Description
This Homemade Tuna Helper is a quick and comforting one-pot meal featuring tender egg noodles tossed in a creamy sauce loaded with peas, corn, and flaked tuna, enhanced by Parmesan cheese and a hint of Dijon mustard. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s a perfect family-friendly dinner that’s both easy and delicious.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 ounces egg noodles
Sauce
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
- 1/2 cup frozen green peas
- 1/2 cup frozen corn
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon coarse kosher salt
Protein & Garnish
- 2 cans (5 ounces each) tuna in water, drained and flaked
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (divided)
Instructions
- Cook the noodles: Prepare the egg noodles according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the onion: In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the finely chopped yellow onion and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Make the roux: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the onions and cook, stirring constantly, for 2 to 3 minutes. This will remove the raw flour taste and start the thickening process.
- Add milk gradually: Slowly whisk in the milk, ensuring the mixture is smooth. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce begins to thicken slightly.
- Incorporate flavor and veggies: Stir in the frozen peas, frozen corn, softened cream cheese, grated Parmesan, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. Continue stirring and cooking for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce becomes creamy and all ingredients are well combined.
- Combine noodles and tuna: Add the cooked noodles, flaked tuna, and 1 tablespoon of chopped parsley into the creamy sauce. Stir gently for about 1 minute to evenly distribute all ingredients.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle the remaining parsley on top for freshness and visual appeal. Serve the Homemade Tuna Helper warm for a comforting meal.
Notes
- Use whole or 2% milk for a creamier texture; skim milk may result in a thinner sauce.
- Drain the tuna well to avoid excess moisture in the dish.
- Feel free to add other frozen vegetables such as carrots or broccoli florets for added nutrition.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch slurry.
- Leftovers refrigerate well for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
