Description
Hearty tuna noodle casserole brings comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen, blending creamy textures with nostalgic flavors. Crispy breadcrumb topping and tender pasta create a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 3 (5-ounce) cans tuna in olive oil, undrained
- 12 ounces gluten-free noodles
- 1 cup peas (canned or frozen)
- 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
Sauce and Liquid Ingredients:
- 1 3/4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup full-fat canned coconut milk
- 3 tablespoons gluten-free all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar or cider vinegar or 1/4 cup white wine
Vegetables and Seasonings:
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 10 ounces baby bella mushrooms, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 3/4 teaspoon sea salt
Optional Topping:
- 1/2 cup super fine almond flour
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 375F (190C) for optimal casserole preparation.
- Cook gluten-free noodles per package directions, then drain thoroughly and reserve.
- Heat avocado oil in a large skillet over medium temperature, sautéing finely chopped onions and sliced mushrooms until onions become translucent and mushrooms soften, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Introduce minced garlic and Italian seasoning, allowing aromatics to bloom for 1-2 minutes.
- Integrate gluten-free flour to create a smooth roux, then gradually whisk in chicken broth to prevent clumping.
- Stream coconut milk into the mixture, stirring continuously until sauce reaches a creamy consistency.
- Enhance flavor profile with rice vinegar and adjust seasoning using sea salt.
- Incorporate peas and tuna, gently folding to distribute ingredients evenly.
- Combine sauce with prepared noodles in a mixing bowl, ensuring thorough coating.
- Transfer mixture to a greased baking dish, spreading evenly.
- Distribute grated cheddar cheese across the surface for a rich, melted topping.
- Create optional crispy layer by blending almond flour with avocado oil and sprinkling over cheese.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and bubbling around edges.
- Allow casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to help set and enhance flavor melding.
Notes
- Swap protein by using canned chicken, salmon, or plant-based alternatives for dietary preferences or variety.
- Toast almond flour topping before sprinkling for extra crunch and deeper nutty flavor.
- Create dairy-free version by replacing cheese with nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese substitute.
- Enhance dish’s nutrition by adding chopped spinach or kale during vegetable sautéing stage for extra greens.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 345
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg