Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole using simple ingredients you can find in your pantry. This meal mixes canned tuna, pasta, peas, cheese and a creamy sauce topped with panko breadcrumbs. Your family will love this easy and quick dinner! 

EASY TUNA NOODLE CASSEROLE

I know a lot of us have been at home more than usual lately and looking for quick and easy meals to make for our families.

This is an easy dinner recipe that your family will love.

A lot of stores have been out of a variety of foods and therefore a lot of us end up needing to come up with recipes using ingredients in our pantry.

Today’s Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole is the perfect easy family meal that uses ingredients you probably have on hand. It is classic comfort food that is a nostalgic recipe similar to what you might have ate as a child.

This easy tuna casserole recipe uses pasta, canned tuna, peas, and cheese is mixed with a flavorful sauce and topped with crunch panko breadcrumbs. It is perfect for those busy weeknights.

You can also easily customize this recipe to your family and what they like.

In my family we eat a variety of tuna recipes and this is a family favorite!

Some other tuna recipes that we make a lot are this Mediterranean Tuna Couscous Stuffed Peppers, Mediterranean Tuna Patties Recipe, Tropical Tuna Stuffed Avocado, Mediterranean Tuna Pasta Salad, Mediterranean Tuna Salad or this Healthy Tuna Salad Recipe.

Recipe Ingredients in This Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole Recipe

• Pasta: The pasta that I use in this recipe is macaroni which is a smaller pasta and reminds me of what is in a classic tuna noodle casserole. You can use whatever you have in your pantry. For a healthier option try lentil or chickpea pasta in this classic tuna casserole.
• Canned Tuna Fish: I used canned solid white albacore tuna for this casserole. You can also use chunky tuna or chunk light tuna for this recipe.
• Peas: I added peas to this casserole. If you aren’t a fan, as I know many people aren’t, just leave them out. I added frozen peas straight in to the casserole and then baked it.
• Cheese: I used three cheeses in this recipe- mozzarella, cheddar and Parmesan cheese. Once again whatever you have in your fridge.
• Condensed Soup: Once again you can either use canned soup {cream of celery soup, cream of chicken soup or cream of mushroom soup works} or make your own using this recipe here for a homemade creamy sauce.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: I like adding breadcrumbs to the top of the casserole but you can skip them or just use regular breadcrumbs, crushed potato chips or even crushed ritz crackers. I like to make sure they bake until golden brown. Panko breadcrumbs are my favorite and make such a nice crispy panko topping.

How to Make This Simple Tuna Noodle Casserole

Preheat oven to 300 degrees F.

1. Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta according to the package. Drain and set aside.

2. Combine the Tuna with Vegetables: In a large mixing bowl combine the tuna, peas, celery, onion and the pasta together.

3. Combine the Wet Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl combine the condensed soup, milk, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese and 1/2 cup of sharp cheddar cheese. Whisk well until combined. Stir in the caynenne pepper, paprika, Italian seasoning, pepper and salt.

4. Pour the Tuna Mixture in Baking Dish: Pour the milk mixture into the bowl with the tuna and pasta and mix well. Pour the tuna mixture into a non-stick 9×13 baking dish or casserole dish. Top the casserole with the remaining cheese and the panko breadcrumbs.

5. Bake the Casserole: Bake in the oven for 15 to 20 minutes or until the cheese is bubbling and the panko is just toasted. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm with a side salad.

Cooking Tips and Modifications

• Protein: This casserole would be great with a variety of protein options. You can use canned chicken, salmon, chopped or shredded chicken.
• Vegetables: I added sweet peas to this casserole but you can use other frozen vegetables like a mixture of veggies, carrots, green beans or broccoli. I also like adding bell peppers or mushrooms sometimes.
• Rice: You can also sub the pasta for rice and make this a rice casserole.
• Cheese: Spice up this casserole with a variety of cheese options like pepper jack, sharp cheddar cheese or gouda.
• Spices: You can use a variety of spices in this recipe like crushed red pepper, oregano, Italian seasoning, thyme or basil.
• Noodles: You can use any small or medium sized pasta noodle. Some to try are orzo pasta, gluten-free pasta, or egg noodles. When you cook the noodles you will want to cook them to just al dente so they don’t get soggy.

How to Freeze Tuna Casserole

To freeze leftover tuna casserole freeze it in the baking dish with foil or in another airtight container. Once the tuna casserole is frozen remove it from the container and store it in a freezer bag.

When ready to eat the frozen casserole let it defrost and then cook the thawed casserole at 350 degrees F for about 20 to 30 minutes or until cooked through. Check the internal temperature on any tuna casserole reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit before you serve it.

What to Pair with Tuna Casserole Recipe

I like pairing this casserole with a variety of side dishes like this Roasted Broccoli, Honey Glazed Carrots or Roasted Cauliflower with Lemon Zest. 

Salads are a nice match for this casserole. I love this Lemon Arugula with Pine Nuts, Arugula Salad with Capersor this Everyday Italian Salad. 

Potatoes go great with so many meals and I especially like these Lemon Cilantro Potatoes, Gouda Smashed Potatoes or these Spicy Lebanese Potatoes.