Creamy Spinach Tuna Noodle Casserole

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 30 min
🍽 Serves: 6
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This Creamy Spinach Tuna Noodle Casserole is comfort food at its finest, blending the wholesome flavors of tuna and fresh spinach with rich, cheesy goodness. It's a perfect dish for those chilly evenings when you crave something warm and satisfying.

Ingredients for Creamy Spinach Tuna Noodle Casserole

The star of the dish is the tuna, giving it a hearty, protein-rich base. Egg noodles serve as the perfect vehicle, soaking up all the flavors. Adding butter and onion creates a fragrant, savory foundation, while garlic adds a subtle depth. The fresh spinach not only brings a pop of color but also a healthy dose of vitamins. All-purpose flour helps thicken the sauce when combined with milk and chicken broth, creating a creamy backdrop. A mix of cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese provides cheesy richness, and the crushed buttery crackers add a crunchy, golden topping.

Tips & Tricks

  • If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of milk to loosen it up.
  • For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg to the sauce.
  • To save time, use pre-washed, bagged spinach.

Serving Suggestions

This casserole pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette. A side of crusty bread also complements the dish nicely, allowing you to scoop up any extra sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen spinach. Just make sure to thaw and drain it well before adding it to the skillet.
What can I substitute for cheddar cheese?
Feel free to use mozzarella or Monterey Jack if you prefer a different cheese flavor.

Creamy Spinach Tuna Noodle Casserole Recipe Walkthrough

First, get your oven preheating to 350°F (175°C) — this way, it's ready to go when you are. While that's heating up, cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions. Once done, drain them and set them aside.

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and minced garlic, and sauté them until they're fragrant and the onions become translucent. It should take about 3-4 minutes.

Next, add the chopped spinach to the skillet. Stir it around until it wilts down completely. This usually takes just a couple of minutes. Once wilted, sprinkle the flour over the mixture, stirring to coat everything evenly.

Now, slowly pour in the milk and chicken broth, stirring constantly. You'll notice the mixture starting to thicken. Once it reaches a creamy consistency, it's time to stir in the drained tuna and cheddar cheese. Add salt and pepper to your taste, mixing everything until well combined.

Grab a large baking dish and combine the cooked noodles with your spinach-tuna mixture. Give it a good stir to ensure the noodles are well coated. Top everything with Parmesan cheese, and then sprinkle the crushed buttery crackers mixed with olive oil over the top.

Bake your casserole for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to make — perfect for busy weeknights.
  • Uses pantry staples like canned tuna and egg noodles.
  • Rich in flavor with a creamy, cheesy sauce.
  • Family-friendly and sure to please even picky eaters.

Ingredients

12 oz egg noodles
2 tbsp unsalted butter
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
10 oz fresh spinach, chopped
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
1/2 cup chicken broth
2 cans (5 oz each) tuna, drained
1 cup grated cheddar cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup crushed buttery crackers
2 tbsp olive oil

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Cook egg noodles according to package instructions and drain.
3. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, sauté until fragrant.
4. Add spinach to the skillet, and cook until wilted.
5. Sprinkle flour over the spinach mixture and stir well.
6. Slowly pour in milk and chicken broth, stirring constantly until thickened.
7. Add tuna, cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper, and mix until well combined.
8. In a large baking dish, combine noodles and the spinach-tuna mixture.
9. Top with Parmesan cheese and crushed crackers mixed with olive oil.
10. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown.

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