This one-pan tuna noodle casserole is the ultimate shortcut comfort food—creamy, savory, and packed with flavor while still being incredibly easy to prepare.
Using fully cooked pasta and pantry staples, this dish comes together in minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you need something warm, hearty, and satisfying without a lot of effort.
Brightened with fresh lemon and layered with tender tuna, spinach, and melted cheese, this casserole strikes a perfect balance between rich and refreshing.
The crispy potato chip topping adds a crave-worthy crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling, turning a simple classic into something irresistibly delicious.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 35 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Servings: 6
Ingredients
- Cooking spray
- 1 (10.5 ounce) can reduced-fat, reduced-sodium condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup milk
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
- 3 (7 ounce) packages fully cooked gemelli or rotini pasta
- 1 (12-ounce) can chunk white tuna, drained
- 1 (10-ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped roasted red pepper or diced pimiento
- 1 (1.5-ounce) bag sour cream and onion or plain potato chips, crushed
Directions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly coat a 2-quart baking dish with cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, lemon juice, lemon zest, Worcestershire sauce, and crushed red pepper until smooth.
- Stir in the cooked pasta, tuna, spinach, shredded cheese, green onions, and roasted red pepper until evenly combined.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- Sprinkle crushed potato chips over the top.
- Cover loosely with foil and bake for about 25 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes, or until hot, bubbly, and lightly golden on top.
Chefs Notes
- For extra flavor, use flavored potato chips like sour cream and onion or cheddar.
- Make sure to squeeze as much moisture as possible from the spinach to avoid a watery casserole.
- You can substitute Monterey Jack with cheddar or mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
- Add a handful of frozen peas or mushrooms for extra texture and nutrition.
- This dish reheats well, making it great for leftovers or meal prep.