tuna helper recipe
: A quick, comforting one-pot pasta dish with tender tuna, sharp cheddar, and a rich, creamy sauce. Ready in 30 minutes!
Ingredients
- 8 oz elbow macaroni or egg noodles
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups milk whole or 2%
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 5 oz cans tuna in water, drained
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: ½ cup frozen peas thawed or diced celery
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In the same pot, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour to form a roux (1–2 mins).
- Slowly pour in milk and broth, whisking constantly until smooth. Simmer 3–5 mins until thickened.
- Stir in cheese until melted, then add garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Fold in drained tuna (and peas/celery if using) and cooked pasta. Heat through (2–3 mins).
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot with extra black pepper or parsley!
Notes
- Gluten-free: Use GF pasta and swap flour for 1 tbsp cornstarch (mix with cold milk first).
- Dairy-free: Use vegan butter, unsweetened plant-based milk, and dairy-free cheese.
- Boost flavor: Add a dash of hot sauce, lemon zest, or 1 tsp Dijon mustard.
- Protein swap: Replace tuna with canned chicken or cooked chickpeas.