Savory Light Tuna Noodle Bake
Discover the delightful flavors of this Savory Light Tuna Noodle Bake, a healthier twist on the classic casserole that brings comfort food to the dinner table. Packed with protein-rich tuna and vibrant vegetables, this dish combines tender egg noodles with a creamy, tangy sauce, and a sprinkle of reduced-fat cheese for a deliciously satisfying meal. Perfect for busy weeknights and meal prep, this dish is not only easy to prepare but also a great way to feed the whole family while keeping an eye on health. Enjoy a hearty slice of this casserole guilt-free!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
uncooked egg noodles
12 ounces (uncooked)
tuna in water
12 ounces (drained)
sliced mushrooms
1 (12 ounce) can (drained)
frozen peas
1 cup (thawed)
nonfat sour cream
16 ounces (none)
fat-free mayonnaise
1/2 cup (none)
Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons (none)
dried thyme
1 teaspoon (none)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (none)
shredded reduced-fat cheese
1/2 cup (none)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions, omitting any fat or salt. Drain well and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
3
Gently fold in the drained tuna, sliced mushrooms, and thawed peas until well combined.
4
In a separate bowl, whisk together the nonfat sour cream, fat-free mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
5
Carefully fold the creamy mixture into the noodle and tuna mixture until evenly coated.
6
Transfer the entire mixture into a greased 9x13 inch casserole dish and spread it evenly.
7
Sprinkle the shredded reduced-fat cheese on top of the casserole.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is heated through.
9
Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your hearty and healthy meal!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Savory Light Tuna Noodle Bake?
It is a healthier version of the classic tuna noodle casserole that features protein-rich tuna, egg noodles, and a creamy sauce made with nonfat ingredients.
How many ounces of egg noodles are required?
The recipe calls for 12 ounces of uncooked egg noodles.
What type of tuna should I use for this bake?
You should use 12 ounces of tuna packed in water, and it should be drained before use.
What size baking dish is needed?
A greased 9x13 inch casserole dish is required for this recipe.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How long does the casserole need to bake?
It needs to bake for approximately 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and it is heated through.
Is this recipe low-fat?
Yes, it is designed as a low-fat, healthier alternative using nonfat sour cream, fat-free mayonnaise, and reduced-fat cheese.
What vegetables are included in this tuna bake?
The recipe includes one 12-ounce can of sliced mushrooms and one cup of thawed frozen peas.
How do I prepare the egg noodles?
Cook them according to the package instructions, but omit any fat or salt during the boiling process.
What ingredients make up the creamy sauce?
The sauce consists of nonfat sour cream, fat-free mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper.
Can I use this recipe for meal prep?
Yes, this dish is perfect for meal prep and busy weeknights.
What kind of cheese is used for the topping?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of shredded reduced-fat cheese.
How much Dijon mustard is used?
The recipe requires 2 teaspoons of Dijon mustard.
Do the frozen peas need to be cooked before adding them?
No, they just need to be thawed before being folded into the mixture.
Is this recipe suitable for Weight Watchers?
Yes, it is tagged as a Weight Watchers friendly recipe.
What seasonings are used in the bake?
The dish is seasoned with 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.
Do I need to drain the mushrooms?
Yes, the 12-ounce can of sliced mushrooms should be drained before adding to the noodles.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 11 ingredients listed for this recipe.
Should the casserole cool before serving?
Yes, it is recommended to let it cool for a few minutes after baking before serving.
What is the first step in preparing this dish?
The first step is to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
How do I combine the sauce and the noodles?
Whisk the sauce ingredients in a separate bowl first, then carefully fold the creamy mixture into the noodle and tuna mixture.
Can I add extra salt to the noodle water?
The instructions specifically suggest omitting salt when cooking the noodles to keep the recipe heart-healthy.
Is this considered a one-dish meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a one-dish meal because it combines protein, grains, and vegetables in one pan.
What is the texture of the sauce?
The sauce is described as creamy and tangy.
How much sour cream is in the recipe?
The recipe uses 16 ounces of nonfat sour cream.
Is the mayonnaise fat-free?
Yes, the recipe specifies 1/2 cup of fat-free mayonnaise.
Is this dish family-friendly?
Yes, it is a great way to feed the whole family while keeping an eye on health.
Can I use fresh thyme instead of dried?
While the recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, you can substitute fresh thyme, though you may need to adjust the quantity.
What makes this a 'guilt-free' meal?
It uses low-fat and nonfat dairy substitutes and lean protein to reduce the calorie and fat content compared to traditional casseroles.
How do I know when the noodles are ready to be mixed?
Cook them according to the package until tender, then drain them well before transferring to a mixing bowl.