Creamy Tuna Shells & Noodles
This hearty and nostalgic Creamy Tuna Shells & Noodles dish is a tribute to comfort food at its finest, reminiscent of cozy family dinners. Easy to prepare and surprisingly satisfying, it's the perfect solution for those busy weeknights when the pantry seems bare. With tender pasta, flaky tuna, and a rich, creamy sauce, this one-dish meal delivers flavor and fulfillment, perfect for both kids and adults alike. You can customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or spices for an extra twist!
4-6
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
small shell pasta
12 ounces (uncooked)
canned tuna
1 (7 ounce) can (drained)
cream of mushroom soup
1 (10 3/4 ounce) can (none)
water
1/4 can (none)
black pepper
to taste (freshly ground)
Instructions
1
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the small shell pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and return to the pot.
2
Add the cream of mushroom soup and 1/4 can of water to the pasta, stirring until the mixture is combined and creamy.
3
Gently fold in the drained tuna, ensuring it is evenly distributed throughout the pasta.
4
Season with freshly ground black pepper to taste and heat over low to medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
5
Serve immediately, garnished with your choice of herbs or grated cheese if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Tuna Shells & Noodles?
Creamy Tuna Shells & Noodles is a nostalgic, hearty comfort food dish made with tender pasta, flaky tuna, and a rich mushroom sauce.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes approximately 4 to 6 servings.
What kind of pasta is recommended for this dish?
The recipe specifically calls for 12 ounces of small shell pasta.
How much tuna is needed?
You will need one 7-ounce can of tuna.
Should the tuna be drained before adding it?
Yes, the tuna should be drained before being folded into the pasta mixture.
What is the base of the creamy sauce?
The sauce is made from one 10 3/4 ounce can of cream of mushroom soup and 1/4 can of water.
How do I measure the water for the sauce?
The recipe suggests using the empty soup can to measure 1/4 can of water.
How should the pasta be cooked?
Cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to the package instructions until it is al dente.
What are the primary seasonings for this recipe?
The dish is seasoned with freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Can I add extra ingredients to this recipe?
Yes, you can customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or spices for an extra twist.
Is this recipe suitable for a quick weeknight dinner?
Yes, it is an easy-to-prepare meal perfect for busy weeknights when you have limited ingredients.
Is Creamy Tuna Shells & Noodles child-friendly?
Yes, its mild and creamy flavor makes it a hit with both kids and adults.
What is the category of this meal?
This dish is categorized as a One Dish Meal.
What type of tuna should I buy?
Canned tuna is used for this recipe; ensure it is drained before use.
How do I combine the tuna with the pasta?
Gently fold the drained tuna into the pasta and soup mixture to ensure even distribution without breaking the tuna up too much.
At what temperature should I heat the final mixture?
Heat the combined ingredients over low to medium heat until warmed through.
How should this dish be served?
Serve it immediately while warm, optionally garnished with herbs or grated cheese.
Can I use a different shape of pasta?
While small shells are traditional, you can substitute with other small pasta shapes like macaroni if needed.
Can I use milk instead of water for the sauce?
Yes, using milk instead of water will create an even richer and creamier sauce.
What garnishes are suggested?
You can garnish the dish with fresh herbs or grated cheese.
How much cream of mushroom soup is required?
The recipe uses one 10 3/4 ounce can of cream of mushroom soup.
Does this recipe require a lot of cleanup?
No, as a one-dish meal, it is designed for simple preparation and minimal cleanup.
Is the pasta cooked before or after adding the soup?
The pasta must be cooked and drained before adding the soup and other ingredients.
What should I do if the sauce is too thick?
If the sauce is too thick, you can stir in a small amount of extra water or milk to reach your desired consistency.
Is this recipe considered comfort food?
Yes, it is described as a nostalgic dish that provides flavor and fulfillment.
What is the preparation for the black pepper?
The recipe recommends using freshly ground black pepper.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 5 main ingredients: pasta, tuna, cream of mushroom soup, water, and black pepper.
Can this recipe be doubled?
Yes, you can easily double the ingredients to serve a larger crowd or for leftovers.
What is the texture of the dish?
The dish has a rich, creamy texture with tender pasta and flaky tuna chunks.
Can I store leftovers of this tuna pasta?
Yes, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheated gently.