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Stove top Easy Tuna Casserole in a bowl with a fork and pot in background. This is a creamy and delicious comfort dish with tuna and noodles and a surprise pop of sweet from Pimiento.  This easy recipe is completely from scratch (no canned soup here!) but I can promise you it's so easy and only takes 30 minutes because it's a Casserole that you can make entirely on the stove top!

Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole Recipe {Stove Top}

This Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole Recipe is a creamy and delicious comfort dish with tuna and noodles and a surprise pop of sweet from Pimiento.  This version is completely from scratch (no canned soup here!) and I can promise you it's so easy and only takes 30 minutes because it's a Casserole that you can make entirely on the stove top!

Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Keyword casserole, dutchoven, noodles, one pot, stovetop, Tuna, Tuna Casserole
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 537 kcal
Author Carrie Tyler

Ingredients

  • 10 oz Wide Egg Noodles, Uncooked You can use Medium thickness if you can't find Wide
  • 1 teaspoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • ½ cup Carrots, diced
  • 2 Scallions
  • 2 tablespoon Butter, salted (unsalted is fine too
  • 3 tablespoon White All Purpose Flour
  • 2 cups Chicken Broth
  • ½ cup Half and Half you can substitute milk
  • ¾ cup Shredded Cheddar
  • 10 oz Tuna, canned, in water
  • 2 tablespoon Diced Pimiento

Optional Topping

  • ¾ Cup Crushed potato Chips

Instructions

Prep Ahead for Tuna Casserole

  1. Peel and Dice Carrots.  Slice Scallions.  Store both in the same baggie or container in your fridge.

  2. If your cheddar is not already shredded, shred it and measure out a ½ cup.  Store in fridge.  

  3. Open and drain the tuna fish and store in a container in the fridge.

Cook your Tuna Casserole

  1. Measure out your Chicken Broth, as well as half and half (or milk).

  2. Make the Egg Noodles according to package instructions.  Once cooked, drain and set aside until ready to add to the sauce.  You can be cooking the noodles while you are making the sauce.

  3. Preheat a dutch oven or soup pot, add the olive oil, diced carrots, and sliced scallions (SAVE SOME OF THE SLICED GREENS FOR GARNISH IF YOU DESIRE).  Stir to coat with oil and cook for 4-5 minutes until the carrots start to soften.  

    Diced carrots and scallions in pot for Stove top Easy Tuna Casserole. This is a creamy and delicious comfort dish with tuna and noodles and a surprise pop of sweet from Pimiento.  This easy recipe is completely from scratch (no canned soup here!) but I can promise you it's so easy and only takes 30 minutes because it's a Casserole that you can make entirely on the stove top!
  4. Add the butter and stir to melt, then add the flour and stir again to combine with the butter and coat the carrots and scallions.  Cook for a couple minutes while stirring until the Roux starts to get golden brown, but don't let it burn.

    Diced carrots and scallions mixed with flour in pot for Stove top Easy Tuna Casserole. This is a creamy and delicious comfort dish with tuna and noodles and a surprise pop of sweet from Pimiento.  This easy recipe is completely from scratch (no canned soup here!) but I can promise you it's so easy and only takes 30 minutes because it's a Casserole that you can make entirely on the stove top!
  5. Add the broth slowly stirring as you add so that the roux mixes smoothly with it.  Turn the heat to a simmer.Once the roux and broth are combined and the sauce is starting to thicken (about 3-4 minutes) add the half and half (or milk) and stir to combine.  

    Broth pouring over diced carrots and scallions mixed with flour in pot for Stove top Easy Tuna Casserole. This is a creamy and delicious comfort dish with tuna and noodles and a surprise pop of sweet from Pimiento.  This easy recipe is completely from scratch (no canned soup here!) but I can promise you it's so easy and only takes 30 minutes because it's a Casserole that you can make entirely on the stove top!
  6. Next, stir in the shredded cheese to melt, combine, and further thicken the sauce.  

    Spoon mixing shredded cheese into sauce in pot for Easy Tuna Casserole. This is a creamy and delicious comfort dish with tuna and noodles and a surprise pop of sweet from Pimiento.  This easy recipe is completely from scratch (no canned soup here!) but I can promise you it's so easy and only takes 30 minutes because it's a Casserole that you can make entirely on the stove top!
  7. Add the Pimiento and then the tuna.  Mix to combine.

    tuna added to sauce for Cheesy Tuna Noodle Casserole Recipe. It's a creamy and delicious comfort dish with tuna and noodles and a surprise pop of sweet from Pimiento.  This easy recipe is completely from scratch (no canned soup here!) but I can promise you it's so easy and only takes 30 minutes because it's a Casserole that you can make entirely on the stove top!
  8. Last, mix in the cooked noodles.   OPTIONAL: Sprinkle crushed potato chips on top.

    Add Noodles to sauce in pot for Easy Tuna Casserole. This is a creamy and delicious comfort dish with tuna and noodles and a surprise pop of sweet from Pimiento.  This easy recipe is completely from scratch (no canned soup here!) but I can promise you it's so easy and only takes 30 minutes because it's a Casserole that you can make entirely on the stove top!

Recipe Notes

  • Make ahead and reheat:  You can make this Tuna Noodle Casserole recipe up to 5 days in advance stored in an airtight container in the fridge. To warm the casserole, place it in a casserole dish and reheat it covered in a 350 F degree oven for 20-30 minutes until warmed through. You can also warm it in the microwave in a microwave-safe container.
  • Making this with chicken:  If you do not have tune or do not like it, you can replace it with shredded chicken. Rotisserie chicken works great in this instance. Or simply roast chicken breasts in the oven at 375 F degrees for 20-30 minutes until it reaches 165 F internal temperature. Then shred once it is cooled.
  • Gluten Free Instructions:  To make this recipe gluten free, you will need to change 2 primary elements. First, you will want to substitute with a gluten free noodle or pasta. Second, you can eliminate the flour and butter and instead use cornstarch. Mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch into ½ cup cold water to dissolve, making a slurry. In cooking step 5, add the slurry right after the broth and whisk it in. As the broth heats up, it will thicken. Be sure to stir frequently to prevent any clumping.