If you love cozy food, this Ina Garten Tuna Noodle Casserole Recipe is perfect. It is creamy, warm and very filling. This dish feels like home cooking.
It is great for busy nights. The flavors are simple and rich. You can make it with easy pantry items.
Many people love this Ina Garten Tuna Noodle Casserole Recipe for family dinners. If you want comfort food, learn How to make Ina Garten Tuna Noodle Casserole today.
My Experience With This Recipe
I made this recipe on a cold evening. I wanted something warm and easy. This casserole was perfect.
The noodles were soft. The tuna tasted fresh. The sauce was creamy and smooth. My family loved every bite. Even kids enjoyed it.
I liked how simple the steps were. This dish feels fancy but is very easy. I now cook it often for guests.
Recipe Card info
- Recipe Name: Ina Garten Tuna Noodle Casserole
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Total Time: 50 mins
- Course: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
- Calories: 420 kcal per serving
Equipment List
- Large pot
- Colander
- Large skillet
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Baking dish
- Oven
Ingredients You Need for Ina Garten Tuna Noodle Casserole
- Egg noodles – 12 ounces
- Canned tuna – 2 cans, drained
- Butter – 4 tablespoons
- Onion – 1 small, chopped
- Garlic – 2 cloves, minced
- All-purpose flour – 3 tablespoons
- Milk – 2 cups
- Heavy cream – 1 cup
- Frozen peas – 1 cup
- Cheddar cheese – 1½ cups, shredded
- Parmesan cheese – ½ cup, grated
- Salt – 1 teaspoon
- Black pepper – ½ teaspoon
- Breadcrumbs – ¾ cup
- Olive oil – 1 tablespoon
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Cook the noodles
Boil egg noodles in salted water. Cook until just tender. Drain well. Set aside. Do not overcook. Soft noodles will turn mushy after baking.
2. Prepare the sauce base
Melt butter in a skillet. Add onion and garlic. Cook until soft and light golden. Stir often to avoid burning.
3. Make the creamy sauce
Add flour to the skillet. Stir for one minute. Slowly add milk and cream. Whisk until smooth and thick.
4. Add cheese and seasoning
Add cheddar and Parmesan cheese. Stir until melted. Season with salt and pepper. The sauce should look creamy and rich.
5. Combine filling
Add tuna and peas to the sauce. Gently mix. Add cooked noodles. Stir until everything is well coated.
6. Assemble the casserole
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer mixture into a greased baking dish. Spread evenly with a spoon.
7. Add topping and bake
Mix breadcrumbs with olive oil. Sprinkle on top. Bake for 30 minutes. The top should look golden and crisp.
Tips to Make the Best Ina Garten Tuna Noodle Casserole
- Use good quality tuna for better flavor
- Do not overcook the noodles
- Grate cheese fresh for smooth melting
- Taste sauce before baking
- Let casserole rest five minutes before serving
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using watery tuna
- Skipping seasoning
- Overbaking the casserole
- Using low-fat milk only
- Forgetting oven temperature
Serving Suggestions
Serve this casserole hot from the oven. It tastes best fresh. Add a simple green salad on the side.
Garlic bread also works well. This meal is filling and comforting. It is great for family dinners. You can also serve it at potlucks.
Variations You Can Try
- Add mushrooms for extra flavor
- Use rotini instead of egg noodles
- Add corn for sweetness
- Use mozzarella cheese
- Add a pinch of paprika
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container
- Keep in the fridge for three days
- Reheat in oven at 350°F
- Add milk if sauce feels dry
- Microwave for quick reheating
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 kcal |
| Protein | 28 g |
| Fat | 22 g |
| Carbs | 32 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
Health Benefits
This dish provides protein from tuna. It also gives calcium from cheese and milk. Peas add fiber and vitamins. When eaten in balance, it can be part of a healthy meal. Use portion control for best results.
Ina Garten Tuna Noodle Casserole Recipe
Equipment
- Large pot
- Casserole dish
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Spoon or spatula
- Oven mitts
Ingredients
- Egg noodles – 12 ounces
- Butter – 3 tablespoons
- All-purpose flour – 3 tablespoons
- Milk – 2 cups
- Cheddar cheese – 1 ½ cups shredded
- Tuna – 2 cans (5 oz each) drained
- Frozen peas – 1 cup
- Salt – 1 teaspoon
- Black pepper – ½ teaspoon
- Bread crumbs – ½ cup
- Parmesan cheese – ¼ cup grated
Instructions
Preheat Oven
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish. Set aside.
Cook Noodles
- Cook egg noodles in large pot according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
Make Roux
- In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute.
Make Sauce
- Slowly whisk in milk. Cook until thickened, about 3–4 minutes. Remove from heat.
Add Cheese
- Add shredded cheddar, salt, and pepper to sauce. Stir until cheese melts.
Combine Ingredients
- In a large bowl, combine cooked noodles, tuna, peas, and cheese sauce. Mix gently.
Assemble Casserole
- Pour mixture into prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle with bread crumbs and Parmesan on top.
Bake
- Bake in preheated oven for 20–25 minutes until golden brown and bubbly. Serve hot.
Notes
- Use good quality tuna for best flavor
- Do not overcook noodles, keep them al dente
- Add peas at the end for color
- Sprinkle bread crumbs for a crunchy topping
FAQs about Ina Garten Tuna Noodle Casserole
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it early. Assemble the casserole. Cover it well. Store in the fridge. Bake fresh when needed.
Can I freeze this tuna noodle casserole?
Yes, it freezes well. Let it cool fully. Wrap tightly. Freeze for up to two months. Thaw before baking.
What can I use instead of egg noodles?
You can use rotini, penne or shells. Choose pasta that holds sauce well. Cook until just tender.
How do I make it lighter?
Use low-fat milk. Reduce cheese slightly. Add more vegetables. Keep flavor balanced with seasoning.
Final Thoughts
This Ina Garten Tuna Noodle Casserole Recipe is true comfort food. It is easy, warm and very satisfying.
The steps are simple. The Ingredients for Ina Garten Tuna Noodle Casserole are easy to find.
Once you learn How to make Ina Garten Tuna Noodle Casserole, you will cook it often. It is perfect for family meals and leftovers. Enjoy every creamy bite.
Hi, I’m Emily Grace! I love cooking simple, tasty food that brings people together. On Bite Dive, I share easy recipes, fun food tips, and ideas to make every meal special. My kitchen is my happy place, and I’m so excited to share it with you!