Tuna Noodle Casserole

User Reviews

4.5

123 reviews
Excellent
  • Prep Time

    10 mins

  • Cook Time

    1 hr

  • Total Time

    1 hr 10 mins

  • Servings

    6 to 8 servings

  • Calories

    597 kcal

  • Course

    Main Course

  • Cuisine

    American

Tuna Noodle Casserole

This Tuna Noodle Casserole uses gluten-free pasta combined with a creamy sauce made from sautéed onions, mushrooms, garlic, and Italian seasoning, enriched with chicken broth, coconut milk, and cheese. Canned tuna and peas add protein and color. The dish is assembled in a casserole dish and baked to meld flavors, optionally topped with an almond flour and avocado oil crumb for texture. It provides a hearty, comforting meal with layered savory flavors and a creamy consistency.

Description

The Tuna Noodle Casserole begins with cooking gluten-free noodles to al dente before preparing a sauce on the stovetop. Onion is sautéed until lightly browned, with mushrooms and garlic added shortly after to build depth. Italian seasoning joins the mix, followed by a combination of chicken broth, full-fat coconut milk, and rice vinegar brought to a boil. Flour is whisked in to thicken the sauce, which is seasoned with salt, then combined with peas, canned tuna in olive oil, and cheddar cheese for richness and body.

Once the sauce is ready, it is combined thoroughly with the noodles in a casserole dish. Baking at 375°F melds the components. An optional topping of almond flour mixed with avocado oil can be sprinkled for added texture and a subtle nutty note. The recipe allows flexibility to substitute different cheeses or make it dairy-free, adapting to dietary preferences.

The casserole makes a substantial main dish suitable for family meals, with its creamy sauce and tender noodles complementing the tender mushrooms and flaked tuna. The inclusion of peas adds a burst of color and mild sweetness. Its layered flavors and textures offer familiarity with a slight twist from coconut milk and vinegar, creating balance in taste and richness.

I Made This!

Be the first!

Save this

Be the first!

Ingredients

Servings
  • 12 ounces gluten-free noodles
  • 1 Tbsp avocado oil
  • 1 yellow onion finely chopped, small
  • 10 ounces baby bella mushroom sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 3/4 cups chicken broth low-sodium recommended
  • 1 cup coconut milk full-fat, canned
  • 3 Tbsp all-purpose flour gluten-free
  • 2 Tbsp rice vinegar or cider vinegar or 1/4 cup white wine
  • 3/4 tsp salt to taste, sea salt
  • 1 cup pea canned or frozen
  • 3 tuna in olive oil, canned 5 oz, undrained
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese or more to taste, grated

Optional Topping:

  • 1/2 cup almond flour Super Fine
  • 2 Tbsp avocado oil

Instructions

  1. Cook the noodles according to package instructions (I used brown rice pasta noodles and the directions said to cook for 12 minutes - I cooked for 10 to leave the noodles al dente).
  2. While the pasta is cooking, prepare the sauce. In a large skillet, heat the avocado oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion and sauté, stirring occasionally, until onion begins to brown, about 8 minutes. Add the mushrooms and garlic and continue sautéing another 2 minutes.
  3. Add the Italian seasoning, chicken broth, coconut milk, and rice vinegar and bring to a full boil. Add the flour and whisk well until all of the clumps are out. Continue cooking at a boil, whisking occasionally, until sauce is very thick. Add the sea salt, peas, tuna, and cheese and stir well.
  4. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
  5. Transfer the noodles to a large (13” x 9”) casserole dish, followed by the creamy sauce. Stir everything together until well incorporated.
  6. In a small bowl, stir together the almond flour and avocado oil. Sprinkle this mixture over the casserole and bake for 20 to 30 minutes, until casserole is bubbling.
  7. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

  • Any grated cheese like mozzarella, jack, colby jack, gruyere, or gouda can substitute the cheddar to alter flavor.
  • For a dairy-free version, use dairy-free cheese or omit cheese entirely; the casserole still holds flavor without it.
  • Cooking noodles slightly less than package instructions keeps them firm to avoid over-softness after baking.

Nutrition Information

Show Details
Serving 1of 6 Calories 597kcal (30%) Carbohydrates 73g (24%) Protein 22g (44%) Fat 23g (35%) Fiber 6g (24%) Sugar 3g (6%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 6to 8 servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 597 kcal

% Daily Value*

Serving 1of 6
Calories 597kcal 30%
Carbohydrates 73g 24%
Protein 22g 44%
Fat 23g 35%
Fiber 6g 24%
Sugar 3g 6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Genuine Reviews

User Reviews

Overall Rating

4.5

123 reviews
Excellent

Write a Review

Drag & drop files here or click to upload
Other Recipes

You'll Also Love

Loaded Mashed Potatoes

American
5.0 (33 reviews)

Crispy Slow Cooker Corned Beef

Irish
5.0 (639 reviews)

Easy Baked Sweet Potatoes

American
5.0 (15 reviews)

Creamy Chicken Pasta Salad

American
5.0 (12 reviews)

Candied Yams

American
5.0 (21 reviews)

Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Pasta

Italian
5.0 (108 reviews)

Buffalo Wings

American
5.0 (63 reviews)

Broccoli Casserole

American
5.0 (36 reviews)

Filipino Adobo Chicken

Filipino
5.0 (84 reviews)

Crab Cake Sandwich

American
5.0 (15 reviews)

S'mores Bars

American
5.0 (21 reviews)

Vegetable Beef Stew

American
5.0 (30 reviews)