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Tuna Casserole

4.67 from 6 votes

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Cheesy Tuna Casserole

Is tuna casserole totally 1987?

Umm….oh well.

I guess I was born in the 80’s, so it’s sort of part of my generation? Or not?

I don’t know what I’m talking about. It’s all just gibberish.

Actually, this whole blog is sort of a mish-mash of gibberish. Albeit yummy gibberish.

That was a fun tangent.

Anyways, this tuna casserole is the freakin’ bomb. {I’m so modest.} I’ve made it twice in the last week, that’s how good it is! All 3 of us in my family CANNOT get enough of it which is weird because typically when we crave something, it’s usually like this or this. Who craves tuna casserole?

I’ll tell you who: This Girl. Right here.

Well, this here is a version of Tuna Casserole that will make your family FLIP out. This is seriously one of my new favorite casseroles and will probably stay at the top FOREVER.

Ok. Not really. That statement is true until I make some other casserole that becomes a new obsession.

Have I mentioned I’m addicted to food? Crullers and tuna casseroles. That’s how I roll, baby.

Wow. Yet another fun tangent for you people. {See? GIBBERISH, I tell you!}

So, yes. Back to my lover, Mr. Tuna. So tasty, so creamy, so cheesy, no one will not like this. Like that double negative? Oh yeah. The best part about this recipe? Only 1 pot needed and it’s ready in under 30 minutes. How’s that for a weeknight meal? Totally awesome. AND, the leftovers are totally rad too. My 3 year old requested this as her lunch the next day. Unheard of at my house.

Ready to make this? Get ready to be amazed…..not really.

First thing you want to do bring a large pot of water to boil and steal this pasta back from a certain thief.

Brooke holding Farfalle pasta box

I’m using Barilla Plus Farfalle. Cute little bowties that are perfect for casseroles.

Brooke holding Farfalle pasta

You’ll also want to chop up a whole head of cauliflower into small florets.

Cauliflower

One that water comes to a boil, throw in some salt and the pasta. Then after a few minutes toss in the cauliflower too. Once everything is good and soft, drain it all and set aside.

cauliflower and pasta

Place that same pot back on the heat and saute those diced onions in some olive oil. Once they are nice and soft, we can add in some salt, pepper and

onions

a jar of alfredo sauce. Once you pour this whole thing in, measure out your milk and pour it into the dirty jar. Shake it up and add that milk in too. Cleaning out the jar, baby! Just another lazy step brought to you by Lauren’s Latest.

alfredo pasta sauce

So, we’re also going to throw in a bunch of cheese to the sauce too. Cheesy goodness. OH YEAH. After a minute, all the cheese should have melted and the sauce should be good and creamy.

shredded cheese

Now we can add in the drained tuna, the cooked cauliflower and pasta and the peas.

peas

Stir this up to coat everything in that sauce and rejoice.

Cheesy Tuna Casserole

Flatten out the top and sprinkle with more cheese.

Cheesy Tuna Casserole

Throw this under a hot broiler for a few minutes to get the top brown and bubbly and that’s it! DINNER TIME!

Cheesy Tuna Casserole

Outrageous pasta that happens to have a whole lot of cheese, a whole lots of veggies and even a little fish. Good eats, right here peeps.

Cheesy Tuna Casserole

My kind of dinner. Here’s the printable:

Enjoy your long weekend!

Cheesy Tuna Casserole

Tuna Casserole

Katie Cooksey
This creamy, cheesy Tuna Casserole is packed with extra veggies, and ready in just 30 minutes! Makes for a great dinner any weeknight!
4.67 from 6 votes
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine American
Servings 4 portions
Calories 939 kcal

Ingredients
 
 

  • 1/2 pound short cut pasta such as Barilla Plus Farfalle
  • 1 head cauliflower
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 cup diced onion
  • 1 jar prepared alfredo sauce
  • 2/3 cup milk
  • 2 1/2 cups grated cheddar cheese divided
  • 2 cans water packed tuna
  • salt & pepper to taste
  • 1 cup frozen peas

Instructions
 

  • Bring large pot of water to boil. Cut cauliflower into small bite sized florets. Once water comes to rolling boil, salt water and stir in pasta. Cook 3 minutes and then pour in cauliflower pieces. Cook until pasta is al dente and cauliflower is soft. Drain and set aside.
  • In same pot over medium heat, saute onion in olive oil until soft, 5 minutes. Sprinkle in salt and pepper. Pour in alfredo sauce. Pour milk into jar of alfredo sauce, replace lid and shake to remove any excess. Uncap and pour into pot. Sprinkle 2 cups of cheese into sauce and stir until cheese has melted and sauce is smooth.
  • Pour in cooked pasta, drained tuna, cauliflower and frozen peas. Stir until everything is well mixed and coated in sauce. Splash in a little milk if sauce seems to thick. Smooth the top and sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup cheese.
  • Remove from heat and cover to melt cheese OR stick pot under hot broiler for 1-2 minutes or until cheese is brown and bubbly. Serve hot.

Nutrition

Calories: 939kcalCarbohydrates: 65gProtein: 52gFat: 52gSaturated Fat: 26gCholesterol: 183mgSodium: 1472mgPotassium: 978mgFiber: 7gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 1099IUVitamin C: 87mgCalcium: 631mgIron: 4mg
Keyword tuna casserole
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*Disclaimer– I was not compensated for this post. All opinions expressed on my blog are always my own. 

4.67 from 6 votes (4 ratings without comment)

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Recipe Rating




407 Responses
  1. Roopa

    I read through the recipe twice, but there was no mention of when to add the Tuna… It might be common sense, but for someone who has never cooked a tuna casserole, I am puzzled.

  2. Thirty, 30 Minute Meals | Lauren's Latest

    […] 28. Low Carb Easy Cheesy Tuna Casserole–one of our new favorite 1 pot dinners! […]

  3. Simple Macaroni Salad Recipe (Video) | Lauren's Latest

    […] Start out by cooking some elbow macaroni. I used Barilla which ironically is the company sponsoring one of the giveaways I have going on right now…enter here. […]

  4. Danette

    5 stars
    This is so good! I have made it several times. The printable recipe version does not tell you when to add the drained tuna (it is obvious when to do so but thought I should point that out).
    Thanks for the recipe!!

  5. Denise G.

    I know this post is years old but I’ve had this recipe printed and am just setting it up for hubby to make tomorrow – two things.
    Ingredients list 2 “cans” of tuna – what size?
    I am subbing in shredded canned chicken from Costco and wondering if we should use one of the large cans or two.

    Also in the printable directions it doesn’t indicate where to add the tuna. Luckily I now see it in the post itself.

  6. Low Carb Easy Cheesy Tuna Casserole by laurenslatest, via Flickr www.laurensla… – Keto

    […] Low Carb Easy Cheesy Tuna Casserole by laurenslatest, via Flickr www.laurenslatest… […]

  7. Susan

    I don’t mean to e rude, and I’m sure to been mentioned already, but this is loaded with and has a huge amount of carbs

  8. Melissa

    Thank you for sharing this recipe. I will definitely make this low carb tuna casserole again. It has great flavors. I substituted zucchini zoodles for the Barilla, to reduce carbs further.

  9. Bill Powell

    Since this is a TUNA casserole, why did we forget to insert the word ‘TUNA’ in the directions section of the downloadable recipe?

  10. Shug

    How can this recipe be “low carb”? There is PASTA in it! Does anyone have the nutritional break down for this recipe…..for 4 servings?

  11. DAWN ROGERS

    Can’t wait to try this recipe! I also will be making a Crab Mac&Cheese with the Barilla Plus. I must go follow you on FB now for more goodies! 🙂

    1. Lauren

      I’ve never tried it, but don’t see why not. You might need to add a little more liquid so when its reheated, it’s the same consistency as when made and eaten immediately.

  12. Meena V

    The first recipe I will make is a Greek Patstisio – I have a weekday version I make and my family loves it. Looking forward to cooking!!!

  13. Tanya

    This looks so delicious! I’m a bit disappointed though. The title says Low Carb, but with the pasta in it, it is defenitely not. But I will make it anyway without the pasta and some time, when I’m eating more carbs again, I’ll throw in the butterflies.

  14. Danielle Fielding

    This is in no way, shape, or form low carb. Each serving of those noodles are THIRTY FOUR GRAMS of carbohydrates.

  15. Danette

    Hi Lauren,
    I made this last night and it was delicious!!! I didn’t see when the tuna was supposed to be added in but that was a no brainer but just wanted you to know.
    I used “Classico” Alfredo sauce, it is my favorite out of those that I have tried. I followed the recipe exactly and it couldn’t have been more delicious!
    THANK YOU!

  16. Low carbing Amy

    You really need to take the words low carb off this recipe. With pasta, peas and jarred alfredo sauce it is definitely not low carb. Most low carb diets start out only allowing about 20 grams of carbs in a day. Looks like this would be over that in one serving. If you leave out the pasta, make fresh alfredo sauce it would be ok, but I wouldn’t put very many peas in either.

  17. beeani21

    Do we have actual numbers showing this is truly low carb. I would really live to make it but I need to know the nutritional values on the full meal, per serving.

  18. Amanda B

    While this looks very good, I’m sorry to say it’s not low carb and as someone who has to live low carb I find it very disappointing when looking for recipes to come across something that is so tempting to be falsely advertised.

  19. Anne

    Oh my this is yummy! And did Lauren mention easy too!? My two favorite cooking words: easy and yummy 😉 I try about two Pinterest dishes a week and I have to say this is one is my favorite. Simply delicious!!

  20. Linda Patton

    I, too, will make the tuna casserole recipe shown. A great way to get your veggies without having to cook them separately.

    Love those vintage recipes.

  21. Kelsey (@GeekishlyApropo)

    Please change your recipe title. This is misleading to those of us looking for actual low-carb recipes. The only way this recipe is low-carb is if you take out the pasta.

  22. Rieneke

    Just made this for dinner tonight. I live in the Netherlands and we have no Alfredo sauce here so I looked up a recipe and off I went… Somehow, instead of your handy one dish dinner I ended up dirtying three pans and oven dish! But dinner was delicious so thank you for the recipe!

  23. Lauren's Latest » Simple Macaroni Salad

    […] Start out by cooking some elbow macaroni. I used Barilla which ironically is the company sponsoring one of the giveaways I have going on right now…enter here. […]

  24. Patrick M. Mitchell

    How can you possibly call this “low carb”? The pasta has 160 net carbs, the Alfredo sauce has 16 net carbs, a medium cauliflower has 16 net carbs, the cup of peas has 14 net carbs, the onion has 14 net carbs and the milk has 8 net carbs. That’s a recipe total of 228 carbs! While lower carb than traditional tuna casserole it is certainly NOT “low carb”.

      1. Patrick M. Mitchell

        The American Academy of Family Physicians defines a low carbohydrate diet as one that restricts total carbohydrate intake to between 20 and 60 carbs per day. One “large” serving of this casserole exceeds the entire recommended daily intake of carbs – and for that reason cannot be considered low carb.

        While I agree your recipe is “lower” carb than is traditional (and it looks delicious) it is *no*t low carb. I worked in restaurants for 22 years and was there during the entire Atkins craze. I found that many people don’t know what a carb really is and just as many – unbelievably – don’t know which food products contain carbs and which don’t. My concern is that there are people who say “Ooo low carb tuna casserole!” and don’t understand that this likely will not fit in their low carb diet. As I am from a family who has a serious history of diabetes, I am concerned that there are people who will use this recipe (and tuna casserole is a favorite of many, including me) thinking they are following their doctor’s carb intake guidelines to help control diabetes. This recipe will not allow them to do that. I also think that your post suggests that the Barilla Plus pasta somehow helps with the lower carb count when in fact it has nothing to do with it.

        While I now understand your personal reasons for developing this recipe, it is not apparent from your post that your desire to lower the carb count in tuna casserole is just that – and not tied to a desire for weight control or due to medical necessity. But it may be medically necessary for at least some of your readers (and you have many, based on the number of comments). At the very least, please consider prominently posting the “before and after” carb counts for the Campbell’s Tuna Noodle Casserole (the most common) and yours. I think this is the medically responsible thing to do.

        BTW, tuna casserole become popular in the 1950s, when convenience foods such as frozen peas, canned tuna and canned soups became popular, not the 1980s.

  25. amanda

    If I win, I’m totally making this tuna noodle casserole. And no, you aren’t the only one who craves this stuff…I may just have to make some this week, as a matter of fact!

  26. Tami

    Hi Lauren,

    Just wanted to say I made this for dinner and it was delicious! I halved the recipe since since it’s just the two of us and we still had enough for 2 dinners. My husband said it’s too fattening though, so I’m going to possibly try lightening it by trading out the alfredo with greek yogurt/light sour cream and parmesan. Also made the salted caramel brownie cookies using salted caramels from Trader Joes. Those were also yummy and oddly, no complaints about being too fattening! Love your blog – thanks for all the hard work 🙂

  27. Lori

    Just wanted to thank you for yet another fabulous recipe. My family had seconds, and then THIRDS, of this delicious dish. And kudos for adding cauliflower. My family likes it, but LOVED it served this way. More veggies = happy mama. 😉

  28. Katy K

    What a fun giveaway! If I were to win, the first “recipe” would be one that doesn’t exist yet–some sort of pizza pasta dish that doesn’t get dry. Time to experiment with the new pasta that I’ve never tried!

  29. Megan (Braise The Roof)

    Yum, cheesy casseroles are the best! I’ve been wanting to make something with pesto, and the farfalle would be a great shape to soak it all up!

  30. Jolene (www.everydayfoodie.ca)

    I’ve never had tuna casserole with alfredo sauce – that sounds good! I always use mushroom soup, but I will be trying this recipe next 🙂 Thanks girl!

  31. Bobbie Jo

    First recipe that I am going to try if I win is your Light tuna casserole it looks so yummy. The runner up would be your pasta salad. I just watched the video for that it is sounds way yummy. :o)

  32. shannon

    If you win, what is the first recipe you’re going to make with Barilla Plus? Is your pasta salad 🙂 and homemade mac n cheese! my girls also love just plain buttered noodles with some fresh parm.

    we LOVE pasta

  33. Debbie Chioffe

    I am not just saying this to try to butter you up or something but I am really going to try this one! It looks so good and easy and it has been far too long since I’ve had a tuna noodle casserole let alone made one. So if I won, I would definately make this one…I will even make it is I don’t win, but I hope that I do! haha.

  34. Hope

    The first thing I would make would be my pasta fagoli soup! It is amazing and it sure would be a happy day to win this! I am a huge fan Lauren and I follow you on Facebook and Pintrest! 🙂

  35. Quindara

    If i win, I am going to make the Low Carb Easy Cheesy Tuna Casserole recipe with Barilla Plus. Looks soooo good and something I wouldn’t have thought of making before.

  36. Maria W.

    I’m going to try cooking my Italian penne pasta dish with Italian sausage and peppers. It’s my family favorite. I love this pasta!!

  37. Abby

    I’ve been dying to make my favorite pasta to kick off the “fall” — even though its still a zillion degrees here in Texas. http://pinchofyum.com/butternut-squash-mac-n-cheese-with-caramelized-onions-apples-and-bacon

  38. Kelly M

    I’d make this recipe first. I’ve been looking for a good tuna casserole that my family could enjoy with them. I think they would love this!

  39. Lisa

    I would make this tuna casserole. It sounds like a healthier version of this comfort meal! It has been years since I have had a tuna casserole!

  40. Lynne

    Actually, this low carb cheesy tuna casserole sounds pretty dog-gone good. Otherwise, you can’t go wrong with a classic pasta bake. Thank you for the give away and the opportunity to participate.

  41. Annie

    The first thing i would make is a fresh pomadore sauce; tomatoes from a friends garden, cloves and cloves of garlic, basil from my porch, good olive oil, and loads of parmesan!

  42. Pamela Travis

    The first recipe that I would want to make is either this tuna casserole (if I don’t make it before next week!) or a shrimp scampi.

  43. Sarah L

    I would love to make a simple pasta with vegetables and a light balsamic sauce, sort of like Noodles and Company’s Pasta Fresca.

  44. Christy Landry

    I absolutely love your blog! I just found it and subscribes. I am a brand spanking new blogger and I am still working out the kinks. Thanks for sharing!
    Christy 🙂

  45. Susanne

    Tuna Casserole of course. I SO want to like tuna casserole but haven’t found one that works for me. This might just do the trick!

  46. Patricia

    With the delicious recipe you have posted today, why would one look any further for a recipe to make with the Barilla winnings? Thank you for the recipe and the opportunity to win the pasta to make it with.

  47. natalie@thesweetslife

    I’ve been craving vodka pasta so that’s what you’ll find me making, whether or not I win! (although I hope I win ;))

  48. Diana Anderson

    Tuna casserole was my FAVORITE childhood dish. I also like just plain old alfredo sauce and peas with my “butterflies” as we call them.

  49. Julia

    Confession: I’ve never made tuna noodle casserole. My mom never did, so I never grew up with it and my husband hates tuna, so I just haven’t. BUT, you made it sound and look SO good that I would for sure make this if I won. And I’d eat it all by myself, poor husband, he’d be missing out.

  50. Megan

    The first recipe I would make is this one! I’m a child of the 80s too, and I remember eating lots of tuna casserole, but this looks way better than my mom’s!!

  51. Lynn Kasserman

    I subscribe to your youtube channel. Can’t wait to add cauliflower to my tuna casserole recipe for school lunches next week!

    Thanks!

  52. Lynn Kasserman

    The first recipe I would make is simply pasta with sauce. I have been craving it, but it’s been too hot – looking for cooler weather this week.

  53. Louanne

    Found you via Pinterest. Love tuna casserole but haven’t made it in years. Lost everything in my fridge and freezer due to Isaac, so stocking up later today. Plan to buy a box of Barilla and wll make your casserole. If I win, will make hubby’s favorite dish, pasta Alfredo.

  54. Ali @ Gimme Some Oven

    This sounds wonderful!!! I was just listening to a story yesterday on NPR about how Americans consume 1/3 of the world’s canned tuna. I’m all for that with recipes like these!! 😉

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