features flaky tuna, tender noodles, and peas in a creamy homemade cheese sauce, all topped with buttery cracker crumbs. A cozy, family-friendly dinner that’s ready in under an hour.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1/2 cup diced white onion
- 8 ounces small pasta (rotini, farfalle, or macaroni)
- 2 cups frozen peas
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup freshly grated cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 10 ounces canned tuna (water-packed, well drained)
- 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers (or panko breadcrumbs)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh minced parsley
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Cook pasta in salted boiling water according to package directions, pulling it one minute early for al dente. Add frozen peas during the last minute. Drain and set aside.
- In a large, deep oven-safe skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Whisk in flour and garlic powder. Cook for 2 minutes until golden.
- Slowly whisk in milk and bring to a simmer. Stir often until thickened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Remove from heat. Stir in cheddar and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Add cooked pasta, peas, drained tuna, and sour cream. Stir until combined.
- In a small bowl, mix crushed crackers with melted butter, Parmesan, and parsley. Sprinkle evenly over the casserole.
- Bake uncovered for 20 minutes until bubbling. Broil 3-5 minutes for a golden top.
- Let rest 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Notes
- This casserole is best served fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Feel free to substitute the pasta shape with your favorite type.
- For added flavor, consider mixing in some cooked vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 33 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 608
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 53 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg