Tuna Casserole Creamy Pasta (Printable)

Comforting baked pasta with tender noodles, flaky tuna, and sweet peas in a creamy sauce topped with golden crunchy breadcrumbs.

# Components:

→ Pasta

01 - 9 oz egg noodles or fusilli

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 cup frozen peas
03 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced

→ Tuna

05 - 2 cans (6 oz each) tuna in water, drained

→ Sauce

06 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
07 - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
08 - 1 1/2 cups milk
09 - 1/2 cup sour cream
10 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
11 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
12 - 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
13 - 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

→ Topping

14 - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
15 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
16 - 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

# Steps:

01 - Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 2-quart baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
02 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente according to package directions. Drain well and set aside.
03 - In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing for 3 minutes until fragrant and softened.
04 - Sprinkle flour evenly over the butter mixture. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning, until the flour is fully incorporated and lightly golden.
05 - Gradually whisk in milk, ensuring no lumps form. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens, about 3–4 minutes.
06 - Remove skillet from heat. Stir in sour cream, salt, pepper, dried thyme, and shredded cheddar cheese until completely smooth and melted.
07 - Gently fold in drained tuna, frozen peas, and cooked pasta. Mix until evenly distributed throughout the creamy sauce.
08 - Spoon the tuna mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it into an even layer.
09 - In a small bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until all breadcrumbs are evenly coated.
10 - Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the casserole, covering the entire surface.
11 - Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling around the edges and the topping is golden brown and crispy.
12 - Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set slightly for easier scooping.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The crispy buttery topping against the creamy center is basically edible comfort
  • It feeds four people happily or gives you leftovers for days
  • Everything comes together in one dish meaning less cleanup later
02 -
  • Do not overcook the pasta in the boiling water since it will continue cooking in the oven
  • The sauce might look thin before baking but it thickens beautifully
  • Letting it rest for 5 minutes prevents a runny texture when serving
03 -
  • Grate your own cheese instead of buying pre shredded for better melting
  • Warm your milk slightly before adding to prevent lumps from forming
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