Lighter Cheesy Tuna Noodle Casserole (without Canned Cream Soup)
Try this Lighter Cheesy Tuna Noodle Casserole (without Canned Cream Soup) recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this Lighter Cheesy Tuna Noodle Casserole (without Canned Cream Soup) recipe, or contribute your own.
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 cup diced onion
- 3 stalks celery diced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 tsp. dijon mustard
- 12 oz. dry pasta shape of your choice (i used large m
- 3 med carrots peeled and diced ( or one cup frozen cut c
- 2 cups sliced raw button mushrooms
- 1/2 tsp. dried thyme
- 6 tbs unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup + 2 tbs all purpose flour
- 4 cups skim or 1% milk
- 1 cup low sodium nonfat chicken broth
- 1 tsp. kosher salt ( or more or less to your liking)
- 1/2 tsp. fresh ground pepper
- 1 cup of shredded reduced fat sharp cheddar cheese
- 2-5 oz. cans of albacore tuna packed in no liquid or i drained, and flaked apart
- 15 buttery-type crackers crushed
- Carbohydrate 30.9329923176895 g
- Cholesterol 366.36 mg
- Fat 138.889430924172 g
- Fiber 8.12384576194574 g
- Protein 10.0481001658949 g
- Saturated Fat 87.6730981881524 g
- Serving Size 1 1 - 13"x 9" pan with 10 serving (1237g)
- Sodium 168.993636966891 mg
- Sugar 22.8091465557437 g
- Trans Fat 9.88445945876823 g
- Calories 1379 calories
Step-by-step
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package directions but one or two minutes less than the package calls for. Drain and set aside.
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
- Soften up the vegetables: While pasta is cooking, in a large nonstick skillet sprayed with misto olive oil or cooking spray, over medium-high heat, saute the onion, celery, and carrots (if using raw) for about 5 minutes to soften them. Add in the garlic. Continue to cook for about a minute or two, until garlic becomes fragrant. Add in the mushrooms and continue to cook vegetables until they are all soft. Add in frozen peas and thyme. (add in frozen carrots now if using frozen) Take off heat and set aside.
- Make the sauce: In the same pan you cooked the pasta in, melt the butter on med-high heat. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk. Cook for one minute while whisking. Slowly pour in the milk while continuing to whisk. Add in the chicken broth. Continue to cook and stir until it begins to thicken. Cook one more minute. Take off heat. Season with salt and pepper. Whisk in the Dijon mustard, cheese, and tuna.
- Assemble the casserole: Spray a 13" x 9" baking pan with cooking spray. Add the reserved cooked pasta and the reserved softened vegetables to the sauce. Stir to combine. Pour into prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with crushed crackers.
- Bake in oven for about 30 minutes or until the casserole is hot and bubbly. Allow to cool for 5 minutes before serving.
My Lighter Take on a Classic Comfort Food: Cheesy Tuna Noodle Casserole
As a busy working mom, I’m always looking for quick and easy meals that don't compromise on flavor or nutrition. Traditional tuna noodle casserole, while undeniably comforting, often feels a bit heavy and laden with creamy, canned soup. So, I set out on a mission to create a lighter, healthier version that still delivers on that satisfying cheesy goodness. This recipe is the result of that quest, a delightful balance of convenience and wholesome ingredients. It's perfect for a weeknight dinner, a potluck contribution, or even a satisfying lunch the next day.
The key to this lighter casserole lies in replacing the traditional canned cream soup with a homemade creamy sauce. This allows me to control the ingredients and reduce the fat and sodium content significantly. Using skim or 1% milk and reduced-fat cheese makes a world of difference without sacrificing the rich, creamy texture. I've also added plenty of fresh vegetables for extra nutrients and a burst of freshness, helping to balance the richness of the cheese and tuna. This casserole isn't just a lighter version; it's a healthier, more flavorful upgrade!
The simplicity of the recipe is a huge draw for me. The steps are straightforward and require minimal prep time. I often make the sauce and prepare the vegetables while the pasta cooks, streamlining the process and making it perfect for a busy weeknight. The whole family loves this recipe, and the leftovers are just as enjoyable the next day, making it a truly efficient meal.
Beyond the time savings, this recipe offers a wonderful opportunity to involve the kids. They can help with tasks like crushing crackers, washing and chopping vegetables, or even stirring the sauce. It's a great way to get them excited about healthy eating and involved in the meal preparation process. Making memories in the kitchen, one casserole at a time, is a bonus I wholeheartedly enjoy. This recipe allows me to share a tasty and healthy meal with my family without spending hours in the kitchen – a win-win situation in my book!
The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. Feel free to experiment with different vegetables – broccoli, spinach, or even zucchini would be delicious additions. Similarly, you can substitute the cheese with your favorite type, or even try a blend of cheeses. The cracker topping is also customizable; panko breadcrumbs would make a lovely alternative. The possibilities are endless!
I encourage you to give this recipe a try. It’s a delightful twist on a classic comfort food, perfect for busy weeknights and family gatherings alike. It's a testament to the fact that healthy eating doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming; it can be both delicious and easy!
So, ditch the canned soup and embrace the deliciousness of this lighter, healthier, and equally satisfying cheesy tuna noodle casserole! Your taste buds (and your waistline) will thank you.
Pro-Tip: For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of nutmeg or paprika to the creamy sauce. A sprinkle of fresh parsley before serving adds a touch of freshness and vibrancy.
Serving Suggestions: This casserole is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with a simple side salad for a complete and well-balanced meal. A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the casserole beautifully.
Let me know in the comments how you enjoyed this recipe and what variations you tried! Happy cooking!
