Tuna, Chicken Or Turkey Casserole
A comforting casserole combining tender diced chicken, turkey, or tuna with pasta, creamy soups, vegetables, and melted cheese. Perfect for family dinners or potlucks, it offers rich flavors and hearty textures, topped with buttery breadcrumbs for a crispy finish. Easy to prepare and customize with your favorite proteins.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups cooked chicken or turkey, diced ⓘ
- 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup ⓘ
- 1 can cream of chicken soup ⓘ
- 1 can milk ⓘ
- 1 can chicken broth ⓘ
- 1/2 pound Velveeta or American cheese, cubed ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1 small onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 small jar pimento
- 1/2 cup celery, chopped ⓘ
- 1 small green pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 1 can water chestnuts ⓘ
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients together in a large bowl.
- Pour the mixture into a 9 x 13-inch pan.
- Refrigerate overnight.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of buttered bread crumbs on top.
- Bake at 350°F for 1 1/2 hours.
- Let stand for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding sour cream or Greek yogurt to the mixture. You can substitute the Velveeta with any sharp cheese for a stronger flavor, or use a dairy-free alternative if needed. If you prefer a bit of crunch, add some crushed potato chips on top instead of bread crumbs. This casserole is versatile and can also be made with canned tuna for a different twist, similar to other American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is hearty enough to be served on its own, but pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal. For a comforting side, consider serving it alongside garlic bread or crusty rolls. It also makes for great leftovers, perfect for lunch the next day. You might also enjoy it with a side of Chicken Delish for a complete chicken-themed dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave or cover the entire casserole with foil and heat in a 350°F oven until warmed through, about 20-30 minutes. Adding a splash of milk can help maintain moisture during reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tuna, Chicken Or Turkey Casserole contains roughly 317 calories, with 8g protein, 39g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (65% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1995mg per serving (87% 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 pasta other than elbow macaroni?
Absolutely! You can substitute elbow macaroni with any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne or rotini. Just ensure the pasta is cooked al dente before mixing it with the other ingredients to prevent it from becoming mushy during baking.
What if I don’t have cream of mushroom soup?
If you don’t have cream of mushroom soup, you can make a simple homemade substitute using a roux of butter, flour, and milk, then adding sautéed mushrooms. Alternatively, cream of celery or cream of chicken soup works well as a substitute for a different flavor profile.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, you can freeze Tuna, Chicken or Turkey Casserole before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. When ready to bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed. This is a great make-ahead option for busy days!
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).