Tuna Casserole Pasta Recipe

This Tuna Casserole Pasta recipe brings comfort to the table with creamy noodles, tender tuna, and a golden baked top that feels familiar and filling. It works well for busy evenings when you want something warm, simple, and dependable. Because it uses pantry staples and basic steps, this dish fits easily into weeknight routines and family schedules.

What Makes This Recipe Stand Out

• It uses everyday ingredients that keep costs low for cheap dinners for a family.
• The creamy baked finish makes it one of those easy casseroles for dinner everyone recognizes.
• The steps stay simple, which supports lazy dinners and quick dinner ideas.
• The mild flavor and soft texture make it ideal for kid friendly dinners.

Ingredient Breakdown

This Tuna Casserole Pasta recipe relies on simple ingredients that work together for a creamy and satisfying baked casserole. Each item plays a clear role in flavor and texture.

• Pasta such as elbow or rotini for structure and bite.
• Canned tuna packed in water, drained well.
• Cream of mushroom soup for a smooth and savory base.
• Milk to loosen the sauce and keep it creamy.
• Shredded cheddar cheese for richness and melt.
• Frozen peas for color and gentle sweetness.
• Breadcrumbs for a lightly crisp topping.
• Butter to help the topping brown evenly.

How to Make It

Prep

1. Heat the oven to 375 degrees and grease a medium baking dish.
2. Cook the pasta in salted water until just tender, then drain well.
3. Drain the tuna and set it aside while you prepare the sauce.

Cook

1. In a large bowl, stir together soup, milk, and shredded cheese until smooth.
2. Add the cooked pasta, tuna, and peas, then mix gently to coat.
3. Spoon the mixture into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top.

Finish and Serve

1. Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the casserole.
2. Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes until bubbly and lightly golden.
3. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving warm.

Prep

1. Measure all ingredients ahead to make the process faster.
2. Shred cheese fresh for smoother melting.
3. Grease the dish evenly to prevent sticking.

Cook

1. Stir gently so the pasta stays intact.
2. Keep the oven rack centered for even heat.
3. Watch the topping closely near the end.

Finish and Serve

1. Serve with a simple salad for balance.
2. Add fruit on the side for kid friendly dinners.
3. Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator.

Time Saving Options

This Tuna Casserole Pasta recipe adapts well to busy nights and supports easy casserole dishes when time feels tight.

• Use pre cooked pasta from the fridge to cut prep time.
• Swap homemade sauce steps with a ready base similar to this creamy hamburger rice casserole approach.
• Assemble the dish earlier in the day and bake when ready.
• Skip the topping for true dump and go crockpot dinners style ease.

Variations You Can Try

This recipe works as a flexible base, which fits well with dinner ideas casserole planning.

• Add diced green chiles for a flavor nod to Chile Relleno Casserole.
• Use whole wheat pasta to lean toward healthy casserole recipes.
• Mix in cooked broccoli for easy casserole dishes with vegetables.
• Change the cheese blend similar to the idea behind this cheesy ground beef potato casserole.

Tuna Casserole Pasta

This Tuna Casserole Pasta recipe delivers cozy comfort with creamy noodles, tender tuna, and a golden baked top. Made with pantry staples, it’s a family favorite for busy nights and quick dinners.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Casserole

Cuisine: American

Calories: 430

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 12 oz elbow or rotini pasta cooked until just tender
• 2 cans tuna drained, packed in water
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup about 10.5 oz
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup frozen peas

Topping

• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp butter melted

Equipment

• Baking Dish

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a medium baking dish.
2. Cook pasta in salted water until just tender, then drain well.
3. In a large bowl, mix together cream of mushroom soup, milk, and shredded cheese until smooth.
4. Stir in the cooked pasta, drained tuna, and frozen peas. Mix gently to combine.
5. Spoon the mixture into the greased baking dish and smooth the top.
6. Combine melted butter with breadcrumbs and sprinkle over the top of the casserole.
7. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until bubbly and lightly golden.
8. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving warm.

Notes

You can prep this casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it before baking. For extra flavor, try variations like adding green chiles, broccoli, or different cheese blends.

FAQs

Can I make this Tuna Casserole Pasta recipe ahead of time?

You can prepare this Tuna Casserole Pasta recipe several hours in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator. When you are ready to cook, place it directly into the oven and add about 5 extra minutes to the bake time. This approach supports quick dinner ideas and helps evenings run smoothly. The texture stays creamy, and the flavors blend even better as it rests. This makes it practical for busy households.

Is this casserole good for kids?

This casserole works very well for kid friendly dinners because the flavors are mild and familiar. The pasta stays soft, and the creamy sauce coats every bite. You can leave out vegetables if needed and serve them on the side. Many families add fruit or bread to round out the meal. It fits easily into lazy dinners without complaints.

How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the full dish in the oven until heated through. Add a splash of milk if it looks dry. If you enjoy baked casserole recipes like this or even something hearty like a reuben bake recipe, proper reheating keeps textures enjoyable.

Final Thoughts

This Tuna Casserole Pasta recipe delivers comfort, value, and ease in one dependable dish. It belongs on lists of easy casseroles for dinner and cheap dinners for a family because it uses simple steps and familiar flavors. When you need quick dinner ideas that still feel homemade, this baked casserole fits naturally into your weekly plan.