Classic Tuna Noodle Casserole That's Perfect for Cozy Dinners

There's something undeniably comforting about a warm, creamy tuna noodle casserole. This classic dish combines tender egg noodles, savory tuna, and sweet peas in a rich, velvety sauce topped with a crispy, buttery cracker topping. Whether you're feeding a crowd or looking for a family-friendly meal, this casserole delivers on flavor and nostalgia.

Ingredients

For the Casserole

• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

• 1 pound wide egg noodles

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 1 shallot, diced

• 1 rib celery, diced

• ¼ teaspoon dried thyme leaves

• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 2 cups reduced-fat milk

• 2 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature

• Two 6-ounce cans tuna, packed in water, drained and flaked

• 1 cup frozen peas, thawed

For the Topping

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

• 6 tablespoons finely crushed butter crackers (such as Ritz)

• 1 tablespoon fresh chives, thinly sliced

Directions

1. Cook the Noodles

• Preheat your oven to 350°F.

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the egg noodles and cook one minute less than the package directions.

• Before draining, reserve ½ cup of starchy pasta water, then set the noodles aside.

2. Prepare the Sauce

• In a large skillet or shallow Dutch oven, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.

• Add the shallot and celery, cooking until softened and lightly golden (4-5 minutes).

• Season with thyme, ½ teaspoon salt, and pepper to taste, then cook for 1 additional minute.

• Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir to coat evenly.

3. Make It Creamy

• Gradually pour in the milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.

• Add the cream cheese and whisk until smooth.

• Bring to a simmer and cook until the sauce slightly thickens (3-5 minutes).

4. Combine Everything

• Stir in the cooked egg noodles, reserved pasta water, tuna, and peas.

• You can either bake directly in the skillet or transfer the mixture to a 9x13-inch casserole dish.

5. Make the Topping

• In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with the crushed crackers until well coated.

• Sprinkle the topping evenly over the casserole.

6. Broil and Serve

• Broil the casserole until the top is golden brown and bubbling (3-5 minutes).

• Remove from the oven and garnish with chives and extra black pepper if desired.

Why You'll Love This Tuna Noodle Casserole

• Quick and Easy: With simple ingredients and minimal prep, this casserole is perfect for busy weeknights.

• Kid-Friendly: The mild flavors and creamy texture are a hit with even the pickiest eaters.

• Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble it ahead of time and bake when ready ideal for meal planning!

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