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    Home > Recipes > Casseroles

    Tuna Noodle Casserole with Crunchy Topping

    Published: Mar 22, 2021 · Modified: Mar 12, 2022 · by Jess Smith · Jump to Recipe · Leave a Comment · This post may contain affiliate links.

    tuna noodle casserole
    tuna noodle casserole
    tuna noodle casserole

    tuna casserole in a white baking dish

    There are no mushrooms (and no condensed soup) in this creamy homemade tuna noodle casserole with crunchy cornflake topping. Sweet peas and parmesan cheese add fresh flavor to this cozy classic.

    What’s with the mushrooms in tuna noodle casserole? I’m thinking we can blame Campbell’s for this phenomenon? Don’t get me wrong, I love mushrooms in many forms, but not in this classic casserole. I would argue that the balance of creamy sauce, savory tuna, and fresh sweet peas in tuna noodle casserole does not need to be disrupted by earthy mushrooms. 

    I realize that I may be a tuna noodle outlier (I know you all will tell me if I am), but I ended up so far down a mushroom-filled rabbit hole when googling this dish that I ended up creating my own mushroom-less version. It is creamy, slightly rich, studded with sweet peas, and tastes a bit like spring to me. 

    There aren’t a lot of textures in tuna noodle casserole, so something crunchy really makes it. And because this recipe is completely retro, I vote for a retro topping in the form of cornflakes and melted butter. Buttery crunch in every single bite. 

    Here’s how to make it.

    ingredients for casserole in a dutch oven

    noodles in a colander

    Ingredients

    • Pasta - Any type of pasta will work. I love farfalle (bowties), medium shells, and fusilli. I always feel like shells (shown throughout this post) make the casserole feel more like a side dish, but larger pasta shapes like farfalle and fusilli make it feel more like a main dish, but it works well either way.
    • Butter, All-Purpose Flour - These combine to make a simple thick base for the creamy sauce or “roux”. 
    • Celery Seeds - Celery seeds give a subtle fresh flavor to the dish. It’s a subtle nod to the crisp freshness of celery without the need to use actual celery. While technically this is optional (the dish will turn out just fine without it), I really think it takes the flavor of the casserole up a notch. 
    • Milk - Any type of milk will work fine here.
    • Parmesan Cheese - This adds richness to the sauce. For the creamiest result, it’s a good idea to grate the parmesan yourself.
    • Peas - Sweet peas add color and flavor. Frozen and defrosted, fresh, or canned peas work just fine. 
    • Tuna - I like tuna packed in water for this casserole. Tuna packed in oil has more flavor, but can make this creamy dish taste overly rich. That said, any tuna you like will work just fine. 
    • Lemon Zest - It’s worth the extra step to add some lemon zest to the dish. It’s amazing how much brightness a small amount of lemon zest adds!

    adding milk to dutch oven

    cornflakes in a glass bowl

    Crunchy Cornflake Topping

    To add lots of crunch on top of this casserole, look no further than the old-school (but undeniably delicious) topping of cornflakes mixed with melted butter. The cornflakes get deep golden brown and extra crunchy in the oven. 

    If I’m not careful, our entire family will stand around the kitchen counter and eat each and every cornflake off the top of this casserole before it makes it to the table.

    More Fish and Seafood Recipes

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    • 30 Minute Shrimp Teriyaki Noodle Bowls
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    • Salmon Burgers for Two
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    Favorite Tools

    • Pyrex 2-cup Glass Measuring Cup
    • 9x13 Emile Henri Baker
    • Cuisinart Stockpot with Strainer
    • All Clad Saucepan

    a spoon in a casserole

    tuna casserole in a white baking dish
    Print Recipe
    4.56 from 9 votes

    Tuna Noodle Casserole with Crunchy Topping

    There are no mushrooms to be found in this lightened-up (but still creamy) tuna noodle casserole with crunchy cornflake topping. Sweet peas and parmesan cheese add fresh flavor to this cozy classic.
    Prep Time30 mins
    Cook Time45 mins
    Total Time1 hr 15 mins
    Course: Main Dish
    Cuisine: American
    Keyword: canned tuna recipe, casserole, comfort foods, creamy casserole, easy dinner, seafood
    Servings: 12
    Calories: 306kcal
    Author: Jess Smith via Inquiring Chef
    Cost: $8.00

    Equipment

    • 9 x 13 Baking Dish
    • Stockpot
    • Saucepan

    Ingredients

    For the Casserole:

    • 1 lb Pasta, medium shells (sub fusilli)
    • 4 tablespoon Butter
    • 3 tablespoon All-Purpose Flour
    • 1 teaspoon Celery Seeds
    • 2 ½ cups Milk, any type
    • 1 cup grated Parmesan Cheese
    • 2 ½ cups Peas (use frozen and defrosted or canned, drained)
    • 2 5 oz cans Tuna in Water, drained and broken apart
    • ½ teaspoon finely grated Lemon Zest (optional)

    For the Topping:

    • 2 tablespoon Butter, melted
    • 2 cups Cornflakes

    Instructions

    • Preheat oven to 350°F / 177°C. Spray a 9x13 baking dish (or any casserole dish of similar size) with nonstick cooking spray or brush with some oil.
    • Boil noodles according to package directions.
    • While pasta boils, heat a saucepan over medium heat. Add butter and cook until butter is melted. To melted butter, add flour and celery seeds and stir until no dry spots remain. Continue cooking until butter-flour mixture starts turns golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes.
    • Slowly pour in milk while whisking. Bring the mixture to a simmer (adjust heat as needed), whisking constantly. Simmer until mixture thickens slightly, about 3 minutes more. Remove from heat and whisk in cheese.
    • Gently fold cooked pasta, peas, tuna, and lemon zest into sauce. Taste and season with some salt and black pepper (don’t skip this step - the dish will be slightly salty from the cheese, but will likely need more salt).
    • Spread mixture out in prepared baking dish.
    • Gently stir together melted butter and cornflakes. Spread cornflakes over top of the casserole.
    • Bake until the topping is golden brown and the filling is heated all the way through, 20 to 25 minutes.
    • Serve immediately.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 306kcal | Carbohydrates: 41g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 28mg | Sodium: 238mg | Potassium: 250mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 644IU | Vitamin C: 13mg | Calcium: 171mg | Iron: 3mg

    *This post contains affiliate links*

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    About Jess

    Hi! I'm Jess. I am the recipe creator and photographer behind the 900+ recipes you’ll find on Inquiring Chef. As a mom to three young kids and professional cook, my mission is to make every moment in the kitchen and around the table count. If you’re looking for easy, flavorful, family-approved recipes, you’ve come to the right place! Learn more about me here.

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