One-Pan Tuna Noodle Casserole – The Ultimate Creamy
One-Pan Tuna Noodle Casserole combines tender egg noodles, flaky tuna, sweet peas, mushrooms, and cheddar cheese in a creamy homemade sauce. Everything is prepared in a single oven-safe skillet and topped with buttery breadcrumbs before baking until bubbly and golden. The result is a rich, comforting meal that's perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or cozy family dinners. With minimal cleanup and maximum flavor, this casserole is a timeless classic everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
For the Casserole
- 12 ounces egg noodles
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 ounces sliced mushrooms
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 cans (5 ounces each) tuna in water, drained and flaked
- 1½ cups frozen peas
For the Topping
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) if using an oven-safe skillet.
- Melt the butter in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat.
- Add the onion and mushrooms, cooking until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Gradually whisk in the broth and milk until smooth.
- Add the egg noodles, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer until the noodles are nearly tender, stirring occasionally.
- Fold in the tuna, peas, and cheddar cheese until well combined.
- Mix the panko breadcrumbs with the melted butter and Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle evenly over the casserole.
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use tuna packed in water for a lighter casserole.
- Stir the noodles occasionally while simmering to prevent sticking.
- Freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.
- Frozen peas can be added directly without thawing.
- Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze without the breadcrumb topping for up to 2 months.
- Add fresh herbs just before serving for the best flavor.