This timeless Tuna Noodle Casserole brings comfort food to a whole new level in just one hour. Packed with protein and bursting with creamy goodness, this family-favorite dish combines tender noodles with flaky tuna in a velvety sauce.

Perfect for busy weeknights, it delivers a satisfying 424 calories per serving while providing essential nutrients like calcium, iron, and vitamins. The 45-minute bake time transforms simple ingredients into a golden, bubbling masterpiece that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients for Tuna Noodle Casserole

Pasta: 8 ounces medium-size shell pasta (freshly cooked)
Dairy & Fats: 4 Tablespoons butter (divided), 1 cup milk (warmed)
Vegetables: 1 rib celery (diced), 1/4 cup onion (diced), 3/4 cup frozen peas, 1 clove garlic (minced)
Sauce Base: 4 Tablespoons all-purpose flour, 14.5 ounces chicken broth (warmed)
Seasonings: 1/4 teaspoon each of salt and pepper, 1/8 teaspoon dried dill weed
Flavor Enhancers: 2 teaspoons lemon juice, 2 Tablespoons fresh parsley
Cheese: 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese (divided)
Protein: 5 ounces canned albacore white tuna in water
Topping: 1/2 cup crushed Ritz crackers, 1 Tablespoon melted butter

Step-by-Step Instructions

Pasta Prep: Cook shell pasta until al dente according to package directions for the perfect texture
Vegetable Sauté: Melt 1 Tablespoon butter and cook celery, onion, peas, and garlic until tender
Sauce Creation: Make a roux with remaining butter and flour, gradually add warm broth and milk until smooth
Season: Add salt, dill, lemon juice, parsley, and 1/2 cup parmesan cheese to the sauce
Assembly: Combine pasta, vegetables, tuna, and sauce in a 9×13-inch baking dish
Topping: Sprinkle remaining parmesan and buttered cracker mixture over the top
Baking: Cook at 350°F for 25-30 minutes until golden and bubbly

Make-Ahead Tips

This cozy tuna casserole is perfect for busy weeknight meal prep! You can put it together up to 24 hours before baking – just keep the cracker topping separate until you’re ready to pop it in the oven. The sauce might thicken a bit in the fridge, so you may want to add an extra splash of milk before baking.

Simple Swaps

Don’t have all the ingredients? No worries! Try these easy substitutions:

Swap shell pasta for egg noodles or rotini
Replace peas with corn or mixed vegetables
Use crackers, breadcrumbs, or crushed potato chips for the topping
Switch parmesan for cheddar cheese
Try salmon instead of tuna for a different twist

Serving Ideas

This homey casserole shines as a complete meal, but you can make it even better! Try serving it with:

A crisp green salad
Steamed broccoli
Garlic bread or dinner rolls
Extra lemon wedges on the side The leftovers are amazing for lunch the next day – just heat it up in the microwave until it’s nice and hot.

Storage and Reheating

Your casserole will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 5 days. The best way to reheat it is in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, covered with foil. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too – just heat it in 30-second bursts until it’s heated through. The topping might not stay as crunchy when reheated, but it’ll still taste great!