Best 7 Healthier Tuna Noodle Casserole Recipes

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Tuna noodle casserole is a classic comfort food. It is a dish that is typically made with tuna, noodles, cream soup, and vegetables. While tuna noodle casserole is delicious, it is not always the healthiest dish. However, there are many ways to make tuna noodle casserole healthier without sacrificing flavor. In this article, we will share some of our favorite healthier tuna noodle casserole recipes. These recipes use whole-wheat noodles, lean protein, and healthy vegetables. They are also lower in fat and calories than traditional tuna noodle casserole recipes. So, if you are looking for a healthier way to enjoy this classic dish, then you have come to the right place.

Here are our top 7 tried and tested recipes!

WE LIGHTENED UP THE CLASSIC TUNA NOODLE CASSEROLE



We Lightened up the Classic Tuna Noodle Casserole image

A comfort-filled classic, the traditional dish features a cast of hefty characters-cream, cheese, and noodles-and delivers nearly 700 calories and a day's worth of sat fat with just one helping. In an attempt to introduce fresher ingredients while staying true to the classic, we start by bolstering the filling with meaty mushrooms, lots of aromatics, and herbs. Tomato paste adds a tangy counterpoint to the creamy, noodle-coating sauce, while Dijon mustard and lemon zest add zing. Canned tuna is a pantry staple that takes center stage in our remake (with just as many beneficial omega-3s as fresh). In lieu of a breadcrumb or potato chip topper, we use fresh dill and sharp cheddar to round out this dinner with bright flavor and cheesy goodness for less sodium.

Provided by Jamie Vespa, MS, RD

Time 55m

Yield Serves 6 (serving size: 2 cups)

Number Of Ingredients 19

12 ounces uncooked whole-wheat egg noodles
1 tablespoon canola oil
8 ounces cremini mushrooms, chopped
1 cup chopped yellow onion
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme leaves
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups unsalted chicken stock
2 1/2 cups 2% reduced-fat milk
1 tablespoon tomato paste
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons lemon zest plus 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
3 (4-oz.) cans unsalted albacore tuna in water, drained
2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill, plus more for garnish
Cooking spray
2 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (about 1/2 cup)

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 375°F. Cook noodles according to package instructions until very al dente, omitting salt and fat. Drain and transfer to a large bowl.
  • Heat oil in a large high-sided skillet over medium. Add mushrooms; cook until softened, about 4 minutes. Add onion and garlic; cook until tender, about 4 more minutes. Add thyme; cook until fragrant, about 1 minute, stirring constantly.
  • Add butter; stir to melt. Whisk in flour; cook until roux is golden, about 1 minute. Whisking constantly, add stock; bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer; whisk in milk, tomato paste, mustard, lemon zest and juice, salt, and pepper. Return to a simmer; simmer 2 to 3 minutes. Pour mixture into bowl with noodles. Stir in tuna and dill.
  • Coat a 13- x 9-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Transfer tuna mixture to baking dish; top with cheese. Bake at 375°F until bubbly and cheese is melted, about 15 minutes. Let stand at room temperature 5 to 10 minutes. Garnish with dill.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 439, Carbohydrate 55 g, Fat 13 g, Fiber 7 g, Protein 30 g, SaturatedFat 6 g, Sodium 640 mg, Sugar 9 g, UnsaturatedFat 5 g

HEALTHIER TUNA NOODLE CASSEROLE



Healthier Tuna Noodle Casserole image

Opting for low-fat Alfredo sauce and sour cream lightens up this weeknight-friendly tuna casserole that packs plenty of veggies alongside whole wheat pasta, keeping it hearty enough to take to your next potluck. Garnish with fresh dill.

Provided by Juliana Hale

Categories     Seafood     Fish     Tuna

Time 1h10m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 16

cooking spray
2 cups whole-grain bow-tie pasta
1 teaspoon olive oil
2 cups sliced cremini mushrooms
½ cup chopped onion
⅓ cup chopped celery
⅓ cup chopped red bell pepper
⅓ cup chopped carrot
1 ½ cups light Alfredo sauce (such as Classico® Light Creamy Alfredo)
½ cup light sour cream
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 teaspoons snipped fresh dill
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
1 (5 ounce) can solid white tuna (water pack), drained and broken into chunks
⅓ cup whole wheat panko bread crumbs
4 wedges lemon wedges

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Coat a 2-quart baking dish with nonstick spray.
  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook bow-tie pasta at a boil, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 12 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  • Meanwhile, heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add mushrooms, onion, celery, bell pepper, and carrot; cook until vegetables are tender, about 8 minutes.
  • Whisk together Alfredo sauce, sour cream, 2 tablespoons Parmesan, dill, and black pepper in a large bowl. Stir in cooked pasta, vegetables, and tuna until combined. Transfer to the prepared dish. In a small bowl, stir together panko and remaining 2 tablespoons Parmesan; sprinkle over casserole. Lightly coat with nonstick spray.
  • Bake in the preheated oven, uncovered, until browned and bubbly, about 25 minutes. Serve with lemon wedges.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 543.7 calories, Carbohydrate 62.4 g, Cholesterol 72 mg, Fat 21.6 g, Fiber 8.9 g, Protein 28.3 g, SaturatedFat 12.8 g, Sodium 1066.2 mg, Sugar 9.4 g

TUNA CASSEROLE



Tuna Casserole image

This is a surprisingly lowfat version of the classic tuna casserole you grew up with. You make your own creamy mixture, which replaces the high-fat condensed soup in the original version. Fresh bread crumbs toast right on top of the casserole!

Provided by Ellie Krieger

Time 1h

Yield 6 servings, serving size, 2 1/2 cups

Number Of Ingredients 14

5 slices whole-wheat bread, crusts included
1 tablespoon canola oil
1 small onion, chopped (about 1 cup)
1 large stalk celery, finely diced (about 1/2 cup)
1 (10-ounce) box white mushroom, stemmed and chopped (about 2 1/2 cups)
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
3 cups 1 percent milk
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 pound whole-wheat fettuccine noodles, broken into thirds and cooked according to package directions
1 (10-ounce) box frozen chopped broccoli, thawed
1 (10-ounce) box frozen peas, thawed
4 (6-ounce) cans chunk light tuna in water, drained

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
  • Place bread in food processor and pulse for 30 seconds into bread crumbs (makes about 2 1/2 to 3 cups crumbs).
  • Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions and cook, stirring, until onions are soft and translucent, 8 minutes. Add celery and cook, stirring, until just tender, 6 minutes. Add mushrooms and cook, stirring, until mushrooms release their water, 5 to 7 minutes. Add flour all at once and stir immediately and vigorously with a wooden spoon until flour is completely incorporated into vegetable mixture until there are no flour lumps. Add milk and broth, stir to combine and bring mixture to a boil, stirring frequently. Reduce heat to a vigorous simmer and cook, stirring, until liquid has thicke ned and reduced by about 1/2 cup, 7 to 8 minutes. Add salt and pepper and stir to combine. Combine cooked pasta, vegetable-liquid mixture, broccoli, peas and tuna and toss to incorporate. Pour into a 9 by 13-inch casserole. Top with bread crumbs. Bake for 25 minutes, or until crumbs are golden brown and toasted.

HEALTHY TUNA CASSEROLE (LOW-FAT)



Healthy Tuna Casserole (Low-Fat) image

Cooked chicken breast may be used in place of the tuna, if desired add in 1 cup low-fat grated cheddar cheese to the soup mixture, this is only optional --- for Weight Watcher's program 1 serving = 7 points :)

Provided by Kittencalrecipezazz

Categories     Tuna

Time 50m

Yield 10 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 11

4 cups dry whole wheat fusilli (can use penne pasta or similar)
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 (6 ounce) cans solid white tuna, water packed, well drained (can use 3 cans)
2 (10 ounce) cans fat free cream of celery soup or 2 (10 ounce) cans cream of mushroom soup, undiluted
1/2 cup low-fat mayonnaise
1 cup skim milk or 1 cup 1% low-fat milk
1 (10 ounce) can sliced mushrooms, well drained
1 tablespoon Mrs. Dash seasoning mix
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon coarse black pepper (or to taste)
1 cup grated reduced-fat cheddar cheese (or to taste)

Steps:

  • Set oven to 350 degrees F.
  • Grease an 11 x 7 or 13 x 9-inch baking dish with cooking spray (or use a casserole dish large enough to hold the mixture).
  • Boil the pasta in a large pot of boiling water until al dente; drain then transfer to a large bowl.
  • Add in onion and tuna; toss to combine.
  • In a saucepan heat soup with milk until smooth.
  • Stir in mushrooms mayonnaise, Mrs Dash seasoning, garlic powder and black pepper until combined; pour into the bowl and toss to combine.
  • Transfer mixture to prepared baking dish.
  • Bake for about 30 minutes.
  • Remove from oven then sprinkle with cheddar cheese, return to oven for 2-4 minutes to melt the cheese.

BEST TUNA NOODLE CASSEROLE



Best Tuna Noodle Casserole image

This tuna noodle casserole is the best with a classic creamy taste from my childhood. The sauce is rich and creamy but not overwhelmingly heavy. The crunch from the topping and fresh bite from the parsley create the perfect balance. Let's not forget that this is a great budget-friendly meal to feed a crowd!

Provided by NicoleMcmom

Time 55m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 18

1 (12 ounce) package egg noodles
4 ¼ teaspoons kosher salt, divided
4 tablespoons salted butter, divided
5 teaspoons olive oil, divided
1 (8 ounce) package sliced fresh mushrooms
1 small white onion, minced
¼ cup all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
1 ½ cups chicken stock
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
1 ½ cups shredded white Cheddar cheese
1 cup frozen sweet peas
2 (6 ounce) cans tuna, drained
1 cup panko bread crumbs
¼ teaspoon ground paprika
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  • Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add egg noodles and 3 teaspoons salt to the boiling water; cook until tender yet firm to the bite, about 6 minutes. Drain noodles. Return to pot and set aside.
  • Heat 2 tablespoons butter and 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms and onion and cook until mushrooms are softened and onions are translucent, about 4 minutes. Add remaining butter; stir constantly until melted. Sprinkle flour over vegetable mixture and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute. Stir in milk and stock and bring to a simmer, stirring often. Simmer for 5 minutes. Stir in lemon juice, Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon salt, and pepper.
  • Add sauce mixture to reserved noodles. Stir in 1 cup Cheddar cheese, peas, and tuna. Pour mixture into the prepared baking dish and sprinkle remaining Cheddar cheese over the top.
  • Stir together bread crumbs, remaining 2 teaspoons oil, remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt, and paprika in a small bowl. Sprinkle bread crumb mixture evenly over the casserole.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until golden and bubbly, 25 to 30 minutes. Sprinkle with parsley and serve.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 480.8 calories, Carbohydrate 50.6 g, Cholesterol 90.6 mg, Fat 20 g, Fiber 2.8 g, Protein 28.1 g, SaturatedFat 10.1 g, Sodium 1481.4 mg, Sugar 5.8 g

HEALTHY LIVING TUNA NOODLE CASSEROLE



HEALTHY LIVING Tuna Noodle Casserole image

Pasta, veggies, VELVEETA and tuna team up in this casserole for a super-creamy cheesy entrée that's both easy and delicious.

Provided by My Food and Family

Categories     Home

Time 40m

Yield 6 servings, about 1 cup each

Number Of Ingredients 6

2 cups whole grain penne pasta, uncooked
1 pkg. (16 oz.) frozen mixed vegetables (carrots, corn, green beans, peas), thawed
1/2 lb. (8 oz.) 2% Milk VELVEETA, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
2 cans (5 oz. each) white tuna in water, drained, flaked
2 green onions, chopped
1/2 cup milk

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 350ºF.
  • Cook pasta in large saucepan as directed on package, omitting salt and adding mixed vegetables to the boiling water the last minute. Drain; return to pan.
  • Add 2% Milk VELVEETA, tuna, onions and milk; mix well. Spoon into 1-1/2-qt. casserole sprayed with cooking spray; cover.
  • Bake 15 to 20 min. or until heated through. Stir before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 300, Fat 6 g, SaturatedFat 3 g, TransFat 0 g, Cholesterol 35 mg, Sodium 750 mg, Carbohydrate 0 g, Fiber 5 g, Sugar 0 g, Protein 24 g

TUNA NOODLE CASSEROLE FOR TWO



Tuna Noodle Casserole for Two image

My mom made this tuna casserole through the years...a delicious family dish, but good for any occasion. I often serve it for a luncheon along with garlic bread and a salad. It's quick and easy to prepare, freezes well and makes a complete meal.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 45m

Yield 2 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 medium onion, chopped
2 teaspoons butter
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 cup 2% milk
2 cups cooked wide egg noodles
1 can (6 ounces) tuna, drained and flaked
2/3 cup frozen peas, thawed
1/4 cup crushed cornflakes

Steps:

  • In a small saucepan, saute onion in butter until tender. Stir in the flour, salt and pepper until blended. Gradually add milk. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Stir in the noodles, tuna and peas., Transfer to a greased 1-qt. baking dish. Sprinkle with cornflakes. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 30-35 minutes or until bubbly around the edges.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 474 calories, Fat 10g fat (5g saturated fat), Cholesterol 88mg cholesterol, Sodium 1120mg sodium, Carbohydrate 58g carbohydrate (15g sugars, Fiber 5g fiber), Protein 36g protein.

Tips:

  • Choose the Right Tuna: Opt for tuna packed in water instead of oil to reduce fat content and calories.
  • Drain and Flake: Be sure to thoroughly drain the tuna and flake it into small pieces to ensure an even distribution throughout the casserole.
  • Use Whole Wheat Noodles: Substitute regular noodles with whole wheat or whole grain noodles for added fiber and nutrients.
  • Veggies Galore: Don't shy away from adding a variety of vegetables like peas, carrots, celery, or broccoli to boost the nutritional value of the casserole.
  • Low-Sodium Options: Use low-sodium condensed cream of mushroom soup and reduced-sodium chicken broth to keep the sodium levels in check.
  • Reduced-Fat Cheese: Opt for reduced-fat or low-fat cheese to cut down on saturated fat intake.
  • Breadcrumbs with a Twist: Instead of plain breadcrumbs, try using a mixture of panko breadcrumbs and chopped nuts for a crunchy topping.
  • Control Portion Sizes: When serving, aim for reasonable portion sizes to manage calorie intake and avoid overeating.

Conclusion:

This healthier tuna noodle casserole offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures while accommodating dietary preferences and healthier choices. By incorporating whole wheat noodles, vegetables, and reduced-fat ingredients, you can enjoy a satisfying casserole without compromising on taste or nutrition. Experiment with different variations to suit your preferences, and remember to control portion sizes for a balanced meal. This casserole is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a comforting family dinner, a quick weeknight meal, or a potluck favorite. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and treat yourself and your loved ones to a healthier version of this classic casserole. Bon appétit!

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