Creamy Tuna Noodle Casserole

One reason I love living in Michigan is that the sun is out until 9PM in the middle of July. I keep reminding myself of this fact when it gets dark at 5PM in January.  Needless to say, during these cold and dark Winter evenings, nothing warms up our house like a cozy casserole.  My Tuna Noodle Casserole is inspired by my mother’s recipe with a few Liz’s Lemon Bowl twists.  One aspect I didn’t change is the addition of plain yogurt. My mom always incorporates yogurt into her casseroles for added tanginess and extra creaminess.  This easy addition also adds calcium and richness without a lot of fat and calories.  That being said, I had a few ideas on how I could make this healthier version even tastier and more nutritious. Here is a full breakdown of the changes I made:

• Swapped Cream of Mushroom Soup (hello modified food starch!) with sauted mushrooms, plain yogurt and fat free milk.
• Traded the standard shredded mozzarella cheese with lower calorie, more flavorful parrmesan cheese.
• For a bit of umami, I added a teaspoon of low-sodium soy sauce.
• Instead of using enriched egg noodles, I used whole wheat wide noodles for added protein, fiber and nutrients without added saturated fat and cholesterol.
• In leui of French’s Fried Onions or bread crumbs I used whole grain panko. Since panko is made without the crust, is is lower in calorie than standard bread crumbs and much flakier and crispier.

What’s not to love? Your fork is waiting.

4 from 1 vote

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Creamy Tuna Noodle Casserole

Prep Time

15 mins

Cook Time

52 mins

Total Time

1 hr 7 mins

 

Incorporating yogurt into this casseroles adds tanginess and extra creaminess.

Course: Entree

Cuisine: American

Servings: 4

Calories: 409 kcal

Author: Liz DellaCroce

Ingredients

• 8 oz whole wheat wide noodles
• 1 tsp unsalted butter
• 1 large onion diced
• 8 oz sliced baby bella mushrooms or white button
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 c green peas
• 1.25 c chunk light tuna
• 1 c plain fat free yogurt
• 1 clove garlic grated
• 1 tsp soy sauce low sodium
• 1/3 c fat free milk
• 1/4 c parmesan cheese plus 1 tbs
• 1/4 c whole grain panko bread crumbs italian style
• 1 tsp olive oil

US Measurements - Convert to Metric

Instructions

1. Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Cook noodles according to package instructions and set aside.
3. Meanwhile, heat a saute pan over medium-high heat and melt butter.
4. Saute onions and mushrooms for 5-7 minutes adding salt and pepper to release juices.
5. Stir in frozen peas and continue cooking for 2 minutes or until liquid has evaporated.
6. Pour onion and mushroom mixture into a large bowl and stir in noodles, tuna, yogurt, garlic, soy sauce, milk and 1/4 c parmesan cheese.
7. Add extra pepper to taste - I added quite a bit.
8. In a small bowl, mix the remaining 1 tbs of parmesan cheese with the panko bread crumbs and olive oil.
9. Pour tuna noodle mixture into a casserole pan and sprinkle on bread crumbs.
10. Cover with foil and bake for 35-40 minutes or until mixture is bubbly.
11. Finish with 2 minutes under the broiler to toast bread crumbs and melt cheese.

Recipe Notes

Good source of calcium.

Nutrition Facts

Creamy Tuna Noodle Casserole

Amount Per Serving

Calories 409 Calories from Fat 50

% Daily Value*

Total Fat 5.6g 9%

Saturated Fat 1.7g 9%

Cholesterol 45mg 15%

Sodium 410mg 17%

Total Carbohydrates 66.3g 22%

Dietary Fiber 11.7g 47%

Protein 33.6g 67%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.