Tuna Noodle Skillet Casserole Recipe
Introduction
Tuna Noodle Skillet Casserole is a comforting, one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with tender noodles and vegetables, it comes together quickly and satisfies the whole family.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup diced onion
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 4 cups chicken broth (or water)
- 8 oz. egg noodles (about 4 cups)
- 10 oz. can cream of mushroom soup
- 2 cups carrots and peas (frozen)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 12 oz. can white tuna in water (drained)
- 1 cup marbled cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 1 cup garlic croutons (crushed)
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add olive oil. Sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until tender, about 3 minutes.
- Step 2: Add the chicken broth (or water) and cream of mushroom soup, whisking until combined. Stir in the egg noodles and frozen carrots and peas. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Step 3: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are tender and the sauce has thickened, about 20 minutes.
- Step 4: Flake the drained tuna with a fork and gently fold it into the pasta mixture.
- Step 5: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top, cover the skillet, and simmer until the cheese melts and the tuna is heated through, about 5 minutes.
- Step 6: Sprinkle crushed garlic croutons over the casserole just before serving for a crunchy topping. Enjoy warm!
Tips & Variations
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels, especially since canned soup can be salty.
- Substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of celery or cream of chicken for a different flavor.
- Add a handful of spinach or kale in step 3 for extra greens and nutrition.
- For a crunchy topping alternative, use toasted breadcrumbs instead of croutons.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce if it has thickened.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use canned tuna packed in oil instead of water?
Yes, you can use tuna packed in oil if preferred. Just be mindful that it may add extra richness and slightly change the flavor.
What can I substitute for egg noodles?
You can substitute egg noodles with any pasta you have on hand, such as penne, rotini, or even broken spaghetti. Cooking time may vary slightly depending on the pasta shape.
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Tuna Noodle Skillet Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 38 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Tuna Noodle Skillet Casserole is a comforting and easy-to-make one-pan meal featuring tender egg noodles simmered in a creamy mushroom soup broth with sweet peas and carrots, flaky white tuna, melted marbled cheddar cheese, and a crunchy garlic crouton topping. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner, this casserole combines savory flavors and hearty ingredients for a satisfying dish.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup diced onion
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 4 cups chicken broth (or water)
- 8 oz. egg noodles (about 4 cups)
- 10 oz. can cream of mushroom soup
- 2 cups frozen carrots and peas
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 12 oz. can white tuna in water, drained
- 1 cup marbled cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup garlic croutons, crushed
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until tender and fragrant, about 3 minutes.
- Add Broth and Soup: Pour in the chicken broth (or water) and the cream of mushroom soup. Whisk them together in the skillet until well combined to create a flavorful sauce base.
- Cook Noodles and Vegetables: Stir in the egg noodles and the frozen carrots and peas. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are tender and the sauce has thickened, about 20 minutes.
- Incorporate Tuna: Flake the drained white tuna with a fork and gently fold it into the noodle mixture, ensuring even distribution without breaking the tuna too much.
- Melt Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded marbled cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Cover the skillet and allow it to simmer gently until the cheese has melted and the tuna is heated through, about 5 minutes.
- Add Crunchy Topping and Serve: Finally, sprinkle the crushed garlic croutons over the top to add a crunchy texture. Serve the casserole hot and enjoy the comforting flavors.
Notes
- You can substitute the chicken broth with water or vegetable broth for a different flavor profile.
- For a richer taste, consider adding a splash of milk or cream when whisking the soup and broth.
- Feel free to swap frozen mixed vegetables according to your preference or what you have on hand.
- To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free noodles and croutons.
- Make sure to stir occasionally while simmering to prevent the noodles from sticking to the skillet.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 28 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Tuna Noodle Skillet, Skillet Casserole, One-Pan Dinner, Tuna Casserole, Easy Weeknight Meal
