Dreamy Tuna Noodle Casserole Recipe: Family Comfort in a Dish

Comfort meets nostalgia in this classic tuna noodle casserole that brings memories flooding back.

Creamy sauce and crispy breadcrumb topping create a magical dinner experience for everyone at the table.

Weeknight meals can be both simple and delicious with this recipe.

Home cooks appreciate how quickly these ingredients come together in one pan.

Pantry staples like canned tuna and pasta make this dish incredibly accessible.

Crisp edges and tender noodles promise a satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug.

Let you savor every cheesy, comforting bite of this timeless favorite.

Tuna Noodle Casserole That’s Creamy And Comforting

• Elevate Home Cooking: Effortless comfort dish that transforms simple ingredients into a delightful meal.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allowing gluten-free modifications and personalized ingredient swaps without compromising taste or texture.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Minimal prep time with just 45 minutes from start to finish, perfect for busy families craving a satisfying dinner.
• Nutrition-Packed Pleasure: Protein-rich tuna combined with vegetables and cheese delivers balanced nutrition in every comforting bite.

Key Details Behind Tuna Noodle Casserole

• Gluten-Free Noodles: Brown rice pasta perfect for those with gluten sensitivities, provides the hearty foundation of the casserole.
• Avocado Oil: Healthy cooking oil with a light, neutral flavor for sautéing vegetables.

• Yellow Onion, Garlic: Classic flavor base that adds depth and aromatic richness to the dish.
• Baby Bella Mushrooms: Earthy, meaty mushrooms that provide texture and umami flavor.
• Peas: Sweet, tender vegetables that add color and nutritional value.

• Tuna: Canned in olive oil for extra moisture and flavor, main protein source of the casserole.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheese that melts beautifully, adding creamy richness and tangy flavor.

• Chicken Broth: Low-sodium liquid for creating a flavorful, creamy sauce base.
• Coconut Milk: Full-fat version provides creamy texture and subtle sweetness.
• Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour: Thickens the sauce while keeping the recipe gluten-free.
• Italian Seasoning: Herb blend that adds Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.
• Rice Vinegar or Cider Vinegar: Adds bright, tangy note to balance the creamy sauce.
• Sea Salt: Enhances overall flavor, use to taste.

How To Cook Tuna Noodle Casserole

Step 1: Prepare Pasta Perfection

Boil gluten-free noodles following package directions.

Drain thoroughly and set aside for later use.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Base

Warm avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Toss in finely chopped onions and cook until they become translucent and soft.

Step 3: Build Flavor Layers

• Sliced mushrooms
• Minced garlic

Continue cooking until mushrooms become tender and release their delicious flavors.

Step 4: Create Magical Sauce Starter

Sprinkle in Italian seasoning and gluten-free all-purpose flour.

Stir and cook briefly to eliminate raw flour taste.

Step 5: Develop Creamy Sauce

• Chicken broth
• Coconut milk

Simmer until the sauce thickens and becomes luxuriously smooth.

Step 6: Enhance Sauce Complexity

Stir in rice vinegar and sea salt to elevate the sauce’s depth of flavor.

Step 7: Introduce Protein and Vegetables

• Frozen peas
• Undrained tuna

Mix until ingredients are evenly distributed.

Step 8: Combine Casserole Components

• Cooked noodles
• Grated cheddar cheese

Stir until everything is beautifully combined.

Step 9: Prepare for Baking

Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish, spreading evenly.

Step 10: Create Crunchy Topping

• Super fine almond flour
• Avocado oil

Sprinkle the mixture over the casserole for added texture.

Step 11: Bake to Perfection

Preheat oven to 375°F.

Bake for 20-25 minutes until the casserole becomes bubbly and develops a golden-brown top.

Handy Hints for Tuna Noodle Casserole

• Choose high-quality gluten-free pasta that holds texture well during baking to prevent mushiness and maintain a delightful eating experience.
• Sauté mushrooms and onions thoroughly to develop rich, caramelized notes that enhance the overall taste profile of the casserole.
• Allow cheese to melt gradually during the final baking stage, creating a smooth, creamy texture without burning or becoming grainy.
• Swap tuna with rotisserie chicken, canned salmon, or plant-based protein for varied dietary preferences and exciting flavor combinations.
• Mix almond flour with a touch of avocado oil to create a golden, crunchy surface that adds delightful textural contrast to the creamy casserole.

Reheat Tuna Noodle Casserole With Full Flavor Intact

• Store leftover casserole in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled casserole to freezer-safe containers, sealing tightly to prevent freezer burn. Frozen casserole stays good for up to 2 months.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out. Add a splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture.
• Warm individual portions on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to distribute heat evenly. Check temperature before serving to ensure it's heated thoroughly.

Go-Withs for Tuna Noodle Casserole

• Enhance Flavor Pairing: Crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc perfectly complements the tuna's richness and cuts through the creamy casserole, balancing the dish's delicate seafood and cheese notes.
• Refresh with Salad: Prepare a light mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette to add brightness and acidity, which contrasts the casserole's creamy texture and provides a refreshing counterpoint.
• Boost with Side Vegetable: Roasted asparagus or green beans with garlic and herbs create a vibrant accompaniment, adding nutritional value and a fresh vegetable element to the comforting casserole.
• Complete the Meal: Serve a chilled cucumber and dill salad on the side to introduce a cool, crisp element that cuts through the casserole's warmth and adds a clean, herbaceous touch to the overall dining experience.

Tuna Noodle Casserole Ideas

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace cheddar cheese with nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese alternative. Use coconut milk or almond milk to maintain creamy texture while keeping the recipe completely dairy-free.
• Protein Power Boost: Swap tuna with cooked chicken, salmon, or white beans for varied protein sources. This variation allows flexibility for different dietary preferences and adds nutritional diversity.
• Low-Carb Option: Substitute gluten-free noodles with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. Reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining the casserole's hearty flavor profile and keeping the meal lighter.
• Vegetarian Transformation: Remove tuna and replace with extra firm tofu, tempeh, or additional vegetables like roasted bell peppers and spinach. Add plant-based protein to create a completely meat-free casserole that's packed with nutrients.

FAQs

• Is this tuna noodle casserole gluten-free?

Yes, the recipe uses gluten-free noodles and gluten-free all-purpose flour to ensure it’s safe for those with gluten sensitivities.

• Can I substitute the coconut milk?

You can use other dairy-free alternatives like almond milk or regular milk if you prefer, though coconut milk adds a unique creaminess to the dish.

• What type of tuna works best for this recipe?

Canned chunk light or solid white tuna in water works perfectly. Drain the tuna thoroughly before adding to maintain the right consistency.

• How can I make this casserole more nutritious?

Add extra vegetables like spinach or diced bell peppers to boost the nutritional value and add more color and flavor to the dish.

Tuna Noodle Casserole Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Comforting “Tuna Noodle Casserole” blends nostalgic flavors with creamy textures that remind home cooks of cherished family meals. Hearty ingredients and simple preparation make this classic dish a perfect weeknight dinner that satisfies hunger and warms hearts.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 3 cans (5 ounces each) tuna in olive oil, undrained
• 12 ounces (340 grams) gluten-free noodles (brown rice pasta recommended)
• 1 cup (150 grams) peas (canned or frozen)
• 1 cup (100 grams) grated cheddar cheese

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
• 10 ounces (280 grams) baby bella mushrooms, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Liquid and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 3/4 cups (415 milliliters) chicken broth (low-sodium recommended)
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) full-fat canned coconut milk
• 3 tablespoons gluten-free all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar or cider vinegar (or 1/4 cup white wine)
• 1 tablespoon avocado oil
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 3/4 teaspoon sea salt (to taste)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare gluten-free noodles according to package directions, then drain and reserve for later use.
2. Warm avocado oil in a spacious skillet over medium temperature, introducing finely diced onions and sautéing until translucent and softened.
3. Incorporate sliced mushrooms and garlic, continuing to cook until mushrooms become tender and release their moisture.
4. Dust the vegetable mixture with Italian seasoning and gluten-free flour, stirring to create a fragrant base and eliminate raw flour taste.
5. Slowly introduce chicken broth and coconut milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps and create a smooth, creamy sauce.
6. Allow the mixture to gently simmer, stirring occasionally until the sauce reaches a luxurious, thickened consistency.
7. Enhance the flavor profile by adding rice vinegar and sea salt, stirring to distribute seasonings evenly.
8. Gently fold in sweet green peas and flaked tuna, ensuring ingredients are well distributed throughout the sauce.
9. Integrate the previously cooked noodles and grated cheddar cheese, mixing thoroughly to create a harmonious blend.
10. Transfer the entire mixture into a well-greased baking dish, spreading evenly to ensure consistent cooking.
11. Prepare a crispy topping by combining super fine almond flour with avocado oil, then sprinkle generously over the casserole surface.
12. Roast in a preheated oven at 375°F, monitoring until the casserole becomes effervescent and the top achieves a golden, appetizing hue.

Notes

• Swap traditional wheat noodles with gluten-free alternatives like rice or chickpea pasta for celiac-friendly dining.
• Boost protein content by adding extra tuna or incorporating shredded chicken for more substantial meals.
• Create a dairy-free version by using nutritional yeast instead of cheddar cheese and coconut milk as a creamy base.
• Enhance vegetable nutrition by mixing in additional colorful vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or roasted zucchini for added texture and flavor.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 492
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 648 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 55 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg