Best Tuna Casserole
This easy tuna casserole—truly the Best Tuna Casserole Recipe—is a fresh twist on the comforting classic we all grew up with. Made with creamy ricotta, savory Parmesan cheese, sweet peas, and fresh green onions, this cozy baked pasta dish is rich, flavorful, and perfect for busy weeknights or casual family dinners. It’s simple to make, incredibly satisfying, and the kind of nostalgic comfort food everyone comes back for seconds of.
This casserole recipe is a simple version of the classic, the recipe my mom used to make. This quick and easy dinner recipe is on the table in 35 minutes–a perfect dinner for when you have a busy day! We love this healthy version, because it uses whole wheat pasta and no canned soup!
What is Tuna Casserole?
What is tuna casserole? It’s the ultimate comfort food casserole made with tender pasta, creamy sauce, tuna, and a mix of flavorful add-ins baked together until hot and bubbly. This version is especially family-friendly—kids and teens love it—and it’s easy to customize, too. For a spicy twist, simply add a drained can of fire-roasted tomatoes for extra flavor and a little kick. Serve this cozy casserole with a crisp green salad and hot herb bread for an easy, satisfying dinner everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients Needed
- Whole wheat pasta: DeLallo’s is the best for great texture and flavor
- Solid white albacore tuna: Packed in water and drained well
- Ricotta cheese: I love using BelGioioso for a creamy, rich casserole
- Peas: Use frozen or fresh peas for sweetness and color
- Green onions: Add fresh flavor and a little bite
- Milk: Helps create a creamy, smooth casserole sauce
- Salt and pepper: Season to taste
- Parmesan cheese: Adds savory, cheesy goodness throughout the casserole
Can you make tuna casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep this a day or two in advance, keep in the fridge, and then bake when you’re ready for dinner. This also makes a great potluck dish, or a meal to bring to a family in need.
Do I have to cook the noodles before baking?
For this recipe, you have to cook (boil) the whole wheat noodles before you assemble the ingredients. We recommend cooking them al dente (slightly firm) because they will continue to cook in the casserole. Do not just add them in dry.
How do you make Tuna Casserole?
- Cook pasta following package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Mix in a large bowl the drained tuna, ricotta cheese, milk and green onions. Add in the pasta and gently stir. Salt and pepper {heavily} to taste.
- Add the peas last and gently stir.
- Place the mixture in a prepared (sprayed) 9×13 pan. Cover with Parmesan cheese. Bake until heated through, bubbly, and cheese is golden brown on top.
Sandy’s Tips and Substitutions:
- You can use your favorite kind of pasta. We think “whole wheat” is the best. We love the nutty flavor.
- Swap out the Parmesan cheese for another white cheese, like Jack, or white Cheddar cheese.
- Add mixed vegetables instead of peas.
- Try canned chicken instead of tuna!
- You can make a spicy tuna casserole, by adding a can of fire roasted tomatoes (drained).
- The peas really “make” this recipe. The peas and cheese and pasta with the tuna is what makes it a classic!
More tuna recipes
- A skinny twist – Skinny Tuna Noodle Casserole
- Try all of our tuna recipes!
- Mexican Tuna Salad
- Tuna Sliders
- Tuna Noodles Potluck Dish!
Get the Recipe:
Best Tuna Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 pound Whole wheat pasta, DeLallo’s is the best
- 2 5 oz. cans tuna, solid white albacore packed in water, drained
- 16 oz. ricotta cheese, I use BelGioioso
- ½ cup milk
- 16 oz. frozen or fresh peaspeas
- ½ cup green onion
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese
Equipment
Instructions
- Cook pasta following package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Mix in a large bowl the drained tuna, ricotta cheese, milk and green onions. Add in the pasta and gently stir. Salt and pepper {heavily} to taste.
- Add the peas last and gently stir.
- Place the mixture in a prepared (sprayed) 9×13 pan. Cover with Parmesan cheese. Bake at 350 for 20 minutes, or until heated through, bubbly, and cheese is golden brown on top.
Notes
Hello and welcome to my home and table!
I’m Sandy—lover of food, family, cooking, THE BIG BOARD, travel, and bringing people together. Through great recipes and connection around the table, we become better, stronger, and more courageous people. Feasting on Life is real, and every time we do it, we grow a little more. Read more...
There is nothing quite like a good tuna casserole. I love it :) Think I’ll have to add it to my list of things to make this next payday!
I really don’t think you can go wrong with a good old fashioned tuna casserole! And upping the ante with whole wheat noodles is a sneaky upgrade.
I’m giving this one a try this afternoon…I’ll be bringing it to work tomorrow for lunch to share with my husband! I just know it will be delish!
Love that you made this classic dish a little healthier. I need to make this soon.
-Jamie
Such a great meal, totally my kind of comfort food!
This sounds like how I cook most of the time!! Take whatever you have on hand and create a masterpiece!! (Well, at least something nutritious and delicious!) :)
This is a great version of an old favorite. I am a clean as you go cook.
I do not like facing a big mess at the end of the endeavor. Yep, when your kids want to cook with you, it is wonderful.
I love your twist on a classic recipe here. Tuna casserole is one of my absolute faves!
Tuna Casserole is always – ALWAYS – the final stand by, go-to, willing partner sort of recipe…
For me – away.
I like it – but not that much… again, it one of those ” if I don’t know of anything else to make and there is nothing else to consider making instead”… I’ll whip this one up.
One of the memories I have of this recipe is my Mother using up leftover, potato chips – as the crumb topping. I think of it almost every time we get to the bottom of a chip bag…wondering, if I should save the “crumbs” for a hearty tuna noodle casserole…..
Hi Sandy…..this sounds so good….went to print it out and it says no criteria to print. Is there a problem with the way you have it set up? Never have a problem before.
Thanks for checking…
Jan