Classic Tuna Casserole (No Canned Soup!)

Classic Tuna Casserole (No Canned Soup!)

from nowcookthis.com
Dinner
60 min
628 kcal / serving

This easy Classic Tuna Casserole is creamy and cheesy with a crispy panko breadcrumb topping, and it's made without canned soup. It's a perfect comfort food dinner for any night of the week!

Ingredients

  • cooking spray
  • 3 tablespoonsbutter (divided)
  • 8 ouncesmedium pasta shells
  • 2cans solid white albacore tuna in water (drained and flaked (or use your favorite canned tuna))
  • ½ cupvery finely diced celery
  • ½ cupvery finely diced onion
  • 1 cupthawed frozen peas (optional)
  • 2 tablespoonsall-purpose flour
  • 2 cupsmilk
  • 1 cupshredded sharp cheddar cheese (white or yellow)
  • ¼ cupshredded or grated parmesan cheese
  • ½ cupseasoned panko breadcrumbs
  • salt and pepper (to taste)

Directions

  1. 1

    Preheat the oven to 375°F.

  2. 2

    Spray an 8x8x2-inch (or any 2-quart) baking dish with cooking spray.

  3. 3

    Melt 1 tablespoon of the butter; set aside.

  4. 4

    Boil the pasta shells in salted water according to the package directions for al dente; drain.

  5. 5

    Place the drained pasta shells in a large bowl. Add the tuna, celery, onion, peas, and lightly season with salt and pepper. Gently mix until well-combined, being careful not to break up the tuna too much.

  6. 6

    In a medium saucepan, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-low heat. Add the flour and whisk to combine until smooth. Continue cooking, whisking constantly, for one minute.

  7. 7

    While whisking constantly, slowly add the milk, and whisk until smooth. Increase the heat and bring to a boil, whisking frequently, then immediately reduce the heat and simmer, whisking constantly, until the mixture has thickened slightly (it won't be super thick), just about a minute or two.

  8. 8

    Turn off the heat and add the shredded cheddar cheese; whisk until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

  9. 9

    Add the sauce to the pasta mixture and gently toss to combine. Taste and add more salt and pepper if needed.

  10. 10

    Transfer the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish and sprinkle the top evenly with the parmesan cheese.

  11. 11

    Combine the melted butter with the panko breadcrumbs and sprinkle evenly over the top of the casserole.

  12. 12

    Bake in the center of the oven for 30 minutes or until bubbly and the top is golden brown and crisp. Serve immediately.