This creamy tuna pasta recipe is an easy and comforting pasta dish that uses ingredients you probably have in your pantry.
But before you scream: “That’s just tuna noodle casserole!” — try this one out. It’s not your grandmother’s casserole. I promise. Sure, it’s similar to traditional noodle casserole, but so much better. I promise 😉
How to Make Easy Tuna Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 12
Cook time: 25
Tuna Pasta Ingredients
- 1 box of dry pasta (spaghetti or pasta of choice)
- 1 can of canned tuna
- 1 can of peas
- 1 can of condensed cream of mushroom soup (10.5 oz)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup whole milk (or a whole milk substitute)
- 3 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 Parmesan cheese (and more for topping)
- Bread crumbs (for topping)
- Black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Salt your pasta water and cook your pasta al dente.
- Drain both your peas and the can of tuna, and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the drained tuna, peas, cream of mushroom soup, garlic powder, and milk.
- Then, add the pasta and mix. Finally, add half the shredded cheese and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 20 minutes, then remove from the oven, sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese, shredded cheese, and the bread crumbs on top. Cook for another 5 minutes. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Recipe Notes
Don’t have whole milk? Here’s a list of whole milk substitutes you can use.
Tuna Pasta Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 box dry pasta spaghetti or pasta of choice
- 1 can canned tuna
- 1 can peas
- 1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup 10.5 oz
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3 tsp garlic powder
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese and more for topping
- ¼ cup Bread crumbs for topping
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Salt your pasta water and cook your pasta al dente.
- Drain both your peas and the can of tuna, and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the drained tuna, peas, cream of mushroom soup, garlic powder, and milk.
- Then, add the pasta and mix. Finally, add half the shredded cheese and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 20 minutes, then remove from the oven, sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese, shredded cheese, and the bread crumbs on top. Cook for another 5 minutes. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Nutrition
Variations on Canned Tuna Pasta
This tuna pasta is delicious as is, but there are a few variations I’ve tried out. See below for more inspiration.
Up the Veggies
There are plenty of reasons to add extra veggies (like frozen broccoli) to this easy and creamy tuna pasta casserole. Not only does it make the dish more nutritious, but it also adds flavor and variety.
Tuna pasta is classic comfort food, but adding some extra veggies can make it even more satisfying. Plus, it’s a great way to get your kids to eat vegetables!
Some of my favorite veggies to add include:
- Bell peppers
- Asparagus
- Green beans
- Broccoli
Mixed Up the Cheese
There was once a day when shredded cheese meant cheddar or mozzarella. But no more. You can now find Colby Jack, Parmesan, and Taco or Pizza blends. You can also always shred your own cheese. So get creative.
Swap Tuna for Chicken
Not everyone loves canned tuna, so if your family prefers chicken, swap out the chunked canned tuna for canned chicken. If you’re looking for more ways to use canned chicken, here are more of our favorite canned chicken recipes.
Swap Out the Soup
Try swapping out the cream of mushroom soup for another canned soup, such as cream of broccoli. You could even use cream of chicken (if you’re using canned chicken instead of tuna) or cream of celery for a unique flavor.
Swap Pasta for Rice
Though I’ve made this recipe many times with gluten-free pasta, you can also make it with rice to keep it gluten-free or mix it up a bit. You can also try wild rice. It will add a bit more chew to your tuna pasta.
How to Store Leftover Tuna Pasta
Let your pasta cool completely. Then put it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. Stored like this, your tuna casserole should last up to four days.
You can also freeze this tuna recipe. Use the same instructions as above before freezing. Frozen in a quality container, it should last up to three months.
What does tuna pair best with?
Garlic, garlic, and more garlic. It just so happens that garlic is a key ingredient in this canned tuna pasta.
Looking for how to pair your tuna pasta with an adult drink? See a few of my favorite recommendations below:
Wine to Pair with Tuna
Cocktails to Pair with Easy Tuna Pasta
More Easy Casserole Recipes
Crack Green Bean Casserole – Famous in many households at Thanksgiving, this casserole, with its umami sauce and accessible ingredients, is the perfect dish to go with turkey, beef, or fish.
Creamy Chicken Crescent Casserole – Flavorful with a flaky crust, this recipe has a cook time of fewer than 30 minutes!
Quick and Easy Meatball Casserole – Have ground beef leftover from another recipe? Make yourself some meatballs with delicious and easy marinara sauce. Boil up some spaghetti and dinner is ready in no time!
Crockpot Pierogi Casserole If you’re looking for a delicious pasta dish, this super simple dish is a fan favorite. Set it and forget it in your Instant Pot and come back for a delicious meal.
More Recipes
Copycat Chick-fil-A Mac and Cheese
Have more questions or suggestions? Leave them in the comments below. Until next time: Stay salty, and sweet 😉
