Description
Ina Garten’s tuna noodle casserole brings classic comfort with modern elegance. Creamy pasta, tender tuna, and crispy breadcrumb topping create a nostalgic dish that delights home cooks and promises satisfying warmth at dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 3 cups (340 grams) egg noodles
- 1 can (142-170 grams) tuna, drained
- 1 cup (100 grams) cheddar cheese, grated
- 10 ½ ounces (298 grams) condensed cream of mushroom soup (undiluted)
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- ⅔ cup (100 grams) frozen peas, defrosted
Topping and Additional Ingredients:
- ½ cup (50 grams) panko breadcrumbs
- ⅓ cup (80 milliliters) whole milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- ½ cup (50 grams) cheddar cheese, grated
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 425°F (220°C), creating an ideal environment for baking the casserole.
- Cook egg noodles according to package instructions until they reach a perfect al dente texture. Immediately drain and rinse with cold water to halt the cooking process and prevent overcooking.
- Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat, then gently sauté chopped celery and diced onions for 5 to 7 minutes until they become soft and translucent.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly combine cooked egg noodles, sautéed vegetables, thawed green peas, drained tuna, cream of mushroom soup, whole milk, shredded cheddar cheese, and freshly chopped parsley.
- Carefully transfer the mixed ingredients into a 2-quart casserole dish, ensuring an even distribution of components.
- Sprinkle a generous layer of breadcrumbs and additional grated cheese over the top, creating a crispy and flavorful topping.
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes, watching for a golden-brown topping and bubbling edges that indicate the dish is perfectly heated through.
Notes
- Elevate the dish’s richness by sautéing celery and onions in olive oil, adding depth beyond traditional butter.
- Craft a homemade mushroom sauce that transforms the entire casserole’s flavor profile from standard canned soup.
- Experiment with cheese varieties like gruyere or mozzarella to introduce unexpected taste dimensions.
- Thoroughly drain pasta to prevent excess moisture, ensuring a perfectly textured casserole.
- Consider garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a bright, fresh finish that cuts through the creamy richness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 370 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 37 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg