There’s something truly comforting about a creamy casserole, and my easy tuna noodle casserole with cream cheese is just the ticket when you need a warm meal that’s both satisfying and simple to whip up. I remember the first time I made this dish; it was one of those busy weeknights when I was juggling work and family, and I just needed something quick yet delicious. The combination of tender egg noodles, rich cream cheese, and hearty tuna creates a flavor that feels like a warm hug. Plus, with just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again. Trust me, it’s a crowd-pleaser that brings everyone to the table, and I can’t wait for you to try it!

Ingredients for Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole with Cream Cheese

• 2 cups egg noodles: These are the base of our casserole. You can use any brand you like, just make sure they’re cooked al dente for the best texture.
• 1 can (12 oz) tuna, drained: I prefer solid white tuna for its meaty texture, but any canned tuna will do. Just make sure to drain it well to avoid excess moisture.
• 1 cup cream cheese, softened: This is what makes the casserole so creamy and delicious! Make sure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing.
• 1 cup frozen peas: These add a pop of color and sweetness. No need to thaw them; they’ll cook perfectly in the oven.
• 1 cup milk: This helps to blend everything together smoothly. I usually use whole milk, but feel free to substitute with your preferred milk.
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese: This adds a lovely cheesy topping. A mix of cheddar and mozzarella works well too, if you want to mix it up!
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs: You can use plain or seasoned breadcrumbs for a little extra flavor. They’ll create a nice, crispy topping.
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: This gives an aromatic kick to the dish. If you love garlic, you can definitely add more!
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: It complements the garlic and enhances the overall flavor of the casserole.
• Salt and pepper to taste: A must to bring all the flavors together! Start with a pinch of salt and a few cracks of pepper, then adjust as needed.

How to Prepare Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole with Cream Cheese

Preheat the Oven

First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is super important because it helps the casserole cook evenly and get that nice, bubbly top. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this step!

Cook the Egg Noodles

While the oven is warming up, cook your egg noodles according to the package instructions until they’re al dente. Once they’re done, make sure to drain them well. You don’t want any extra water diluting your creamy goodness!

Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture

In a large bowl, grab that softened cream cheese and add the milk. Mix them together until it’s smooth and creamy—this should take just a minute or two. You want that lovely, velvety texture that will coat all your ingredients beautifully!

Combine Ingredients

Next up, it’s time to add in the drained tuna, frozen peas, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together thoroughly. I like to use a spatula to make sure everything is well combined—every bite should be bursting with flavor!

Assemble the Casserole

Now, transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish. Spread it out evenly, and then sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top, followed by the breadcrumbs. This will create that crispy, golden layer that everyone loves!

Bake to Perfection

Pop your casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on it; you’ll know it’s done when the top is golden brown and bubbly. The smell wafting through your kitchen will be absolutely irresistible!

Nutritional Information Disclaimer

Just a quick note: the nutritional information for this easy tuna noodle casserole with cream cheese can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you choose. While I do my best to provide accurate estimates, these values are not provided precisely. So, keep in mind that your actual nutritional values might differ a bit. It’s always a good idea to check the labels of your ingredients if you’re keeping a close eye on your dietary needs. Happy cooking!

Tips for Success

To make sure your easy tuna noodle casserole with cream cheese turns out perfectly every time, I’ve got some tried-and-true tips that I swear by:

• Don’t overcook the noodles: Since the noodles will continue to cook in the oven, it’s important to cook them just until they’re al dente. This will help maintain their texture and prevent them from becoming mushy in the casserole.
• Room temperature cream cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is softened at room temperature before mixing. This will help you achieve that smooth, creamy consistency without any lumps. Nobody wants chunky cream cheese in their casserole!
• Season well: Don’t be shy with the salt and pepper! Seasoning at every step of the recipe ensures that every bite is flavorful. Taste your mixture before adding it to the baking dish and adjust as needed.
• Experiment with toppings: Feel free to get creative with your toppings! Adding a sprinkle of paprika or even some grated parmesan cheese on top before baking can add an extra layer of flavor and crunch.
• Let it sit before serving: After baking, let the casserole sit for about 5 minutes before digging in. This lets everything settle and makes it easier to serve, plus it’ll be hot enough to melt your taste buds!
• Make it your own: Don’t hesitate to swap out ingredients based on what you have on hand. Different veggies, cheeses, or even spices can completely change the dish while keeping it delicious!

By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to making a tuna noodle casserole that not only tastes great but also impresses everyone at the table. Happy cooking!

Variations for Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole with Cream Cheese

One of the best things about my easy tuna noodle casserole with cream cheese is how adaptable it is! You can mix it up to keep things exciting or to use up ingredients you have on hand. Here are some fun variations that I love:

• Veggie Boost: Add in some chopped bell peppers, corn, or even diced carrots for an extra crunch and flavor. You can toss in fresh spinach or kale right before baking for a healthy twist!
• Spicy Kick: If you like a little heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a spicy surprise. It adds a whole new layer of flavor!
• Cheesy Goodness: Switch up the cheeses! Try using mozzarella for a gooey texture or a sharp cheddar for a bolder flavor. You could even layer in some cream cheese with herbs for added creaminess.
• Herbed Delight: Incorporate fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or thyme into the mix. It brightens up the dish and adds a lovely aroma that’ll have everyone asking for the recipe!
• Seafood Medley: Feeling adventurous? Swap out the tuna for cooked shrimp or crab meat for a seafood twist that’s just as delightful!
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities. You can find plenty of options that taste just as good!

These variations not only keep your casserole fresh but also let you play around with flavors and textures. Don’t hesitate to get creative and make this dish your own; I promise it’ll still be delicious every time!

Why You’ll Love This Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole

• Quick and Easy to Prepare: With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have this dish ready for the oven in no time—perfect for those busy weeknights!
• Deliciously Creamy Texture: The combination of cream cheese and milk creates a rich, velvety sauce that coats every noodle and bite of tuna, making each mouthful absolutely delightful.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Kids and adults alike will love this comforting casserole. It’s a great way to get everyone to enjoy a meal together, and you can even sneak in some veggies!
• Customizable: Whether you want to add extra veggies, switch up the cheese, or spice things up, this recipe is super flexible! You can tailor it to suit your family’s tastes.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prep this casserole ahead of time, refrigerate it, and then pop it in the oven when you’re ready. It’s a lifesaver for meal planning!
• Leftover Friendly: This casserole makes for fantastic leftovers. Just reheat and enjoy another comforting meal without any extra effort!

FAQ About Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole with Cream Cheese

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! One of the best things about my easy tuna noodle casserole with cream cheese is that it’s super convenient for meal prep. You can prepare the entire casserole up to the point of baking, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven straight from the fridge; you might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time. This way, you can have a delicious home-cooked meal ready to go without any last-minute fuss!

What can I substitute for cream cheese?

If you’re looking for a cream cheese substitute, there are a few options you can try! For a lighter option, you can use Greek yogurt or sour cream, both of which will add a nice tanginess while keeping that creamy texture. You could also experiment with ricotta cheese for a slightly different flavor and consistency. If you want to keep it dairy-free, look for vegan cream cheese alternatives available at many grocery stores. Just remember that the flavor might vary a bit, but it can still be delicious!

Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?

Yes, you can definitely use fresh vegetables in your casserole! If you prefer fresh over frozen, just make sure to chop them into small, even pieces so they cook evenly in the oven. You might want to sauté them lightly first to soften them up a bit before adding them to the mix, especially if they’re denser veggies like carrots or bell peppers. Just keep in mind that fresh veggies will have a different texture than frozen ones, but they’ll add a lovely freshness to your easy tuna noodle casserole!

Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole with Cream Cheese: 5 Comforting Tips

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• Auteur: Julia marin
• Temps Total: 45 minutes
• Rendement: 4 servings 1x
• Alimentation: Diabétique

Imprimer La Recette

Pin Recette

Description

A simple and creamy tuna noodle casserole that is easy to prepare.

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Ingrédients

L'échelle 1x2x3x

• 2 cups egg noodles
• 1 can (12 oz) tuna, drained
• 1 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the egg noodles according to package instructions; drain.
3. In a large bowl, mix the cream cheese and milk until smooth.
4. Add tuna, peas, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper; mix well.
5. Add the cooked noodles and stir until combined.
6. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
7. Top with cheddar cheese and breadcrumbs.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until bubbly and golden on top.

Notes

• Feel free to add other vegetables like corn or bell peppers.
• For extra flavor, add herbs like parsley or dill.
• Can be made ahead and refrigerated before baking.

• Temps De Préparation: 15 minutes
• Temps De Cuisson: 30 minutes
• Catégorie: Main Dish
• Méthode: Baking
• Cuisine: American

La Nutrition

• Taille D'Une Portion: 1 serving
• Calories: 350
• Sucre: 2g
• De Sodium: 600mg
• La graisse: 15g
• Graisses Saturées: 7g
• Les Graisses Insaturées: 5g
• Les Gras Trans: 0g
• Les hydrates de carbone: 40g
• La fibre: 2g
• La protéine: 20g
• Le taux de cholestérol: 45mg

Mots-clés: easy tuna noodle casserole, cream cheese tuna casserole