Creamy Tuna or Chicken Noodle Bake
This Creamy Tuna or Chicken Noodle Bake is a comforting casserole that combines tender egg noodles with your choice of flaky tuna or succulent chicken for a hearty meal. Enhanced with fresh vegetables and a rich, creamy sauce, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or as a family gathering centerpiece. You can customize the flavor with optional garlic and lemon juice to take it up a notch, making it a versatile recipe that appeals to everyone. Top it off with buttery cracker crumbs for a delightful crunch, and enjoy a crowd-pleasing dish that brings warmth and satisfaction to your table.
6
Servings
467
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
egg noodles
6 ounces (cook until al dente, then drain)
butter
2 tablespoons (melt and toss with cooked noodles)
condensed cream of mushroom soup
1 (10 3/4 ounce) can (undiluted)
garlic powder
1/2-1 teaspoon (to taste)
grated parmesan cheese
3-4 tablespoons (optional, can be added to sauce)
milk or half-and-half
3/4 cup (to achieve desired creaminess)
sour cream
1/2 cup (can increase to 3/4 cup for creamier texture)
seasoning salt
1/4-1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
fresh ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
onion
1 small (finely chopped; can substitute with 2 green onions)
pimiento
1/4 cup (chopped)
green bell pepper
1 small (finely chopped)
celery
1 large rib (diced)
tuna or cooked chicken/turkey
1 (6 1/2 ounce) can (drained and flaked, or use 1-1/2 cups cooked chicken or turkey)
butter-flavored crackers
12-15 (broken into pieces (such as Ritz Crackers))
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 2-quart casserole dish to prevent sticking.
2
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the egg noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and toss them with 2 tablespoons of butter to keep them from sticking.
3
In a separate large saucepan, combine the undiluted cream of mushroom soup, garlic powder, grated Parmesan cheese (if using), and your choice of milk or half-and-half. Stir in the sour cream, seasoning salt (or white salt), black pepper, chopped onion, pimiento, green bell pepper, and diced celery. Heat over low heat, stirring frequently for about 15 minutes until warmed through.
4
Once the sauce is heated, fold in the drained and flaked tuna or cooked chicken until well combined.
5
Mix the creamy sauce with the cooked egg noodles until everything is evenly coated.
6
Transfer the entire mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
7
Sprinkle the broken butter-flavored crackers on top for a deliciously crunchy topping.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
9
Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy this comforting casserole warm!
Nutrition Information
23g
Fat
25g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Tuna or Chicken Noodle Bake?
It is a comforting casserole that combines egg noodles with your choice of tuna or chicken, vegetables, and a rich, creamy sauce.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
What temperature should I set the oven to?
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190ºC).
What size casserole dish is required?
A 2-quart casserole dish is recommended.
What type of noodles are used in this bake?
The recipe uses 6 ounces of egg noodles cooked until al dente.
Can I use chicken instead of tuna?
Yes, you can use 1-1/2 cups of cooked chicken or turkey as a substitute for tuna.
What kind of soup serves as the base for the sauce?
One 10 3/4 ounce can of undiluted condensed cream of mushroom soup is used.
How do I prevent the noodles from sticking after boiling?
Drain the noodles and toss them with 2 tablespoons of butter.
What vegetables are included in the recipe?
The dish includes onion, pimiento, green bell pepper, and celery.
What is the recommended topping for the casserole?
Top the casserole with 12 to 15 broken butter-flavored crackers, such as Ritz.
How long should the casserole bake?
Bake for approximately 25 minutes until the dish is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are 467 calories per serving.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving contains 25g of protein.
How much fat is in this dish?
The dish contains 23g of fat per serving.
Can I make the sauce creamier?
Yes, you can increase the sour cream from 1/2 cup to 3/4 cup for a creamier texture.
Is there a substitute for the onion?
You can substitute one small finely chopped onion with 2 green onions.
How long should I heat the sauce before mixing with noodles?
Heat the sauce over low heat, stirring frequently, for about 15 minutes.
What dairy liquids can be used in the sauce?
You can use 3/4 cup of either milk or half-and-half.
Is cheese used in this recipe?
3 to 4 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese can be added to the sauce as an optional ingredient.
How much garlic powder should I add?
Use 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of garlic powder based on your taste preference.
What seasonings are recommended?
The recipe calls for seasoning salt (or white salt) and fresh ground black pepper.
How much celery is required?
One large rib of celery, diced, is needed.
What is the total number of ingredients?
The recipe includes 15 ingredients.
How do I prepare the tuna?
Use one 6 1/2 ounce can of tuna, drained and flaked.
Can I add lemon juice?
Yes, lemon juice is an optional ingredient to customize and enhance the flavor.
Should the casserole cool before serving?
Yes, let it cool slightly before serving warm.
What is the amount of green bell pepper needed?
Use one small green bell pepper, finely chopped.
How much pimiento should I use?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of chopped pimiento.
Is this dish suitable for family gatherings?
Yes, it is described as a versatile dish perfect for family gatherings or busy weeknights.
What texture should the noodles have before baking?
The egg noodles should be cooked until they are al dente.