1 Skillet, 20-Minute, Homemade Tuna Helper
Ingredients
- 4 tbspbutter
- 2 cuncooked small pasta
- 2 cantuna in water
- 2 cmilk
- ½ ccream
- 1 cwater
- ½ tspsalt
- ¼ tsppepper
- ½ tspdry mustard powder
- ½ tsppaprika
- ¼ tspsalt plus more
- 2 cpeas
- 1 ½ ccheddar cheese
Directions
- 1
In a large skillet (non-stick works best) melt butter over medium heat and then add the pasta, tuna, milk, cream, water, and seasonings.
- 2
Bring to a simmer and stir every few minutes until pasta is cooked to al dente, about 10-15 minutes, depending on the pasta you chose.
- 3
Add frozen peas, stir, and allow peas to heat through.
- 4
Stir in shredded cheese and allow to melt.
- 5
Serve immediately. This will thicken as it cools so don’t worry if it seems a little thin when it’s done.
1 Skillet, 20-Minute, Homemade Tuna Helper
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About this Recipe
Your New Favorite 20-Minute Homemade Tuna Helper
Tired of endless dishes and lengthy cooking times, especially on busy weeknights? Say hello to your new weeknight hero: this 1 Skillet, 20-Minute, Homemade Tuna Helper! Forget the boxed stuff – this recipe brings all the comforting, creamy goodness you love, made from scratch in a single pan, in just 20 minutes. It's the ultimate solution for a fast, delicious, and genuinely satisfying family dinner that even the pickiest eaters will adore.
This isn't just a speedy meal; it's a complete one skillet meal featuring tender pasta, a rich, savory sauce, and protein-packed tuna, all enhanced with a vibrant pop of green peas. That's right, a built-in vegetable that kids actually eat! We're talking classic Tuna Casserole flavors without the baking time or the mountain of dirty dishes.
What makes this quick tuna helper recipe special? It's the perfect balance of convenience and homemade flavor. We combine milk and cream with butter and your favorite small pasta, cooking it all together to create an incredibly creamy sauce that coats every bite. The addition of dry mustard and paprika gives it a subtle warmth and depth, complementing the savory tuna beautifully. Finish it off with a generous sprinkle of melty cheddar cheese, or try a soft gouda for a delightful twist. This dish is truly a revelation for busy families seeking a delicious, wholesome, and incredibly easy dinner.
Pro-Tip for Success: Don't skimp on draining and patting the tuna dry. This step is crucial for achieving the best texture and flavor in your creamy tuna hamburger helper style dish. While small pasta varieties like mini penne work wonderfully, most any small shape will absorb the creamy sauce beautifully. This recipe is designed for ease and minimal cleanup, making it a guaranteed go-to for hectic evenings.