Name: Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ⅓ cup breadcrumbs (regular or panko); ⅓ cup grated parmesan cheese; 1 Tablespoon melted salted butter; 12 ounce bag egg noodles; 1 ½ cups milk; 10.5 ounce can cream of mushroom soup; 10.5 ounce can cream of chicken soup; 2 (5 ounce) cans of tuna (packed in water preferred); 1 cup frozen peas; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; ½ cup sour cream (or mayonnaise); ½ teaspoon dried parsley (plus more for topping, optional); ¼ teaspoon onion powder; ¼ teaspoon garlic powder; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt

Jump to Recipe· 4.7 from 58 reviews

If you’re on the hunt for a comforting, classic dinner that’s both fuss-free and utterly delicious, then this Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. I absolutely love how this dish turns out—creamy, cheesy, with that perfect crunchy breadcrumb topping that makes every bite so satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for your family on a busy weeknight or want to whip up something nostalgic and cozy, this recipe is going to become one of your go-tos.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simplicity at Its Best: Uses pantry staples you probably have right now, saving you time and stress in the kitchen.
Creamy Comfort Food: The combination of creamy soups, cheddar, and sour cream makes it irresistibly rich without being heavy.
Crowd-Pleaser: This casserole has never failed to get compliments from family and friends alike.
Quick Weeknight Dinner: Ready from start to finish in about 30 minutes—perfect when you need dinner on the table fast.

A white rectangular baking dish filled with a baked noodle casserole that has three visible layers: a creamy, light beige sauce mixed with small pieces of pale chicken and green peas forming the bottom and middle layers, topped with a golden brown, crispy breadcrumb crust that is evenly spread and lightly browned. The casserole rests on a white marbled surface with scattered dishes around, including a white bowl with some yellow sauce remnants, a small round bowl with green peas, and a white bowl containing a wooden spoon. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole, Tuna Noodle Casserole, Comfort Food Recipes, Easy Dinner Ideas, Creamy Tuna Casserole

Ingredients You’ll Need

The great thing about this Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole Recipe is how the ingredients come together for a wonderfully balanced flavor and texture. Each component plays a specific role, from creamy to crunchy, and I have some tips to help you choose the best options!

Flat lay of a small mound of golden egg noodles, a small handful of frozen green peas, a neat pile of shredded bright orange cheddar cheese, a small heap of light golden breadcrumbs, a small mound of finely grated pale parmesan cheese, a dollop of creamy white sour cream, two whole uncracked brown eggs, a small white bowl filled with creamy beige cream of mushroom soup, a small white bowl filled with creamy white cream of chicken soup, a small white bowl holding flaked pale pink tuna, a small white bowl containing smooth white milk, a small white bowl with melted golden butter, a few sprigs of dried green parsley, a tiny pile of pale beige onion powder, a tiny pile of light beige garlic powder, a tiny pile of coarse black pepper, and a tiny pile of coarse white kosher salt, all arranged with perfect symmetry on simple white ceramic dishes, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole, Tuna Noodle Casserole, Comfort Food Recipes, Easy Dinner Ideas, Creamy Tuna Casserole

Breadcrumbs: I like to use panko for extra crunch, but regular breadcrumbs work just fine too.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty kick that complements the cheddar perfectly—freshly grated is best if you can.
Melted Salted Butter: Used to bind the breadcrumb topping for that golden crust we all love.
Egg Noodles: Classic choice here, and cooking them al dente ensures they don’t turn mushy after baking.
Milk: Whole milk or 2% works well to keep things creamy without being too heavy.
Cream of Mushroom and Cream of Chicken Soups: These canned soups form the creamy base. Using both enriches the flavor complexity.
Tuna (packed in water): I prefer water-packed tuna to keep the casserole light and flaky.
Frozen Peas: Adds pops of sweetness and color—no need to thaw beforehand.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Sharp or mild based on your taste, cheddar melts beautifully.
Sour Cream (or mayonnaise): I use sour cream for a subtle tang, but mayo works if that’s what’s on hand.
Dried Parsley, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, Black Pepper, Kosher Salt: These seasonings round out the flavors without overpowering—feel free to adjust to your liking.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

This casserole is so flexible—it’s one of the reasons I keep coming back to it. You can totally make it your own by tweaking ingredients based on what you have or dietary preferences.

Use Different Proteins: I once swapped tuna for cooked, shredded chicken and it was a hit—same comforting vibes with a twist.
Vegetable Boost: Adding mushrooms or diced bell peppers adds extra flavor and nutrition. I love throwing in a handful of spinach for color and vitamins.
Dairy-Free Version: Try using non-dairy milk and cheese alternatives; just make sure your soups are dairy-free too.
Crunchy Topping Alternatives: Crushed potato chips or fried onions can replace breadcrumbs for a fun change.

How to Make Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Crunchy Topping

Start by mixing the breadcrumbs, grated parmesan, and melted salted butter in a small bowl. This little topping is what gives the casserole that irresistible golden crunch. I always make sure the butter is fully melted but not too hot, so it coats the breadcrumbs evenly without making them soggy.

Step 2: Cook Your Noodles Just Right

While your oven is preheating to 400°F, boil the egg noodles per the package’s instructions—usually about 5-7 minutes until al dente. Don’t overcook them here because they’ll continue to soften in the oven. Once cooked, drain thoroughly to avoid any watery casserole.

Step 3: Mix All the Good Stuff

Add the cooked noodles to a greased 9×13 baking dish, then pour in the milk, cream of mushroom and chicken soups, drained tuna, frozen peas, shredded cheddar, sour cream, and all the seasonings. Mix everything gently but thoroughly to combine all those flavors without breaking up the tuna too much. You can do this directly in the baking dish or in a large bowl—whichever feels easier for you.

Step 4: Bake and Broil to Perfection

Sprinkle your breadcrumb topping evenly over the casserole and slide it into the oven. Bake for about 15 minutes until you see bubbling around the edges—that’s your signal it’s cooking through beautifully. Then, switch your oven to broil and keep a close eye as you brown the top for about 1 minute. Just a moment here makes a world of difference, giving you a golden crust with fantastic texture.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Once out of the oven, sprinkle some extra dried parsley flakes for a pop of green and extra flavor. I find this finishing touch makes the dish look restaurant-quality—plus it smells amazing!

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Pro Tips for Making Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole Recipe

Don’t Skip the Breadcrumb Topping: It adds texture and flavor that makes this casserole memorable—and trust me, it’s worth the extra step.
Drain Tuna Well: Excess liquid from tuna can make your casserole watery; I always pat mine dry with a paper towel before mixing.
Use a Shallow Baking Dish: Spreading the casserole out lets it bake evenly and the top gets perfectly crispy.
Watch the Broiler Closely: The topping can go from golden to burnt in seconds—so stand by the oven and keep a close eye!

How to Serve Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole Recipe

Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

I almost always finish mine with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or dried flakes to add a fresh color pop. Sometimes I add a little cracked black pepper or even a squeeze of lemon on the side to brighten the flavors just before serving. These little touches really elevate the dish without much effort.

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Roasted or steamed veggies like broccoli or green beans also balance it out nicely. For a hearty meal, I love serving it alongside garlic bread or warm dinner rolls.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve this casserole in individual ramekins topped with the breadcrumb crust—it’s a cute, personal touch everyone enjoys. Another favorite trick is layering sliced tomatoes on top beneath the breadcrumb topping for a refreshing twist and a pop of color.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers covered tightly in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The casserole holds up beautifully and reheats well, although the topping might lose some crunch—which can be refreshed with a quick broil.

Freezing

This recipe freezes surprisingly well. I recommend freezing before baking to keep the breadcrumb topping from getting soggy. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake fresh for best results.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil to retain moisture, for about 15-20 minutes. For topping crunch, remove foil during the last few minutes or briefly broil as I described earlier. This keeps your casserole tasting almost as good as freshly baked.

FAQs

Can I use tuna packed in oil instead of water?

Yes, you can use tuna packed in oil if that’s what you have, but be aware it will make the casserole richer and slightly heavier. I prefer water-packed tuna for a lighter result, but just drain it well either way to avoid making the casserole too oily.
What can I substitute for the cream of mushroom and cream of chicken soups?

If you want to skip canned soups, you can make a quick homemade sauce with butter, flour, milk, and seasonings. This takes a bit longer, but you control the flavor and ingredients. Otherwise, many stores offer low-sodium or gluten-free soup versions that work well.
Will this casserole work with pasta other than egg noodles?

Absolutely! While egg noodles are classic, you can swap in pasta shapes like fusilli, penne, or rotini. Just cook according to package instructions until al dente before mixing it all together.
Can I add extra vegetables to this casserole?

Definitely. Adding veggies like mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach not only increases nutrition but also adds fresh flavor and texture. Frozen veggies work great too—just toss them in straight from frozen.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Use dairy-free milk and cheese alternatives, and swap the sour cream for a plant-based version. Ensure your soups are dairy-free or make a homemade creamy sauce using a dairy-free base like coconut milk with cornstarch thickener.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s a reminder of simple family dinners and quick comfort food that never disappoints. I hope you make this your own, enjoy the warm, creamy goodness, and appreciate how effortlessly it comes together. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll be a staple on your dinner rotation. Don’t forget to watch that broiler step—it’s the secret to the perfect finish. Happy cooking, friend!