Description
This Healthy Tuna Noodle Casserole is a delicious and nutritious pasta bake combining tender pasta, sautéed vegetables, hearty tuna, and a flavorful tomato sauce, topped with melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a wholesome weeknight meal, it features fresh ingredients and simple steps for a comforting dish that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 3 cups small pasta shape, dry (I used rigatoni)
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1/4 cup olive oil (divided)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Optional: 1 small onion, diced
- 1 large bell pepper, cored and chopped
- 1 cup carrots, chopped (approx. 2-4 carrots, depending on size)
- 8 large green olives, chopped (approx. 1/2 cup)
- 2 cups baby spinach
Protein & Sauce
- 4 cans tuna, drained (approx. 5 oz cans, chunk light or solid white)
- 2 cups tomato sauce (e.g. marinara)
Seasoning & Topping
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, freshly grated or shredded
- Optional: chopped basil or green onion, to garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F to ensure it reaches the right temperature while you prepare the casserole ingredients.
- Cook Pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta thoroughly and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and diced onion (if using), and sauté for about 2 minutes until fragrant and lightly browned.
- Cook Vegetables: Add chopped bell peppers, carrots, and olives to the pan. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently until the vegetables are slightly softened.
- Add Spinach and Tuna: Stir in the baby spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes. Then fold in the drained tuna and tomato sauce. Season generously with salt and pepper. Remove the pan from heat.
- Combine Pasta and Mixture: Transfer the sautéed vegetable and tuna mixture into a large baking dish. Add the cooked pasta and the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Gently stir everything together until well combined.
- Prepare for Baking: Spread the pasta mixture evenly in the baking dish, trying to expose more pasta on top to achieve a nice crisp texture. Evenly sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and lightly browned.
- Serve: Remove from oven and garnish with optional chopped basil or green onion if desired. Serve hot and enjoy your healthy tuna noodle casserole!
Notes
- You can use any small pasta shape such as rigatoni, penne, or elbow macaroni.
- Drain the tuna well to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.
- Feel free to substitute cheddar cheese with mozzarella or a cheese blend if preferred.
- For additional flavor, you may add herbs like oregano or thyme into the tomato sauce while cooking.
- This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
