Best 7 Tuna Fish Shells Recipes

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Tuna fish shells, also known as tuna casserole, is a classic comfort food dish that is enjoyed by people of all ages. It is a versatile dish that can be easily customized to suit your taste preferences, making it a great option for busy weeknight meals or casual gatherings. With its combination of tender pasta, flaked tuna, creamy sauce, and crispy topping, tuna fish shells offer a satisfying and delicious meal that is sure to please everyone at the table.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

TUNA-FILLED SHELLS



Tuna-Filled Shells image

Hot tuna's a hit when you mix it with sizable pasta shells and a cheesy sauce. Dill also complements the fish nicely in this cream comfort food. It's a great change of pace from the traditional tuna casserole. -Connie Staal, Greenbrier, Arkansas

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 45m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 12

12 jumbo pasta shells
5 teaspoons all-purpose flour
2 cups 2% milk
1 teaspoon dill weed
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 celery rib, diced
1 small onion, diced
1 tablespoon canola oil
2 slices white bread, crumbled
1 can (12 ounces) light water-packed tuna, drained and flaked
1/2 cup reduced-fat ranch salad dressing
1/2 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese

Steps:

  • Cook pasta shells according to package directions. Meanwhile in a saucepan, combine the flour, milk, dill and salt until smooth. Bring to a boil; cook and stir until thickened, about 2 minutes. Pour 1-1/4 cups sauce into a 2-qt. baking dish; set aside. , In a nonstick skillet, saute celery and onion in oil until tender. Add bread. Stir in the tuna, salad dressing and cheese; mix well. Drain shells; stuff with tuna mixture. Place over sauce. Drizzle with remaining sauce. Cover and bake at 350° until bubbly and heated through, 25-30 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 291 calories, Fat 9g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 34mg cholesterol, Sodium 733mg sodium, Carbohydrate 27g carbohydrate (0 sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

STUFFED TUNA SHELLS



Stuffed Tuna Shells image

Enjoy these tuna stuffed pasta shells - perfect appetizers for potluck that are ready in 20 minutes.

Provided by By Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Dinner

Time 20m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 12

18 uncooked jumbo pasta shells (about half of 12-ounce package)
1 box (9 oz) frozen baby sweet peas
1/4 cup Yoplait® plain yogurt
1/4 cup mayonnaise or salad dressing
2 cans (6 ounces each) tuna packed in water, drained
2 tablespoons finely chopped onion
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon dried basil leaves
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano leaves
1/4 teaspoon lemon pepper
Salt and pepper to taste
Dash of paprika

Steps:

  • Cook and drain pasta shells as directed on package; pat dry.
  • Rinse frozen peas with cold water to separate; drain and pat dry. Mix yogurt and mayonnaise in medium bowl. Stir in remaining ingredients except paprika. Gently fold in peas.
  • Spoon 1 heaping tablespoonful tuna mixture into each shell. Sprinkle with paprika before serving. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 255, Carbohydrate 26 g, Cholesterol 25 mg, Fiber 2 g, Protein 19 g, SaturatedFat 2 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 280 mg

CREAMY SHELLS WITH TUNA AND SPINACH



Creamy Shells with Tuna and Spinach image

This update to the old-fashioned tuna casserole is just as delicious as you remember: It gets a fresh taste from spinach and a fun shape from shells.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Ingredients     Seafood Recipes

Time 50m

Number Of Ingredients 12

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 small yellow onion, diced small
1/4 cup all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
4 cups whole milk
Coarse salt and ground pepper
1 hamburger bun, torn into large pieces
1/4 cup grated Parmesan
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon red-pepper flakes
1 package (10 ounces) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and excess liquid squeezed out
2 cans (6 ounces each) light tuna in water, drained and flaked
6 ounces jumbo pasta shells (about 20), cooked according to package instructions

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a medium pot, heat oil over medium-high. Add onion and cook until softened, about 6 minutes. Add flour and cook, stirring constantly, 1 minute. Gradually add milk, whisking constantly, and cook until slightly thickened and bubbling, about 3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper and let sauce cool slightly.
  • In a food processor, combine bun, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and red-pepper flakes. Process until fine crumbs form. Transfer half the mixture to a large bowl and combine with spinach, tuna, and half the sauce; season with salt and pepper. Fill each shell with 2 heaping tablespoons spinach mixture and place in a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Top with remaining sauce and breadcrumb mixture. Bake until sauce is bubbling and breadcrumbs are golden, about 20 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 704 g, Fat 32 g, Fiber 6 g, Protein 42 g, SaturatedFat 9 g

TUNA FISH SHELLS



Tuna Fish Shells image

This recipe was handed to my mother by her mother, from about a hundred years ago. I have over the years adapted it to my own tastes, and I personally believe that the cheese is the key. This is great favorite for when you are not well, and need something simple and light.

Provided by Loyce Seth

Categories     Tuna

Time 25m

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 (6 ounce) can tuna in water, drained
1 (10 3/4 ounce) can cream of mushroom soup
3/4 cup water or 3/4 cup milk, your choice
8 ounces elbow macaroni or 8 ounces shell macaroni
1 medium onion, chopped small pcs
1 stalk celery, chopped (optional)
6 slices American cheese
1 cup cheddar cheese (your favorite) or 1 cup swiss cheese (your favorite)

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350°F.
  • Cook macaroni according to package instructions.
  • Then separately, simmer onion and celery together (I have quit using the celery altogether, myself).
  • When onion is tender, add mushroom soup, with either half a can of water or milk (I use water).
  • I have begun adding the drained tuna into this mixture at this point.
  • When macaroni is ready, (approx 8- 10 minutes).
  • Combine in casserole dish, with the soup mixture, and tuna if not already in soup mixture.
  • Then stir in the shredded cheese.
  • Layer on the top, the slices of American cheese, so that the entire top is covered.
  • Bake in oven for about 10 minutes or until cheese is nicely melted over the top.
  • Serve and enjoy.

TUNA SHELL SALAD



Tuna Shell Salad image

Do you like tuna but need a new way to serve it? Foll Pat Kordas' lead. "I created this light salad as a way to use tuna in dishes other than sandwiches," the Nutley, New Jersey cook explains. "Mustard and dill enhance the flavor."

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 25m

Yield 5 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 package (7 ounces) small pasta shells
1 can (6 ounces) light water-packed tuna, drained and flaked
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
1 large carrot, shredded
3/4 cup reduced-fat mayonnaise
1/4 cup fat-free milk
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 teaspoons prepared mustard
1 teaspoon dill weed
1/8 teaspoon pepper

Steps:

  • Cook pasta according to package directions; drain and rinse in cold water. In a salad bowl, combine the pasta, tuna, onion and carrot. In a small bowl, combine the remaining ingredients. Pour over salad and toss to coat. Cover and chill until serving.

Nutrition Facts :

CREAMY TUNA AND SHELLS CASSEROLES



Creamy Tuna and Shells Casseroles image

Make and share this Creamy Tuna and Shells Casseroles recipe from Food.com.

Provided by Chef Aduladi

Categories     Tuna

Time 1h

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 (6 ounce) can tuna (drained, 2 cans if you like tuna)
1 (8 ounce) can cream of chicken soup
1 (8 ounce) can cream of mushroom soup
1 small onion
1 cup chopped celery
8 ounces mushrooms (sliced or chopped up)
1 cup mayonnaise (NOT Miracle Whip)
1 cup milk
1 (8 ounce) package large shell pasta
1/4 cup butter, for sauteing vegetables
2 cups shredded cheese, mix jack or 2 cups cheddar cheese

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350°F.
  • Cook shell pasta according to package directions.
  • Add butter to sauté pan on low-med heat.
  • Add celery and onions.
  • Sauté until onions almost clear.
  • Add mushrooms - remove from heat.
  • Drain veggies (if extra butter in pan).
  • Put veggies in pan, add soup, tuna, milk, cheese until heated through and cheese melted.
  • Remove from heat add mayo and cook pasta.
  • Pour into baking dish, top with remaining shredded cheese bake until cheese is melted and "browning" (approx 1/2 hour).
  • Remove and let sit for about 5 minutes.
  • Eat.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 952.3, Fat 57, SaturatedFat 22.7, Cholesterol 111.2, Sodium 1934.5, Carbohydrate 76.2, Fiber 3.1, Sugar 8.8, Protein 35.5

ULTIMATE TUNA MELTS



Ultimate Tuna Melts image

Provided by Ina Garten

Categories     main-dish

Time 15m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

2 (6 to 8-ounce) jars imported tuna packed in olive oil, drained
1/2 cup (1/4-inch) diced hearts of celery
1/2 cup minced scallions, white and light green parts (3 scallions)
3 tablespoons minced fresh dill
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
3/4 cup good mayonnaise, such as Hellmann's
1 teaspoon anchovy paste (optional)
4 large slices bread, such as Pepperidge Farm Farmhouse Hearty White
4 ounces Swiss cheese, such as Emmentaler, grated
1 ounce microgreens

Steps:

  • In a medium bowl, flake the tuna finely with a fork. Add the celery, scallions, and dill, and continue mixing and fluffing with the fork until combined. Add the lemon juice, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, and 3/4 teaspoon pepper. Combine the mayonnaise and anchovy paste, if using, and mix into the tuna.
  • Preheat the broiler. Toast the bread in a toaster and place the slices in a single layer on a sheet pan. Spread a quarter of the tuna mixture thickly and evenly on each piece of bread, covering the entire slice. Sprinkle the cheese evenly on the 4 sandwiches, covering the tuna completely. Broil for 1 to 2 minutes, just until the cheese melts and starts to brown. (Watch it carefully!) Sprinkle with the microgreens and serve hot.

Tips:

  • Choose the Right Tuna: Opt for high-quality tuna packed in water or olive oil. Avoid tuna packed in oil, as it contains unnecessary fats and calories.
  • Enhance Flavor with Vegetables: Add chopped vegetables like celery, onion, and carrots to the tuna salad filling for extra flavor and crunch.
  • Use Fresh Herbs: Incorporate fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or chives to elevate the taste of the tuna salad.
  • Experiment with Different Cheeses: Try different types of cheese, such as cheddar, mozzarella, or Parmesan, to add a unique flavor to the tuna shells.
  • Don't Overcook the Shells: Cook the pasta shells according to the package instructions to ensure they retain their shape and texture.
  • Make it a Complete Meal: Serve the tuna shells with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced and satisfying meal.

Conclusion:

Tuna shells are a versatile and delicious dish that can be enjoyed for lunch or dinner. With the right ingredients and preparation techniques, you can create a flavorful and satisfying meal that the whole family will love. Experiment with different fillings, cheeses, and toppings to find your perfect combination. Whether you prefer a classic tuna salad filling or something more adventurous, tuna shells are a great way to enjoy this nutritious fish in a delicious and satisfying way.

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