Tuna Noodle Casserole was one of my favorite dinners growing up. It is so funny to think, because my mom was a great cook and almost always cooked from scratch. But there was something about that box of casserole, that got me. I find myself almost always making dinners from scratch around here, but I am constantly trying to find meals that can be done around 30 minutes. It’s usually a race against the clock when it comes to hungry kids and dinner time. This Skillet Tuna Noodle Casserole is the best of both worlds. It is easy like the box mix, but it is also creamy and delicious like something you slaved over for hours.
How to Make Tuna Noodle Casserole in the Skillet
There are a few things that bring this recipe together perfectly. It is delicious!! It is tasty, warm, and satisfying. I will add it to our list of great comfort foods! Thanks for a great recipe!
How to Make a Roux
A roux is the combination of a fat (often butter) and flour. You then slowly whisk in a liquid (in this case chicken stock) and it makes for a great creamy sauce. While this recipe will turn out great even if it is your first time making a roux, it’s great to play with making rouxs in different recipes as you will learn the right setting on your stove top and how slowly you need to add the liquid the more you do it. Other great recipes to practice making a roux with are my New England Clam Chowder and Homemade Southwestern Mac and Cheese.
Adding Frozen Peas
A lot of times when I use frozen peas in recipes I get the comment that they couldn’t possibly cook long enough for the recipe to work. That is because most of the time (like in this recipe) we are just adding them at the very end. Frozen peas don’t really need to be cooked. In fact, you could just leave the bag in the fridge, take them out and eat them. They are good to go. Adding them straight from the freezer and onto the heat for just a short time keeps them bright and green – perfectly cooked. If we cook them too long they start to become brownish green. They lose their bright fresh taste too. Trust me on this. The amount of time they have in this recipe is perfect.
Egg Noodles
If your family doesn’t like egg noodles, you can definitely work in another pasta here. You could use penne like I do in my One Pot Creamy Shrimp Pasta. Elbow macaroni would be another great option. You may need a little more or less time and chicken stock depending on the noodle you choose. So check on your noodles, and have more chicken stock handy.
Other Great Skillet Dinners
If your family can’t get enough one pot meals, then check out some of our other favorites:
Ground Beef StroganoffTaco Casserole Beef and Broccoli
If you make this Tuna Noodle Casserole or any of my other recipes, please leave me a comment and let me know what you think.
Recommended Tools
Skillet: This is the one you see pictured. Perfect for going from stovetop to oven.Silicon Whisk: These are perfect for if you also have have nonstick pans.Cheese Grater: I’ve had this for about 300 years, and I love it.
