Best 9 Light Tuna Noodle Casserole Recipes

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Are you looking for a comforting and easy-to-prepare dish? Look no further than tuna noodle casserole! This classic dish is a versatile meal that can be tailored to your taste preferences and is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings. With its combination of tender noodles, flaky tuna, creamy sauce, and crunchy topping, tuna noodle casserole delivers a delightful blend of textures and flavors. Whether you prefer a traditional recipe or a more modern twist, there's a tuna noodle casserole recipe out there to satisfy your cravings. In this article, we'll delve into the world of tuna noodle casserole, exploring different variations and providing tips to help you create the perfect casserole that will become a staple in your kitchen.

Let's cook with our 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

LIGHT TUNA NOODLE CASSEROLE



Light Tuna Noodle Casserole image

This recipe updates an old classic by using low-fat products. It's a rich, creamy casserole that will satisfy the whole family.-Sharen Oglesby, Anderson, California

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 1h10m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 11

1/3 cup Cream Soup Mix
1/2 cup chopped celery
1/4 cup chopped green onions
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cans (6-1/2 ounces each) light water-packed tuna, drained
1 carton (8 ounces) egg substitute
1 cup cooked noodles
1/2 cup fat-free milk
1/4 teaspoon ground mustard
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1/2 cup shredded reduced-fat sharp cheddar cheese

Steps:

  • Prepare Cream Soup Mix as directed for a condensed cream soup substitute. Saute celery and onion in oil until celery is tender. Place in a large bowl; add next six ingredients. Mix well. , Pour into a 2-qt. baking dish coated with cooking spray. Sprinkle with cheese. Bake at 375° for 50-60 minutes or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.

Nutrition Facts :

CLASSIC LIGHT TUNA NOODLE CASSEROLE



Classic Light Tuna Noodle Casserole image

This recipe updates an old classic by using low-fat products. It's a rich, creamy casserole that will satisfy the whole family.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 1h10m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 can (10-3/4 ounces) reduced-fat reduced-sodium condensed cream of mushroom soup, undiluted
2/3 cup water
1/2 cup skim milk
1/4 teaspoon ground mustard
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1/2 cup chopped celery
1/4 cup chopped green onions
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cans (6-1/2 ounces each) light water-packed tuna, drained
1 container (8 ounces) egg substitute
1 cup cooked no-yolk medium noodles
1/2 cup shredded reduced-fat sharp cheddar cheese

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, combine the soup, water, milk, mustard, and pepper until blended. In a nonstick skillet, celery and onions in oil until celery is tender. Stir the vegetables, tuna, egg substitute and noodles into the soup mixture. Pour into a 2-qt. baking dish coated with cooking spray. Sprinkle with cheese. Bake at 375° for 50-60 minutes or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.

Nutrition Facts :

LIGHT TUNA NOODLE CASSEROLE



Light Tuna Noodle Casserole image

My daughters enjoy tuna noodle casserole, but not the calories, so here is a version that is more diet friendly.

Provided by Likkel

Categories     Toddler Friendly

Time 35m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 13

6 ounces medium egg noodles, cooked
6 ounces canned tuna, drained
1/2 cup light mayonnaise
1/3 cup onion, chopped
1 cup celery, chopped
1/4 cup green pepper, chopped
1/4 cup pimientos, chopped or 1/4 cup red pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 (10 1/2 ounce) can 98% fat-free cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup nonfat milk
4 ounces low-fat cheddar cheese
1/4 cup parmesan cheese (optional)
1/4 cup dried breadcrumbs (optional)

Steps:

  • Sauté onions, celery and peppers until onions are transparent.
  • Add all of the ingredients (except the noodles and parmesan) and heat over medium until the cheddar melts.
  • Add the noodles, mix well, and turn into a greased 2 quart casserole dish. Sprinkle the top with parmesan cheese and an equal amount of dried bread crumbs, if you would like. Bake at 425 F for 20 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 287.3, Fat 14.2, SaturatedFat 3.3, Cholesterol 47.3, Sodium 758.8, Carbohydrate 18.5, Fiber 1.5, Sugar 4.7, Protein 20.6

TUNA NOODLE CASSEROLE



Tuna Noodle Casserole image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Time 40m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

Kosher salt
6 ounces wide egg noodles
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
6 scallions (white parts sliced, green parts finely chopped)
3 stalks celery, thinly sliced, plus 2 tablespoons chopped leaves
One 12-ounce can fat-free evaporated milk
Freshly ground pepper
1 cup frozen peas and carrots
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1/2 cup light sour cream
3/4 cup shredded low-fat Monterey jack cheese (about 3 ounces)
One 5-ounce can water-packed tuna, drained and flaked
1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the noodles and cook according to the package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup of the cooking water, then drain the noodles and return to the pot.
  • Meanwhile, melt 1 tablespoon of the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the scallion whites and sliced celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 2 minutes. Add the evaporated milk, 1/2 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper. Stir in the peas and carrots and the mustard. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium low. Cook, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened, 2 to 3 minutes.
  • Pour the sauce over the noodles; stir in the sour cream, 1/2 cup of the cheese, the tuna and reserved cooking water. Transfer to a 1 1/2-quart baking dish.
  • Melt the remaining 1 tablespoon butter. Toss with the panko, scallion greens, celery leaves and remaining 1/4 cup cheese; season with salt and pepper. Sprinkle over the casserole. Bake until golden, 15 to 20 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 500 calorie, Fat 18 grams, SaturatedFat 11 grams, Cholesterol 100 milligrams, Sodium 580 milligrams, Carbohydrate 53 grams, Fiber 4 grams, Protein 30 grams

EASY TUNA NOODLE CASSEROLE



Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole image

One of my favorite dishes that my mother used to make. Simple to make and always a hit among family and friends.

Provided by emmie88

Categories     Seafood     Fish     Tuna

Time 1h

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 10

3 ¼ cups fusilli pasta
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
1 ½ cups shredded Cheddar cheese, divided
3 teaspoons lemon juice
½ teaspoon mustard powder
salt and ground black pepper to taste
15 ounces tuna packed in water, drained and flaked
¼ cup dry bread crumbs

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook fusilli in the boiling water, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 12 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour, stirring constantly for about 1 minute. Remove from heat and gradually pour in milk, whisking constantly the entire time to avoid lumps from forming. Return to heat and cook, stirring constantly, until slightly thickened, about 2 minutes. Stir in 1/2 of the Cheddar cheese. Add lemon juice, mustard powder, salt, and pepper and mix well.
  • Drain fusilli and fold into the sauce. Mix in tuna. Pour mixture into an 8-inch casserole dish and sprinkle with breadcrumbs. Top with remaining Cheddar cheese.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until cheese is melted and golden, about 30 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 613.2 calories, Carbohydrate 47.6 g, Cholesterol 101.5 mg, Fat 24.7 g, Fiber 2 g, Protein 49.3 g, SaturatedFat 14.7 g, Sodium 498 mg, Sugar 8 g

LIGHTER THAN MOM'S TUNA-NOODLE CASSEROLE



Lighter Than Mom's Tuna-Noodle Casserole image

Categories     Cheese     Dairy     Fish     Pasta     Bake     Kid-Friendly     Dinner     Casserole/Gratin     Cream Cheese     Tuna     Pea     Winter     Noodle     Bon Appétit     Small Plates

Yield Makes 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

Nonstick vegetable oil spray
1/4 cup dry white wine
4 teaspoons cornstarch
1/3 cup all purpose flour
1 1/2 cups low-fat (1%) milk
1 cup canned low-salt chicken broth
2 teaspoons minced fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried
2 tablespoons Neufchâtel cheese (reduced-fat cream cheese)
1 6-ounce can solid white tuna packed in water, undrained
1 6-ounce can chunk light tuna packed in water, undrained
1 cup frozen petite peas, unthawed
8 ounces farfalle (bow-tie) pasta
1/2 cup crushed baked potato chips (about 1 ounce)

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 400°F. Spray 8 x 8 x 2-inch glass baking dish with vegetable oil spray. Whisk wine and cornstarch in small bowl to blend. Whisk flour in heavy medium saucepan to remove any lumps. Gradually add milk to flour, whisking until smooth. Add broth and thyme and whisk over medium heat until liquid thickens and boils, about 4 minutes. Add cornstarch mixture and whisk until liquid boils and is smooth, about 1 minute. Remove from heat. Add Neufch‰tel cheese and whisk until melted. Stir in both cans of tuna with their liquid and frozen peas. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
  • Meanwhile, cook pasta in large pot of boiling salted water until tender but still firm to bite, stirring occasionally. Drain pasta. Return to pot.
  • Add tuna mixture to pasta; stir to blend well. Transfer to prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with potato chips. Bake until top is golden and sauce bubbles around edges of dish, about 25 minutes.

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

CURRIED TUNA NOODLE CASSEROLE



Curried Tuna Noodle Casserole image

Haven't had a tuna noodle casserole in years, but this Cooking Light recipes sounds so comforting with the mushrooms, peas, egg noodles and the ritz cracker topping. Couldn't resist posting this recipe. Note: I might try this with some red salmon in lieu of the tuna. Prep time does not include cooking time for noodles.

Provided by DailyInspiration

Categories     Lunch/Snacks

Time 45m

Yield 7 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 13

2 teaspoons butter
5 cups cremini mushrooms, sliced (can use button, about 3/4 pound)
3/4 cup frozen green pea, thawed
3/4 cup green onion, sliced
2/3 cup red bell pepper, chopped
2 teaspoons curry powder
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups low-fat milk, 1%
4 cups medium egg noodles, cooked (about 3 1/4 cups uncooked)
1/4 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 (12 ounce) can solid white tuna packed in water, drained and flaked
1/4 cup reduced-fat Ritz cracker (about 7 crackers)

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Melt butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the mushrooms, saute 6 minutes or until soft. Add the peas, onions, bell peppers and curry; saute 5 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
  • Place flour in a small bowl; gradually add milk, stirring with a whisk. Add to mushroom mixture, bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer 2 minutes or until thick, stirring frequently. Remove from heat; stir in pasta, parsley, salt and tuna. Spoon into a 2-quart casserole dish. Sprinkle with crushed crackers. Cover and bake 20 minutes.

Tips:

  • Use a high-quality canned tuna for the best flavor.
  • Add some chopped vegetables to the casserole for extra nutrition and flavor.
  • Feel free to experiment with different types of pasta, such as penne or rotini.
  • If you don't have any condensed cream of celery soup, you can make your own by blending together cooked celery, milk, and flour.
  • Serve the casserole with a side salad or a bowl of soup for a complete meal.

Conclusion:

Light tuna noodle casserole is a quick, easy, and affordable meal that is perfect for busy families. It is also a great way to use up leftover tuna. With its simple ingredients and delicious flavor, light tuna noodle casserole is sure to become a family favorite.

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