Tuna Wiggle
A creamy tuna noodle casserole topped with crispy potato chips, combining savory flavors and textures perfect for a comforting family meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook noodles in boiling water until done, about 8 minutes.
- Drain noodles and place in a 1-quart baking dish.
- Drain tuna and add to noodles, then add condensed cream of mushroom soup and milk, mixing well.
- Stir in sliced water chestnuts and chopped celery if using.
- Sprinkle crushed potato chips on top.
- Bake until hot throughout, about 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a bit of shredded cheese to the mixture before baking. You can substitute the cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken or a homemade white sauce for a different flavor. If you prefer a healthier option, try using whole grain noodles instead of regular dry noodles. Enhance the dish with spices like garlic powder or paprika for added flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Tuna wiggle can be served as a hearty main dish, alongside a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. It also pairs beautifully with Marinated Green Beans And Shrimp, providing a refreshing contrast. For an extra crunch, consider serving with a side of garlic bread or crusty rolls to soak up the creamy sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place in a microwave-safe dish and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed all the way through, which helps keep the potato chips crispy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tuna Wiggle contains roughly 537 calories, with 4g protein, 112g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 791mg per serving (34% 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 tuna?
Yes, you can use fresh cooked tuna in place of canned. Just make sure to flake it into bite-sized pieces before mixing it with the noodles and sauce. This will give the dish a fresher taste and texture, but remember to season it well since canned tuna is typically saltier.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Absolutely! You can replace the tuna with chickpeas or cooked lentils for a protein boost. Use vegetable broth or a plant-based cream of mushroom soup to keep the dish vegetarian. This version still maintains the creamy texture and is just as comforting as the original recipe.
What can I use instead of water chestnuts?
If you don't have water chestnuts on hand, you can substitute with chopped bell peppers or jicama for a similar crunch. Alternatively, omit them entirely if you prefer a smoother texture. Both options will work well and still complement the other flavors in this dish.
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).