Creamy Tuna Noodle Casserole

Featured in: Savory Quick Bites

This dish blends tender egg noodles with a rich tuna and mushroom sauce, accented by peas and cheddar cheese for depth of flavor. The topping combines crushed Ritz crackers, melted butter, and Parmesan for a crispy golden finish. Baked until bubbling and golden, it’s an easy, wholesome meal ideal for gatherings or weeknight dinners. Variations include sautéed mushrooms or cream of celery soup for added flair.

Preparation involves cooking noodles al dente, folding them into the creamy mixture, and baking until the Ritz crumb crust is perfectly crispy. This satisfying dish offers a balanced protein and carb profile with comforting notes from dairy and seasoning, making it a popular and nourishing option.

Updated on Fri, 21 Nov 2025 08:58:00 GMT
Golden brown Creamy Tuna Noodle Casserole with a crispy Ritz cracker topping, ready for serving. Save
Golden brown Creamy Tuna Noodle Casserole with a crispy Ritz cracker topping, ready for serving. | collationspot.com

A comforting classic featuring tender noodles, creamy tuna sauce, and a buttery golden Ritz cracker topping—perfect for family dinners or potlucks.

This casserole has always been a favorite at my family gatherings, bringing everyone together around the table.

Ingredients

  • Pasta: 12 oz (340 g) egg noodles
  • Casserole Mixture: 2 cans (5 oz/140 g each) tuna in water, drained
  • Casserole Mixture: 1 can (10.5 oz/300 g) condensed cream of mushroom soup
  • Casserole Mixture: 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk
  • Casserole Mixture: 1 cup (115 g) frozen peas, thawed
  • Casserole Mixture: 1 cup (120 g) shredded cheddar cheese
  • Casserole Mixture: 1/2 cup (120 ml) sour cream
  • Casserole Mixture: 1/2 small onion, finely chopped
  • Casserole Mixture: 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • Casserole Mixture: 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • Casserole Mixture: 1/4 tsp salt
  • Topping: 1 sleeve (about 30) Ritz crackers, crushed
  • Topping: 3 tbsp (45 g) unsalted butter, melted
  • Topping: 2 tbsp (15 g) grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

Step 1:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish.
Step 2:
Cook egg noodles in a large pot of salted boiling water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 3:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained tuna, cream of mushroom soup, milk, peas, cheddar cheese, sour cream, onion, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. Fold in the cooked noodles until evenly coated.
Step 4:
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
Step 5:
In a small bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter (and Parmesan cheese, if using). Sprinkle evenly over the casserole.
Step 6:
Bake uncovered for 25 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling.
Step 7:
Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Steaming hot Creamy Tuna Noodle Casserole, a family-friendly dish bursting with creamy flavors. Save
Steaming hot Creamy Tuna Noodle Casserole, a family-friendly dish bursting with creamy flavors. | collationspot.com

This dish always brings back fond memories of family dinners where everyone asks for seconds.

Required Tools

Large pot, strainer, mixing bowls, 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish, oven

Allergen Information

Contains wheat (noodles crackers), milk (cheese butter sour cream), fish (tuna). May contain soy (soup), egg (noodles). Always check labels for hidden allergens.

Nutritional Information

Calories 420. Total Fat 22 g. Carbohydrates 38 g. Protein 20 g per serving.

A close-up of a bubbling Creamy Tuna Noodle Casserole with a buttery cracker crust, very inviting. Save
A close-up of a bubbling Creamy Tuna Noodle Casserole with a buttery cracker crust, very inviting. | collationspot.com

This creamy tuna noodle casserole will quickly become a staple in your recipe collection.

Recipe Help

What type of noodles work best?

Egg noodles are ideal for their texture and ability to hold the creamy sauce well.

Can I substitute the mushroom soup?

Yes, you can use cream of celery or chicken soup for a different flavor profile.

How to achieve a crispy topping?

Mix crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter and Parmesan cheese, then bake until golden brown.

Is it possible to prepare ahead of time?

You can assemble the dish in advance, refrigerate, and bake before serving for convenience.

Any suggestions for added veggies?

Sautéed mushrooms or diced celery add extra flavor and texture to the mixture.

Creamy Tuna Noodle Casserole

Tender noodles with creamy tuna sauce and a golden Ritz cracker topping for comforting meals.

Prep Time
15 min
Time to Cook
35 min
Overall Time
50 min
Created by Chloe Martin


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type American

Makes 6 Portions

Special Diets None specified

What You’ll Need

Pasta

01 12 oz egg noodles

Casserole Mixture

01 2 cans (5 oz each) tuna in water, drained
02 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
03 1 cup whole milk
04 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
05 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
06 1/2 cup sour cream
07 1/2 small onion, finely chopped
08 1/2 tsp garlic powder
09 1/2 tsp black pepper
10 1/4 tsp salt

Topping

01 1 sleeve (about 30) Ritz crackers, crushed
02 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
03 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

How-To

Step 01

Preheat oven and prepare dish: Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.

Step 02

Cook noodles: Boil egg noodles in salted water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 03

Mix casserole ingredients: Combine drained tuna, cream of mushroom soup, milk, peas, cheddar cheese, sour cream, onion, garlic powder, pepper, and salt in a large bowl. Fold in cooked noodles until evenly coated.

Step 04

Assemble casserole: Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.

Step 05

Prepare topping: Mix crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter and Parmesan cheese if using. Sprinkle evenly over casserole.

Step 06

Bake: Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes until golden brown and bubbling.

Step 07

Rest before serving: Allow casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Gear Needed

  • Large pot
  • Strainer
  • Mixing bowls
  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Oven

Allergy Details

Review every item for allergens and connect with your healthcare provider if you’re unsure.
  • Contains wheat, milk, fish; may contain soy and egg.

Nutrition Breakdown (each serving)

Info for reference only—don’t take this as expert medical guidance.
  • Caloric Value: 420
  • Lipids: 22 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Proteins: 20 g