Creamy Tuna Noodle Bake on the Stovetop
Indulge in the nostalgic comfort of Creamy Tuna Noodle Bake, a delightful one-dish meal that brings the warmth of home-cooked love to your table without the fuss of an oven. This quick and easy recipe features a homemade béchamel sauce that creates a silky, creamy texture, perfectly enveloping al dente egg noodles, tender peas, and flaky tuna. A stark contrast to traditional casseroles laden with canned soups, our version thrives on fresh ingredients and flexible flavor options. Personalize your dish with a medley of your favorite herbs and spices, from zesty lemon pepper to fragrant chives or parsley, ensuring each bite suits your taste perfectly. In just under 30 minutes, you can savor this family-friendly meal that's as satisfying as it is simple!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Butter
2 tablespoons (Melted)
All-purpose flour
2 tablespoons (Uncooked)
Whole milk
2 cups (Measured)
Kosher salt
1 teaspoon (Ground)
Ground pepper
1/2 teaspoon (Ground)
Chopped fresh herbs (optional)
1-2 tablespoons (Freshly snipped)
Canned tuna
2 (6 ounces) cans (Drained, preferably albacore solid packed in water)
Frozen peas
1 1/2 cups (Unthawed)
Wide egg noodles
8 ounces (Cooked)
Instructions
1
Begin by cooking the egg noodles according to package instructions in a large pot of boiling salted water.
2
In the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, add the frozen peas to the pot, allowing them to cook briefly before draining the noodles and peas together.
3
While the noodles cook, melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat, stirring frequently.
4
Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for about 2 minutes, until the mixture slightly darkens to a light beige color, forming a roux.
5
Gradually add 1 cup of whole milk, continuously whisking to combine, then follow with the remaining cup of milk.
6
Increase heat slightly and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring regularly until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
7
Once thickened, remove from heat and gently fold in the drained tuna, breaking it into smaller chunks as you mix.
8
Season the sauce with kosher salt, ground pepper, and any fresh herbs or seasoning you desire, mixing well to combine.
9
Pour the creamy tuna sauce over the drained noodles and peas, tossing to ensure everything is evenly coated.
10
Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Creamy Tuna Noodle Bake on the Stovetop?
It is a nostalgic one-dish meal featuring egg noodles, peas, and tuna in a homemade béchamel sauce, prepared entirely on the stove without an oven.
How long does it take to prepare this meal?
The entire recipe can be completed in just under 30 minutes.
Does this recipe use canned soup?
No, this version uses a homemade béchamel sauce made from scratch instead of canned cream soups.
What type of noodles are recommended?
Wide egg noodles are the recommended choice for this recipe.
How do I cook the peas for this dish?
Add the frozen peas to the pot of boiling noodles during the last 2-3 minutes of their cooking time.
What are the ingredients for the homemade sauce?
The sauce is made using butter, all-purpose flour, whole milk, kosher salt, and ground pepper.
How do I make the roux for the sauce?
Melt 2 tablespoons of butter and whisk in 2 tablespoons of flour, cooking for about 2 minutes until it turns a light beige color.
What kind of milk is best for this recipe?
The recipe specifies using 2 cups of whole milk for a creamy texture.
How much tuna is needed?
You will need two 6-ounce cans of tuna.
What type of canned tuna should I use?
Drained albacore solid packed in water is the preferred choice.
When do I add the tuna to the recipe?
The tuna should be folded into the thickened sauce after it has been removed from the heat.
How do I know when the sauce is thick enough?
The sauce is ready when it is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
What fresh herbs can I add to the dish?
Freshly snipped chives or parsley are excellent options for enhancing the flavor.
Can I use different seasonings?
Yes, you can personalize the dish with seasonings like lemon pepper or your other favorite spices.
What is the serving suggestion for this recipe?
The dish should be served hot immediately after tossing the noodles and peas with the creamy sauce.
Is this a family-friendly meal?
Yes, it is a satisfying and simple comfort food meal that is great for families.
How much butter is required?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of butter.
How much flour do I need for the sauce?
You will need 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour.
What is the role of the whole milk in the sauce?
The milk is whisked into the roux to create the liquid base for the creamy béchamel sauce.
Do the peas need to be thawed before cooking?
No, they can be added directly from the freezer to the boiling noodle water.
How much salt is used in the sauce?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of kosher salt.
How much ground pepper is required?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of ground pepper.
What heat level should I use to make the sauce?
Use medium heat to melt the butter and cook the roux, then increase it slightly to bring the sauce to a gentle boil.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 main ingredients, including optional herbs.
Should I break the tuna into pieces?
Yes, as you fold it into the sauce, you should break it into smaller chunks.
What is the texture of the finished dish?
It has a silky and creamy texture that perfectly envelopes the noodles and tuna.
Can I use water-packed tuna?
Yes, tuna packed in water is specifically recommended for this dish.
Is this dish considered a casserole?
While it shares flavors with a traditional tuna noodle casserole, it is technically a stovetop bake because no oven is used.
How do I prevent lumps in the sauce?
Gradually add the milk while continuously whisking to ensure the roux and liquid combine smoothly.
What is the total amount of noodles used?
The recipe requires 8 ounces of wide egg noodles.