Lighter Tuna Casserole

Try this Lighter Tuna Casserole recipe, or contribute your own.

Lighter Tuna Casserole
Lighter Tuna Casserole
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Try this Lighter Tuna Casserole recipe, or contribute your own.

  • Preparing Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Served Person: 8
contains white meat contains gluten red meat free contains fish shellfish free contains pasta contains dairy contains eggs
main dish

Step-by-step

  • Preheat oven to 400°F.
  • Cook egg noodles al dente in a large pot of generously-salted water in a large stockpot according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  • Meanwhile, as the water for the noodles is cooking, melt butter (or olive oil) in a large saute pan over medium-high heat.
  • Add onion and carrots, and saute for 5-7 minutes, or until both are soft.
  • Add garlic and saute for 1 more minute until fragrant.
  • Stir in the flour and cook for 1 more minute.
  • Whisk in the chicken stock until it is combined, then stir in the milk, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, mushrooms, peas and tuna.
  • Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the mixture reaches a simmer and thickens and the mushrooms are cooked, about 4-6 more minutes.
  • Once the noodles are ready, add the sauce mixture to the (drained) noodles, and toss to combine.
  • Stir in the cheddar cheese until it is evenly combined.
  • Then you can either serve the pasta as-is at this point, or continue on to bake it. If you are baking the casserole, pour the noodles into a greased 9 x 13-inch baking pan.
  • Sprinkle the Panko breadcrumbs evenly on top of the pasta, then mist with some cooking spray. (Or I prefer to use olive oil in a Misto.)
  • Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the top of the pasta is slightly crispy and golden, and the filling is bubbly on the sides. Remove and serve warm.

Lighter Tuna Casserole: A Weeknight Winner

As a busy working mom, time is always of the essence. Dinner needs to be quick, healthy, and, let's be honest, something the whole family will actually enjoy. That's why I've fallen head over heels for this Lighter Tuna Casserole. It's a comforting classic, but with a healthier twist that makes me feel good about feeding it to my kids (and myself!).

Forget the heavy, creamy casseroles of your childhood (unless you’re craving that, of course!). This recipe is lighter, brighter, and surprisingly flavorful. The secret? Using reduced-fat cheese, almond milk for a creamy texture, and plenty of fresh vegetables to boost the nutritional value. It's a perfect balance of comfort food and healthy eating, proving that you don't have to sacrifice taste for well-being.

The best part? It’s incredibly versatile. Feel free to adjust the vegetables based on what’s in season or what your family prefers. I often swap out the peas for green beans or add some diced bell peppers for extra color and sweetness. The possibilities are endless!

This casserole is also a lifesaver on busy weeknights. It comes together relatively quickly, and the prep work can be done ahead of time. You can even assemble it completely in the morning and bake it just before dinner, freeing up valuable time in the evening. This makes it a fantastic meal prep option, perfect for those evenings when you're juggling work, school activities, and everything in between.

Another thing I love about this recipe is how adaptable it is. Some nights, I serve it straight from the stovetop as a simple pasta dish. Other times, I pop it in the oven for that extra crispy topping and bubbly goodness. It’s delicious either way!

The combination of tender noodles, savory tuna, and creamy sauce is simply irresistible. The addition of panko breadcrumbs adds a wonderful crunch, perfectly complementing the soft interior. I often receive compliments on this dish, and it has quickly become a family favorite, a go-to recipe that's both satisfying and healthy. It's a true testament to the fact that healthy eating doesn't have to be boring or complicated.

Beyond being a weeknight staple, this Lighter Tuna Casserole is also a great option for potlucks or gatherings. It's easy to transport, reheats well, and is always a crowd-pleaser. It's the kind of dish that brings people together, reminding us that sharing a delicious, home-cooked meal is one of life's simplest pleasures.

So, if you're looking for a healthy and delicious weeknight dinner that’s both quick to prepare and satisfying to eat, give this Lighter Tuna Casserole a try. You won’t be disappointed. Trust me – it’s a game-changer!

Ingredients you’ll need:

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups chicken stock
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly-ground black pepper
  • 3 cloves garlic peeled and minced
  • 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
  • 8 ounces wide egg noodles (or no-yolk noodles)
  • 1 medium white or yellow onion peeled and diced (about 1.5 cups)
  • 2 large carrots peeled and diced (about 1 cup)
  • 1 1/2 cups milk (I used blue diamond almond breeze original)
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning homemade or store-bought
  • 6 ounces baby bella or button mushrooms sliced
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 3 (5-ounce) cans tuna in water drained
  • 1 cup reduced-fat shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 2 tablespoons panko breadcrumbs

Tips and Variations:

  • Customize your veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach.
  • Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
  • Make it creamy: Add a dollop of plain Greek yogurt or sour cream for extra creaminess.
  • Use different cheese: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack or Colby.
  • Add protein: Incorporate cooked chicken or chickpeas for extra protein.
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