Skinny Tuna Noodle Casserole: Flavorful tuna packed with delicious flavors; including mushrooms, peas, a homemade "condensed soup", skinny options, and a unique Mediterranean twist!
Every since I was a little kid, I have always remembered enjoying tuna noodle casserole. However, I have always thought about all of the calories it contained. It adds up quickly, especially when you are making it with canned condensed soup. There's none of that and it has less calories. Less calories always mean I can go back for seconds, right? I might have already!
When things get a little tight, it's always my go-to recipe for a great, quick meal. There is something special about this tuna noodle casserole. It has a delicious Mediterranean twist! Read further to see what's exactly included.
I will have to tell you, there is just a little bit more work in this recipe, since we are not using canned condensed soup. I promise it isn't that much - stirring, simmering, stirring, pouring, etc. Easy...peasy, my friend.
Have you already started to think about your big love day plans, yet? If you are making dinner at home together, this dish would be great! With it being on the lighter side, you can always indulge in dessert - my favorite.
Back to this amazing tuna casserole, okay? The main reason why it's lower in calories is by using skinnier items - cutting back to low-fat milk and low-fat cheese. Even though I didn't use whole-wheat flour to thicken the sauce, you can always sub it for all-purpose, which makes it a little bit healthier. I have tried it both ways and love each.
I will have to tell you more about the main-star in this dish - the tuna. I recently came upon a great brand that is packed with flavor. We usually purchase tuna in water, instead of the oil because it doesn't taste great, but this kind is so different. It is actually packed with real olive oil, if you haven't already noticed, olive oil has contains a lot of flavor.
Not only is Genova Tonno tuna superior quality, but the cans are BPA-free! Something to consider when you are making your next purchase, you will not be disapointed, my friend. There are many stores where you can purchase Genova Tonno, they have a great store-locator on their website.
I will now reveal the Mediterranean twist, you already know about the tuna, but it's pesto! You can add a teaspoon or two on top of your dish to add a unique twist! It's now one of my favorite ways to enjoy this tuna casserole.
- 1 small onion finely diced
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil or butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour or whole-wheat
- 2 cups fat-free chicken stock
- 3 cups fat-free milk
- 8 ounces sliced mushrooms
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 4 ounces fat-free cheddar cheese shredded
- 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese shredded
- 2 cans 5 ounces each Genova Tonno Tuna
- 6 ounces pasta noodles
- 2 tablespoons whole-wheat breadcrumbs
- pesto optional, for an added Mediterranean twist
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In a large skillet, place the diced onion and coconut oil or butter. Saute over medium-heat for 5 minutes. Whisk in the flour, then slowly add in the chicken stock while whisking at the same time. Once the flour has incorporated into the chicken stock, add in the milk and whisk together. Simmer over medium-heat until the sauce has thickened.
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Add in your mushrooms and peas, stir and allow the sauce, mushrooms and peas simmer until the mushrooms are tender. While the mushrooms are cooking, make your noodles according to the back of the package. You will want the noodles al dente.
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Whisk in the cheddar cheese, parmesan cheese, and canned tuna. Mix the noodles in with the sauce, and place into a 9x13 baking dish. Sprinkle the breadcrumbs on top and broil on high until the breadcrumbs are browned.
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For a unique Mediterranean twist, add pesto on top.
Gift basket includes:
- Mediterranean Cooking” Cookbook by Pamela Clark
- Olivewood Serving Board from Sir La Table
- Genova Tonno
- Other Mediterranean pairings (tapenade, wine, cheese, etc.)
Thank you so much Genova Tonno for sponsoring this post! As always, all opinions expressed here are my own.
This sounds delicious! My husband doesn't like tuna but I will have to make it for a lunch or something. Thanks for sharing!
My pleasure, Britney! You'll love it!
What a wonderful healthy recipe! Perfect lunch!
Tuna casserole is such a popular thing! Thanks for the "makeover" of a comfort food staple!
My pleasure, Michelle! Hope you get a chance to try it. 🙂
Tuna is so good for you! I love this version too. Looks so healthy and refreshing. I'll have to add this one to my lunches.
Oh, it is, Meagan!
This looks so good! I love bowtie pasta and peas together, add a little protein like tuna or chicken and it's a meal!
It was, Natalie!
What a great twist on a classic!
I haven't had tuna noodle casserole in forever, but this looks really good! Thanks for the recipe!
My pleasure, Michelle! Hope you get a chance to try it!
I love a good tuna casserole (especially when it's "skinny"!)
xo Emily
http://www.hungryadventurer.com
You and me both, Emily!
I should have had this for dinner tonight!!
I wish we had some left over so we could have, too! 🙂
yum!! this look so fresh and delicious. thanks so much for sharing this recipe!
It was, Emily! My pleasure.
Not the biggest fan of Tuna... but you made it look so good that I really want to try it!
Thank you, Shauna!
This would be the perfect lunch today! Thanks
This looks so good! I remember in college, the cafeteria would make tuna noodle casserole and turkey tetrazini. Those two always were such comfort foods for me.
Oh yum! I need to try this!
This sounds pretty good. I like the idea of adding pesto.
We love tuna noodle casserole and I love the idea of a skinny version. This looks delicious!
This looks so, so good. I can't wait to try it!
This looks absolutely PERFECT!!!!
Growing up, this was always comfort food! I love that you didn't use cream of whatever soup and that you made a lightened up version! *fist bump*
Looks so easy to make! Will definitely try this soon.
Oh my yum!! I am a huge fan of tuna so I will definitely be giving this a try. Plus noodle casseroles are my ultimate comfort food - reminds me of my mom!