Is there anything more comforting than a warm, cheesy casserole that feels like a hug in a dish? My easy tuna noodle casserole with cream cheese is just that! It’s a delightful blend of tender egg noodles, hearty tuna, and a creamy sauce that comes together in no time. Every bite is filled with nostalgia for me because this dish has been a staple at family gatherings since I was little. My mom used to whip it up on busy weeknights, and now I do the same for my family. The combination of flavors, the gooey cheese melting on top—trust me, you’ll want to make it again and again!
Ingredients for Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole with Cream Cheese
Gather these simple ingredients to whip up your easy tuna noodle casserole with cream cheese:
- 8 oz egg noodles: These will be the base of your casserole, providing that lovely chewy texture.
- 1 can (12 oz) tuna, drained: Opt for solid white tuna for the best flavor and texture.
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened: This adds a rich and creamy element that binds everything together.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup: A classic ingredient that enhances the creaminess and adds depth.
- 1 cup frozen peas: They bring a pop of color and sweetness to the dish.
- 1/2 cup milk: Just enough to loosen up the sauce for a perfect consistency.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Use this for that ooey-gooey topping that everyone loves!
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder: A little kick of flavor that complements the tuna beautifully.
- 1/2 tsp onion powder: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the casserole.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for enhancing all those wonderful flavors!
How to Prepare Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole with Cream Cheese
Making this easy tuna noodle casserole with cream cheese is a breeze! Here’s how to do it:
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that it’s nice and hot when your casserole is ready to go in.
- Next, cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions until they’re al dente. This usually takes about 7-9 minutes. Once done, drain them and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, cream of mushroom soup, and milk. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This is where the magic begins!
- Add in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper, and mix well. Then, gently fold in the cooked noodles, drained tuna, frozen peas, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Make sure everything is coated evenly.
- Transfer this delicious mixture to a greased baking dish. Don’t forget to spread it out evenly for even cooking!
- Finally, sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top. It’s going to melt into a beautiful golden layer!
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the cheese is bubbly and golden. Your kitchen will smell divine!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This casserole comes together in just about 45 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Comforting Flavors: It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, offering that cozy feeling we all crave.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike love it! It’s a crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters enjoy.
- Versatile: You can easily add your favorite veggies or switch up the pasta for a personal touch.
- Make-Ahead Option: Prep it ahead of time and bake when you’re ready, saving you time and stress!
Tips for Success
Here are some handy tips to ensure your easy tuna noodle casserole with cream cheese turns out perfectly every time:
- Don’t overcook the noodles: Cook them just until al dente, as they’ll continue to cook in the oven. Nobody wants mushy noodles!
- Mix thoroughly: Make sure all the ingredients are well combined so every bite is bursting with flavor.
- Grease your dish: A well-greased baking dish prevents sticking and makes serving a breeze.
- Experiment with spices: Feel free to add herbs like dill or parsley for an extra flavor boost!
- Cover if needed: If the cheese starts browning too quickly, cover the dish loosely with foil until it’s fully heated through.
Variations of Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole with Cream Cheese
One of the best things about this easy tuna noodle casserole with cream cheese is how flexible it is! You can easily switch things up to keep it exciting:
- Pasta Options: Try using penne, rotini, or even whole wheat pasta for a different texture and flavor.
- Vegetable Add-Ins: Sneak in some chopped bell peppers, broccoli, or corn for extra color and nutrition.
- Different Proteins: Substitute tuna with shredded chicken or even canned salmon for a delightful twist.
- Cheese Variety: Mix in some mozzarella or pepper jack cheese for an extra kick!
- Herbs and Spices: Experiment with fresh herbs like thyme or basil to elevate the flavor profile.
Feel free to get creative and make this casserole your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you have any leftovers of this delicious easy tuna noodle casserole with cream cheese (which is rare in my house!), you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure it’s completely cooled before sealing it up to keep it fresh. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), and pop it in for about 20 minutes or until it’s heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave; just cover them to prevent splattering, and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed. Enjoy the comforting flavors all over again!
Nutritional Information
Here’s what you can expect from a serving of this easy tuna noodle casserole with cream cheese: approximately 350 calories, 15g of fat, 20g of protein, and 35g of carbohydrates. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used. Enjoy knowing you’re savoring a comforting dish that still fits into a balanced meal!
FAQ About Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole with Cream Cheese
Can I use fresh noodles instead of egg noodles? Absolutely! You can substitute fresh pasta, but keep in mind that the cooking time may vary, so just keep an eye on it.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare it in advance and store it in the fridge. Just bake it when you’re ready for a warm, comforting meal.
What can I substitute for cream cheese? If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use Greek yogurt or a low-fat cream cheese alternative.
How do I know when the casserole is done? It’s done when the cheese is melted and bubbly, and everything is heated through. Trust me, your kitchen will smell amazing!
Can I freeze leftovers? Yes, you can freeze the casserole! Just make sure to wrap it tightly. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Z nadrukami
Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole with Cream Cheese: 5 Comforting Steps
- Całkowity Czas: 45 minutes
- Ustępować: 6 servings 1x
- Dieta: Z niską zawartością tłuszczu
Opis
This easy tuna noodle casserole with cream cheese is a comforting dish that combines pasta, tuna, and a creamy sauce.
Składniki
- 8 oz egg noodles
- 1 can (12 oz) tuna, drained
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instrukcje
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the egg noodles according to package instructions.
- In a large bowl, mix cream cheese, cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add cooked noodles, tuna, peas, and half of the cheddar cheese to the mixture.
- Stir until well combined.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
- Top with remaining cheddar cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until heated through and cheese is melted.
Uwagi
- Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or corn.
- You can use any type of pasta if you prefer.
- This casserole can be made ahead and stored in the fridge before baking.
- Czas Przygotowania: 15 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 30 minutes
- Kategoria: Main Dish
- Sposób: Baking
- Kuchnia: American
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 serving
- Kalorie: 350
- Cukier: 3g
- Sód: 600mg
- Kwasy: 15g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 7g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 4g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 35g
- Włókno: 2g
- Białko: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Słowa kluczowe: easy tuna noodle casserole with cream cheese
