Description

This Quick and Easy Tuna Casserole is a comforting and satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights. Featuring fusilli pasta, canned tuna, and a creamy mushroom soup base, it’s topped with melted cheddar cheese and a crispy breadcrumb crust for the perfect balance of creamy and crunchy textures. Ready in under an hour, it’s a classic casserole that the whole family will enjoy.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Tuna

16 ounce Fusilli Pasta
10 ounce Canned Tuna in Water

Casserole Mixture

2 cans Cream of Mushroom Soup
1/2 cup Milk
1 cup Shredded Triple Cheddar Cheese Blend
1/2 teaspoon Salt
1/2 teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
1/2 teaspoon Lemon juice (from 1 Lemon)

Topping

3/4 cup Breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons Butter
1 tablespoon Fresh Parsley

Other

Nonstick Cooking Spray (to taste)

Instructions

Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole pan with nonstick cooking spray to ensure the casserole doesn’t stick during baking.
Cook the Pasta. In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add a generous pinch of salt. Cook the fusilli pasta according to the package instructions, about 10-12 minutes, or until al dente. Drain the pasta well and return it to the pot.
Combine Ingredients. Stir in the canned tuna (drained), cream of mushroom soup, milk, shredded triple cheddar cheese blend, lemon juice, salt, and ground black pepper into the pasta. Mix carefully to combine the ingredients without breaking up the tuna too much, creating a creamy and flavorful mixture.
Prepare the Breadcrumb Topping. In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and butter, mixing until the butter is evenly distributed throughout the crumbs.
Assemble the Casserole. Spread the noodle and tuna mixture evenly into the prepared casserole pan. Sprinkle the buttery breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top to create a crisp crust when baked.
Bake the Casserole. Bake the assembled casserole in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the breadcrumb topping is golden brown and crunchy.
Rest and Garnish. Remove the casserole from the oven and let it set for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and to cool slightly. Just before serving, sprinkle the fresh parsley over the top for a burst of color and fresh flavor.

Notes

Use canned tuna packed in water to keep the casserole light and moist.
For creamier texture, substitute whole milk with heavy cream if preferred.
You can add frozen peas or chopped mushrooms for extra veggies if desired.
To reduce sodium, use low-sodium cream of mushroom soup and adjust added salt accordingly.
Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
For a gluten-free version, substitute regular pasta and breadcrumbs with gluten-free options.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: tuna casserole, easy tuna recipe, comfort food, quick casserole, baked pasta, tuna pasta bake