Creamy Tuna Casserole Noodles (Printable)

Family-friendly baked pasta with tuna, peas, and creamy sauce under a crunchy golden topping.

# What You'll Need:

→ Pasta

01 - 9 oz egg noodles or fusilli

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 cup frozen peas
03 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced

→ Tuna

05 - 2 cans (6 oz each) tuna in water, drained

→ Sauce

06 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
07 - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
08 - 1 1/2 cups milk
09 - 1/2 cup sour cream
10 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
11 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
12 - 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
13 - 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

→ Topping

14 - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
15 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
16 - 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

# Step-by-Step Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 2-quart baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
02 - Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente according to package directions. Drain well and set aside.
03 - In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons butter. Add chopped onion and cook for 3 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant.
04 - Sprinkle flour over onion and garlic, stirring constantly for 1 minute to cook out raw flour taste.
05 - Gradually whisk in milk, ensuring no lumps form. Bring mixture to a simmer, stirring frequently until thickened, about 3-4 minutes.
06 - Remove skillet from heat. Stir in sour cream, salt, pepper, dried thyme, and shredded cheddar cheese until completely smooth and cheese is melted.
07 - Add drained tuna, frozen peas, and cooked pasta to the sauce. Gently fold together until evenly distributed.
08 - Transfer mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly.
09 - In a small bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until butter is evenly distributed.
10 - Sprinkle breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
11 - Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until sauce is bubbling around edges and topping is golden brown.
12 - Let casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow sauce to set slightly.

# Expert Hints:

01 -
  • This is the kind of dinner that brings everyone to the table without anyone asking whats for dinner
  • The homemade sauce transforms pantry ingredients into something rich and comforting
  • Leftovers reheat beautifully for lunch the next day
02 -
  • Do not overcook the pasta during boiling since it will continue cooking in the oven
  • The sauce will seem thick but that is exactly what prevents a watery casserole
  • Letting the casserole rest for 5 minutes makes serving much easier and cleaner
03 -
  • Grate your own cheese for the sauce since pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting
  • Room temperature sour cream incorporates more easily without any risk of curdling
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