Tuna Noodle Casserole with Peas is the epitome of comfort food — creamy, hearty, and nostalgic. This classic American dish brings together tender egg noodles, flaky tuna, sweet green peas, and a rich, creamy sauce, all baked under a crisp, golden topping. It’s a dish that’s been cherished for decades in homes across the country for its simplicity, warmth, and satisfying flavor.
This casserole is the kind of meal that instantly transports you back to family dinners, cozy weekends, or childhood comfort. It’s economical, easy to make, and uses pantry staples — perfect for busy nights when you crave something hearty and homemade. The creamy sauce binds everything together beautifully, while the crunchy topping adds a delightful contrast that makes every bite irresistible.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it’s simple, satisfying, and deeply comforting. It combines ingredients you probably already have on hand — pasta, canned tuna, peas, and cream — yet the result feels like a complete, wholesome meal. The balance of textures and flavors makes it stand out: creamy noodles, tender chunks of tuna, bursts of sweetness from peas, and a buttery, crispy topping.
Another reason I love this dish is its versatility. You can make it ahead, store it easily, and it reheats beautifully. It’s a true “family favorite” kind of meal — one that’s humble, hearty, and guaranteed to please everyone at the table.
Why It’s a Must-Try Dish
Tuna Noodle Casserole with Peas is a must-try because it’s the perfect comfort food for all seasons. It’s budget-friendly, nourishing, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal prepping for the week, or looking for a cozy dinner to serve on a chilly evening, this casserole delivers every time.
It’s also a great introduction to the magic of casseroles — how a few basic ingredients can come together to create something so homey and delicious. It’s filling, wholesome, and deeply satisfying, proving that good food doesn’t need to be complicated.
Recipe Information
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 6 servings
- Calories: Approximately 480 kcal per serving
- Course: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the Casserole
- 8 ounces (225 g) wide egg noodles
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups milk
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- ½ cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup (optional but traditional)
- 2 cans (5 ounces each) tuna in water, drained and flaked
- 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Topping
- ¾ cup breadcrumbs or crushed buttery crackers (like Ritz)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Cooking Directions
- Cook the Noodles:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the egg noodles according to package instructions until just al dente. Drain and set aside. - Prepare the Sauce:
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 3–4 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. - Thicken the Sauce:
Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste. Slowly whisk in milk, broth, and cream until smooth. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook until slightly thickened, about 3–5 minutes. - Add Flavor:
Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and cream of mushroom soup (if using). Mix until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. - Combine Everything:
In a large bowl, combine the cooked noodles, tuna, peas, and sauce. Stir gently until evenly coated. - Prepare the Topping:
In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs, melted butter, and Parmesan cheese until combined. - Assemble the Casserole:
Pour the noodle mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the breadcrumb topping evenly over the top. - Bake:
Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown on top. - Serve:
Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Step-by-Step Preparation Method
- Boil egg noodles until al dente, drain, and set aside.
- Sauté onion and garlic in butter until fragrant.
- Stir in flour to create a roux, then whisk in milk, broth, and cream.
- Add cheddar cheese and soup to create a creamy sauce.
- Mix noodles, tuna, and peas with the sauce until evenly combined.
- Pour into a casserole dish and top with buttery breadcrumbs.
- Bake until bubbly and golden.
- Cool slightly before serving warm.
How to Serve This Recipe
Serve Tuna Noodle Casserole with Peas warm, straight from the oven. It pairs beautifully with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or a side of roasted vegetables.
For a more complete meal, add a slice of garlic bread or a light soup on the side. This casserole is hearty enough to be served on its own but elegant enough to serve at family gatherings or potlucks.
Recipe Tips
- Don’t overcook the noodles: Slightly undercook them since they’ll continue cooking in the oven.
- Add extra flavor: Mix in a pinch of dried thyme, paprika, or mustard powder to enhance the sauce.
- Use quality tuna: Solid white albacore tuna gives the best flavor and texture.
- Make ahead: Assemble the casserole in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.
- Crispier topping: Broil for 2–3 minutes after baking for an extra golden crust.
Recipe Variations
- Cheesy Tuna Casserole:
Use a mix of cheddar, mozzarella, and Gruyère for a rich, gooey texture. - Vegetable-Loaded Version:
Add sautéed mushrooms, carrots, or bell peppers for extra color and nutrition. - Spicy Twist:
Mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a gentle heat. - Lighter Version:
Use low-fat milk, reduced-fat cheese, and skip the cream for a healthier option. - Crunchy Topping:
Use crushed cornflakes or panko breadcrumbs for extra crispiness. - Gluten-Free Version:
Substitute gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs to make it suitable for gluten-sensitive eaters.
Freezing and Storage Time
- Refrigeration:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warm, or microwave individual portions. - Freezing:
The casserole can be frozen (before or after baking) for up to 3 months.- To freeze before baking: Assemble the casserole, cover tightly with foil, and freeze. Bake directly from frozen for 45–50 minutes.
- To freeze after baking: Let cool completely, portion, and freeze. Reheat covered in the oven until hot throughout.
Special Equipment Needed
- Large pot (for boiling noodles)
- Large skillet (for sauce preparation)
- Mixing bowls
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Whisk and spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
Conclusion
Tuna Noodle Casserole with Peas is a timeless comfort food classic — creamy, filling, and incredibly satisfying. It’s a dish that warms the heart as much as it fills the stomach, made with simple ingredients that come together beautifully.
Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or yourself, this casserole is a crowd-pleaser. It’s easy to make, customizable, and ideal for meal prep. Each bite offers a delicious mix of creamy sauce, tender noodles, and the perfect crunch on top.
If you’re looking for a home-cooked meal that’s nostalgic, hearty, and endlessly comforting, this Tuna Noodle Casserole with Peas deserves a spot in your kitchen rotation — a true classic you’ll return to again and again.
Tuna Noodle Casserole with Peas
Description
Tuna Noodle Casserole with Peas is the epitome of comfort food — creamy, hearty, and nostalgic. This classic American dish brings together tender egg noodles, flaky tuna, sweet green peas, and a rich, creamy sauce, all baked under a crisp, golden topping.
Ingredients
For the Casserole
For the Topping
Instructions
-
Cook the Noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the egg noodles according to package instructions until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
-
Prepare the Sauce: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 3–4 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
-
Thicken the Sauce: Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste. Slowly whisk in milk, broth, and cream until smooth. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook until slightly thickened, about 3–5 minutes.
-
Add Flavor: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and cream of mushroom soup (if using). Mix until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
-
Combine Everything: In a large bowl, combine the cooked noodles, tuna, peas, and sauce. Stir gently until evenly coated.
-
Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs, melted butter, and Parmesan cheese until combined.
-
Assemble the Casserole: Pour the noodle mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the breadcrumb topping evenly over the top.
-
Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown on top.
-
Serve: Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving.
