Old Fashioned Tuna Noodle Casserole

No ratings yet

This easy and creamy Old Fashioned Tuna Noodle Casserole is a comforting dish with tender noodles, savory tuna, and a crunchy potato chip topping.

Prep Time20

Cook Time32

Total Time52

Course: Dinner, Lunch, Main, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Comfort Food, Home Cooking

Servings: Servings

Calories: 436kcal

Begin by boiling the pasta according to the package instructions to al dente. Once the noodles have cooked, drain them, run them under cold water to stop the cooking process, and set them aside.
In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom, cream of celery, milk, kosher salt, black pepper, and dried parsley.
Whisk the ingredients together to combine thoroughly.
Add the drained canned tuna and the frozen peas to the creamy mixture, stirring to ensure they are evenly distributed.
Add the boiled pasta into the mixing bowl in batches, stirring so every noodle is incorporated and fully covered.
Pour the creamy tuna noodle mixture into a 9-inch by 13-inch baking dish and spread it out evenly using a silicone spatula or the back of a serving spoon.
Preheat the oven to 375°f.
Add the potato chips to a mixing bowl and lightly crush them into pieces in a separate mixing bowl. Do not make them too fine; you want to be sure they have some texture. Set the chips aside.
Top the Tuna Noodle Casserole Mix with shredded cheddar cheese.
Layer the casserole with crushed potato chips, ensuring even coverage.
Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Once the 30 minutes are up, turn the oven to broil on 550°f for 2-3 minutes and let the top brown.
Remove the casserole from the oven and serve hot.

Don’t overcook the noodles: Boil the egg noodles until they’re just al dente. This helps them hold their shape and prevents them from getting too mushy when baked in the casserole.
Mix up the cheese: While cheddar is a classic choice, experiment with different cheese blends, like Monterey Jack or Colby, to give your casserole a unique flavor.
Use fresh vegetables: If you prefer, swap out the frozen peas for fresh peas or add some sautéed mushrooms or onions for extra flavor and texture.
Customize the topping: If you're not a fan of potato chips, try topping the casserole with panko breadcrumbs or crushed Ritz crackers for a different, crunchy texture.
Make it ahead: This casserole is a great make-ahead dish. You can assemble it a day in advance and keep it covered in the fridge until you're ready to bake it.