Every summer, the sun shines a little brighter, and our appetites crave something light yet fulfilling. Enter the Summer Tuna Noodle Casserole, a delightful dish that combines creamy goodness with the vibrant flavors of the season. Imagine tender noodles mingling with juicy tuna and fresh veggies, all blanketed in a rich, cheesy sauce that makes every bite feel like a warm hug on a sunny day.
This casserole isn’t just food it’s an experience. Picture gathering around the table on a lazy afternoon with family and friends, laughter filling the air as you savor each forkful. Whether it’s a picnic in the park or a cozy dinner at home, this dish brings comfort and joy to any occasion. Trust me you’re in for an amazing flavor adventure
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Summer Tuna Noodle Casserole is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights
- The delightful blend of flavors and textures ensures everyone will ask for seconds
- Its beautiful presentation adds visual appeal to any meal
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to customize with your favorite vegetables or pantry staples
I still remember the first time I made this dish for my friends it was an instant hit Everyone went back for thirds and left with happy bellies.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Egg Noodles: These are perfect for capturing the creamy sauce choose medium-width for best texture.
- Canned Tuna: Opt for high-quality tuna packed in water or oil it makes all the difference in flavor.
- Frozen Peas: A quick way to add color and sweetness no need to thaw before using.
- Cheddar Cheese: Shredded sharp cheddar gives that gooey creaminess we all love feel free to mix in other cheeses
- Mayonnaise: This creamy base brings everything together use full-fat for maximum richness.
- Milk: A splash is essential to create that luscious sauce whole milk works best.
- Dijon Mustard: Just a teaspoon adds depth and tanginess trust me on this one
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that elevate all flavors adjust according to taste.
- Breadcrumbs: For topping, they provide a delightful crunch when baked who doesn’t love that?
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make It Together
Cook the Noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add egg noodles and cook until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain them well don’t forget to give them a little shake
Prepare the Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine drained tuna, frozen peas, mayonnaise, milk, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well-coated and smiling at you.
Add Noodles and Cheese: Gently fold in the cooked noodles along with half of your shredded cheese. You want everything mixed evenly but be gentle so those noodles don’t break apart
Assemble Your Casserole: Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish. Spread it out evenly and top with remaining cheese and breadcrumbs for that glorious crispy layer.
Bake to Perfection: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake uncovered for about 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top your kitchen will smell heavenly
Let It Rest Before Serving: Once out of the oven, let your casserole sit for about 5 minutes before digging in. This helps everything set beautifully no one likes a runny casserole
Now you’ve got yourself a delicious Summer Tuna Noodle Casserole that’s ready to impress Enjoy every cheesy bite
You Must Know
- This delightful Summer Tuna Noodle Casserole combines the comfort of classic recipes with fresh summer flavors
- You can easily adapt it to suit your pantry, and the vibrant colors will brighten up any meal
- Perfect for family dinners or potlucks, it’s a crowd-pleaser
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Begin by cooking the pasta al dente, then sauté onions and garlic while mixing your tuna and creamy sauce. This sequence ensures everything melds beautifully.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap tuna for chicken or add veggies like peas or bell peppers for extra flavor. Experimenting is half the fun
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through, adding a splash of milk if needed.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfect texture, avoid overcooking the pasta it should have a slight bite
- Adding breadcrumbs on top creates a delightful crunch
- Don’t skip seasoning it brings all the flavors alive
I once made this casserole for a summer picnic, and it vanished faster than my favorite pair of sandals at a beach party. Friends raved about it, leaving me secretly proud of my culinary wizardry.
FAQ
Can I use whole wheat pasta for Summer Tuna Noodle Casserole?
Absolutely Whole wheat pasta adds fiber and a nutty flavor without sacrificing taste.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta and ensure all other ingredients are labeled gluten-free.
Can I prepare Summer Tuna Noodle Casserole ahead of time?
Yes, assemble it beforehand and store in the fridge, baking just before serving for freshness.
Summer Tuna Noodle Casserole
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Summer Tuna Noodle Casserole is a light yet satisfying dish perfect for warm weather gatherings. This creamy casserole features tender egg noodles, juicy tuna, and vibrant peas, all enveloped in a luscious cheese sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s an effortless meal that brings joy to family dinners or summer picnics. Customize it with your favorite veggies and enjoy every cheesy bite!
Ingredients
- 8 oz egg noodles
- 2 (5 oz) cans of tuna, drained
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Cook the egg noodles in salted boiling water until al dente (about 8 minutes). Drain well.
- In a large bowl, mix drained tuna, frozen peas, mayonnaise, milk, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Fold in the cooked noodles and half of the cheddar cheese gently.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and top with remaining cheese and breadcrumbs.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
- Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: For added flavor, sauté onions or garlic before mixing with other ingredients. You can substitute tuna with chicken or add bell peppers for extra nutrition. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days.
