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Cozy Classic Tuna Noodle Casserole Recipe with Crispy Breadcrumbs Made Easy

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A comforting and creamy tuna noodle casserole topped with crispy panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese, perfect for cozy dinners and easy to prepare with pantry staples.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (225 grams) egg noodles
  • 2 cans (5 ounces / 140 grams each) canned tuna, drained
  • 1 cup (150 grams) frozen peas, thawed
  • 4 tablespoons (60 grams) unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup (30 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup (100 grams) panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add egg noodles and cook according to package instructions (6-8 minutes) until just tender but still firm. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Add finely chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Sprinkle all-purpose flour over the softened onions and garlic. Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste and create a thick paste.
  4. Slowly whisk in whole milk, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 5-6 minutes until thickened to a creamy sauce that coats the back of a spoon.
  5. Stir in dried thyme, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Add grated Parmesan cheese and mix until melted and smooth. Optionally, stir in lemon zest.
  6. In a large mixing bowl, gently fold together drained tuna, thawed peas, and cooked noodles.
  7. Pour the creamy sauce over the tuna and noodle mixture. Stir gently to combine without breaking up the tuna too much.
  8. In a small bowl, melt remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and mix with panko breadcrumbs. Add a pinch of salt and a couple tablespoons of Parmesan cheese if desired, then toss to coat evenly.
  9. Transfer the tuna noodle mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the buttery panko breadcrumb topping over the casserole.
  10. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake casserole for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown and crispy and the sauce is bubbling around the edges.
  11. Let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Do not overcook noodles as they will continue cooking in the oven. Drain tuna thoroughly to avoid watery casserole. Use homemade white sauce instead of canned soup for fresher flavor. For extra crispiness, broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes at the end, watching closely to prevent burning. Let casserole rest 5 minutes before serving for better texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: tuna noodle casserole, comfort food, casserole recipe, creamy tuna casserole, crispy breadcrumb topping, easy dinner, pantry staples

Find it online: https://flurpchef.com/cozy-classic-tuna-noodle-casserole-recipe-with-crispy-breadcrumbs-made-easy/