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Tuna noodle casserole with peas and a cracker crumb topping, served in a white bowl with a hand towel next to it.
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4.82 from 94 votes

Tuna Noodle Casserole

Homemade Tuna Noodles Casserole made from scratch with real ingredients.  This easy recipe is a crowd pleaser!
Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time45 mins
Total Time1 hr
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Servings: 6 people
Calories: 424kcal
Author: Lauren Allen

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces medium-size shell pasta
  • 4 Tablespoons butter , divided
  • 1 rib celery , diced
  • 1/4 cup onion , diced
  • 3/4 cup frozen peas 1
  • 1 clove garlic , miced
  • 4 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 14.5 ounce cans low-sodium chicken broth (just under 2 cups), warmed
  • 1 cup milk , warmed
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/8 teaspoon dried dill weed
  • 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice , more if desired
  • 2 Tablespoons fresh parsley leaves , minced
  • 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese , divided
  • 5 ounces canned albacore white tuna, packed in water , more if desired

For the Topping:

  • 1/2 cup Ritz crackers , crushed
  • 1 Tablespoon butter , melted

Instructions

  • Cook the noodles just until al dente, according to package instructions.
  • Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet.  Add celery, onion, peas and garlic and saute for a few minutes. Remove vegetables from pan and set aside.
  • Add remaining 3 tablespoons butter to the pan. Once melted and the flour and cook, stirring, for 30 seconds.  Slowly whisk in the chicken broth and milk, stirring constantly until smooth.  Bring mixture to a low simmer.
  • Stir constantly until thickened and bubbly, 2-3 minutes.  Reduce heat to low and add salt, dill, lemon juice, parsley, and 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese.  Taste sauce and season with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice, to taste.
  • Remove from heat and stir in the pasta, vegetables and tuna.  Pour mixture into a 9x13’’ or similar size baking dish.  Sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup of parmesan cheese.
  • Crush ritz crackers and add melted butter. Sprinkle mixture over the casserole.
  • Bake at 350 for 25-30 minutes

Video

Notes

*Adapted from Our Best Bites

Nutrition

Calories: 424kcal | Carbohydrates: 42g | Protein: 21g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Cholesterol: 53mg | Sodium: 616mg | Potassium: 358mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 785IU | Vitamin C: 10.6mg | Calcium: 264mg | Iron: 1.8mg