Can I use gluten-free flour?

Yes — use a cup-for-cup gluten-free baking blend.

Do these freeze well?

Yes — freeze after cooling and thaw in the refrigerator.

You can reduce the brown sugar by ¼ cup without affecting texture.

Can I use chicken thighs?

Yes — thighs stay juicier and add richer flavor.

Can I grill the chicken?

Absolutely. Grilling adds smoky Mediterranean flavor.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes — skip feta and tzatziki or use dairy-free versions.

Can I substitute the rice?

Yes — quinoa, orzo, couscous, or mixed greens all work well.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes — store ingredients separately and assemble when serving.

Is blackened tuna spicy?

It has a mild-to-moderate heat. Reduce the cayenne pepper or jalapeño for a milder version.

Can I grill the tuna instead?

Yes. Grill over high heat for the same amount of time, making sure the grates are well-oiled.

What type of tuna should I use?

Ahi (yellowfin) or sushi-grade tuna works best for searing.

Can I make the mango salsa ahead of time?

Yes. The mango salsa can be made up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

Dirty rice has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can easily adjust the spice level by reducing the Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper.

Can I make Cajun dirty rice ahead of time?

Yes. Store dirty rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can I freeze Cajun dirty rice?

Yes. Cajun dirty rice freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently.

What meat can I substitute for beef?

Ground turkey or ground chicken can be used as a lighter alternative to ground beef.

Is Cajun cornbread spicy?

Cajun cornbread has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can adjust the spice level by reducing the jalapeño or cayenne pepper.

Can I make Cajun cornbread ahead of time?

Yes. Cajun cornbread can be baked up to one day ahead and reheated gently before serving.

Can I freeze Cajun cornbread?

Yes. Wrap the cornbread tightly and freeze for up to three months. Thaw and reheat before serving.

Can I make Cajun cornbread without cheese?

Yes. You can omit the cheese for a dairy-light version without affecting the texture.

Gumbo is mildly spicy. You can adjust the heat by increasing or reducing the cayenne pepper or Cajun seasoning.

Can I make chicken and sausage gumbo ahead of time?

Yes. Gumbo tastes even better the next day and keeps well in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can I freeze chicken and sausage gumbo?

Yes. Gumbo freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.

Do I have to use okra in gumbo?

No. Okra helps thicken gumbo, but you can omit it or use filé powder if preferred.

Are Cajun roasted potatoes spicy?

They have a mild-to-moderate heat. You can adjust the spice level by using more or less Cajun seasoning.

Can I make Cajun roasted potatoes ahead of time?

They are best served fresh, but leftovers reheat well in the oven or air fryer.

Can I use red or russet potatoes?

Yes. Just cut the potatoes into evenly sized pieces to ensure even roasting.

Are Cajun roasted potatoes vegan?

Yes. This recipe is naturally dairy-free and vegan as written.

Is Cajun shrimp & grits spicy?

Cajun shrimp and grits has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can reduce the Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper to make it milder.

Can I make Cajun shrimp and grits ahead of time?

The shrimp are best cooked fresh, but the grits can be made ahead and reheated gently with a splash of broth or milk.

Can I use instant grits?

Yes, but stone-ground grits provide the best flavor and creamiest texture.

Can I substitute milk for cream?

Yes, whole milk can be used, though the grits will be slightly less rich.

Tuna & Noodles Casserole (Creamy, Cozy & Classic!)

Sarah Smith
Nov 26, 2025
2 min read

Updated: 1 day ago

Baked macaroni and cheese in a rectangular dish with a golden breadcrumb topping, garnished with parsley. A spoon and fork are on the side.

This Tuna & Noodles Casserole is the ultimate old-school comfort dish — creamy sauce, tender egg noodles, flaked tuna, peas, and a golden, crunchy topping. It’s easy, budget-friendly, and perfect for cozy family dinners. Pairs deliciously with quick sides like Classic Southern Garden Salad, Broccoli Bacon Salad, or Crispy Roasted Potatoes.

Why You’ll Love This

Creamy, comforting casserole with tender noodles and flaky tuna
Classic, nostalgic flavor that feels like home
Simple pantry ingredients that come together easily
Perfect for family dinners, make-ahead meals, or cozy weeknights

Recipe Card

Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 25 minutes Total Time: 35 minutes Servings: 6

Ingredients

For the Casserole

12 oz egg noodles
2 (5 oz) cans tuna, drained and flaked
1 cup frozen peas
1 small onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
½ cup sour cream
½ cup milk
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ tsp onion powder
½ tsp paprika
Salt & black pepper, to taste

For the Topping

1 cup crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs
2 tbsp melted butter
Optional: extra cheese for sprinkling

Instructions

Cook the Noodles: Boil egg noodles until just tender (don’t overcook). Drain and set aside.
Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, sauté onion in a bit of butter or oil for 3–4 minutes. Add garlic and cook another 30 seconds.
Make the Sauce:
Stir in:
- Cream of mushroom soup
- Sour cream
- Milk
- Cheese
- Onion powder
- Paprika
- Salt & pepper
- Heat until smooth and creamy.
Combine Everything.
Add cooked noodles, tuna, and peas to the sauce. Fold gently to avoid breaking the noodles.
Transfer to Baking Dish:
Spread mixture into a greased 9×13 casserole dish.
Add the Topping:
Mix crushed crackers with melted butter. Sprinkle over the top — add cheese if desired.
Bake:
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes, until hot and bubbly with a golden top.
Cool & Serve:
Let it sit for 5 minutes before serving so it thickens slightly.

Ways to Serve

Pair with light sides like Classic Caesar Salad, Creamy Coleslaw, or Apple Pecan Salad with Maple Dressing.
Add roasted sides like Crispy Roasted Potatoes or Honey Glazed Carrots.
Serve with warm breads like Herbed Focaccia Bread or Easy Homemade Italian Bread.
Add a cozy soup like Lazy French Onion Soup for a full comfort meal.

FAQ

Can I use canned chicken instead of tuna?

Yes — it works beautifully for a chicken-and-noodles twist.

Can I make it without canned soup?

Yes, use a homemade white sauce with sautéed mushrooms.

Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes — freeze before baking for the best texture. Thaw and bake when ready.

Do I have to use peas?

No corn, green beans, or mixed vegetables also taste great.

What noodles work best?

Egg noodles, rotini, or wide shells all hold up nicely in creamy casseroles.

Conclusion

This Tuna & Noodles Casserole is creamy, cozy, and wonderfully nostalgic — a budget-friendly, family-favorite classic that comes together fast. With its tender noodles, savory tuna, peas, and crunchy topping, it’s the perfect weeknight dinner or potluck dish, and a great addition to your collection of comforting casseroles.