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Easy Creamy One-Pot Tuna Pasta Casserole

easy creamy one-pot tuna pasta casserole - featured image
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A quick and comforting one-pot tuna pasta casserole with a creamy cheese sauce, perfect for busy weeknights and minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces elbow macaroni or small shells
  • 2 cans (5 ounces each) chunk light tuna packed in water, drained
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole or 2% milk
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup frozen peas or corn (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional for topping)

Instructions

  1. Melt 2 tablespoons unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  2. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour over the butter and onion mixture. Stir constantly for about 2 minutes until the mixture turns light golden and smells nutty.
  3. Slowly pour in 2 cups milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  4. Stir in 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper to taste. Add 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
  5. Add 8 ounces dry elbow macaroni directly into the sauce. Pour in 2 cups water or broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook uncovered for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until pasta is tender but holds its shape.
  6. Gently fold in drained canned tuna and 1/2 cup frozen peas or corn if using. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to warm through.
  7. If desired, sprinkle 1/2 cup breadcrumbs evenly over the top. Place skillet under a broiler for 2-3 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
  8. Let casserole sit for a few minutes off the heat to thicken slightly. Serve warm.

Notes

If sauce thickens too much, add a splash of milk or water to loosen. Stir gently during pasta cooking to prevent noodles from clumping. Watch breadcrumb topping carefully under broiler to avoid burning. Use fresh garlic and onion for best flavor. Dijon mustard adds a subtle tang and should not be skipped.

Nutrition

Keywords: tuna pasta casserole, one-pot dinner, creamy tuna pasta, quick dinner, easy casserole, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://yumyep.com/easy-creamy-one-pot-tuna-pasta-casserole-recipe-for-quick-dinners/