Light Tuna Noodle Casserole
A light and creamy tuna noodle casserole packed with fresh vegetables and a cheesy topping, perfect for a wholesome family meal. Its delicate flavors and satisfying texture make it suitable for lunch or dinner, offering a healthier twist on the classic comfort food that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
- 6 oz. medium egg yolkless noodles ⓘ
- 6 1/2 oz. can water-packed tuna, drained and flaked
- 1/4 cup light mayonnaise ⓘ
- 1 cup sliced celery (3 large stalks)
- 3/4 cup defatted chicken stock
- 1/2 cup skim milk ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
- 2 oz. 20% fat reduced Cheddar cheese, grated ⓘ
- 1/4 cup slivered blanched almonds, toasted ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 1/3 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 10 oz. cooked frozen peas ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon corn oil oleo ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook the noodles according to the package directions, omitting salt and oil in the water.
- Drain the noodles and combine them with the drained tuna, light mayonnaise, sliced celery, chopped onion, chopped green pepper, and cooked peas. Set aside.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider substituting Greek yogurt for the light mayonnaise. You can also use whole grain noodles for added fiber. If you want more flavor, add a dash of hot sauce or herbs like dill. To save time, use pre-chopped vegetables or frozen mixed veggies. This casserole can also be made ahead and frozen for busy weeknights.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Light Tuna Noodle Casserole with a side salad for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with Jane'S Baked Rice for a comforting family dinner. You can also offer crusty bread or garlic bread on the side. For added freshness, garnish with chopped parsley or a squeeze of lemon before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave or the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. If the casserole seems dry, add a splash of skim milk before reheating to restore moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Light Tuna Noodle Casserole contains roughly 425 calories, with 11g protein, 43g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (33% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (27% of the Daily Value), and protein (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1922mg per serving (84% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned chicken instead of tuna?
Yes, you can substitute canned chicken for the tuna in this recipe. The flavor will differ slightly, but it will still create a delicious casserole. Make sure to drain and flake the chicken just as you would with the tuna.
What can I use instead of defatted chicken stock?
If you don't have defatted chicken stock, you can use vegetable broth or low-sodium chicken broth. Both options will provide moisture and flavor to the casserole while keeping it light.
Is it possible to make this casserole gluten-free?
Absolutely! To make a gluten-free version, substitute the medium egg yolkless noodles with gluten-free pasta. Additionally, ensure that the flour and any other packaged ingredients used are certified gluten-free.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).