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