Tuna Supper With Cheddar Sauce
A creamy tuna and cheddar pasta dish with a flavorful sauce, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or comforting family meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, melt butter over low heat.
- Stir in flour; cook and stir for 1 minute.
- Raise heat to medium and gradually stir in milk.
- Cook and stir until mixture boils and thickens.
- Remove from heat.
- Add shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until melted.
- Stir in tuna, cooked macaroni, and black pepper.
- Heat until hot and serve sprinkled with chopped parsley.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier sauce, consider using half-and-half instead of milk. You can also substitute the sharp cheddar cheese with a blend of mozzarella and gouda for a milder flavor. To enhance the dish, add a pinch of garlic powder or a dash of hot sauce. This recipe can be made ahead and frozen; just be sure to cool it completely before freezing.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Tuna Supper with Cheddar Sauce hot, garnished with chopped parsley. This dish pairs beautifully with a side of steamed vegetables or a crisp green salad for a complete meal. For a heartier option, consider serving it alongside garlic bread or crusty rolls. For more seafood inspiration, browse more American recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and cover loosely with a lid or microwave-safe wrap. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Alternatively, reheat in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of milk if needed to loosen the sauce.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tuna Supper With Cheddar Sauce contains roughly 1174 calories, with 58g protein, 125g carbohydrates, and 53g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (209% of the Daily Value), protein (116% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (94% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 899mg per serving (39% 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 fresh tuna instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh tuna, but you'll need to cook it first. Lightly sear or poach the tuna until it’s just cooked through, then flake it and add it to the dish. This will enhance the flavor and texture compared to canned tuna.
What can I substitute for macaroni shells?
If you don’t have macaroni shells, any pasta shape will work. Penne, fusilli, or even egg noodles are great alternatives. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type you choose.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute the tuna with cooked chickpeas or a mix of sautéed vegetables like bell peppers and spinach. For added protein, consider using tofu or tempeh, keeping the rest of the recipe the same.
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).