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Healthy High-Protein Tuna Noodle Casserole Recipe for Easy Homemade Meals

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A lighter, healthier version of classic tuna noodle casserole using Greek yogurt for creaminess and a protein boost. Quick, satisfying, and perfect for weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (225 grams) elbow macaroni, cooked al dente
  • 2 cans (5 ounces/142 grams each) canned tuna, drained (preferably chunk light tuna in water)
  • 1 cup (240 ml) plain Greek yogurt, full-fat or 2%
  • 1 cup (150 grams) frozen peas, thawed
  • 1 cup (115 grams) shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup (240 ml) low-sodium chicken broth
  • ½ cup (50 grams) whole wheat breadcrumbs (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease your 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) baking dish.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces (225 grams) of elbow macaroni and cook until just al dente, about 7 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  3. While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 finely chopped small onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for another minute, stirring frequently.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup (240 ml) plain Greek yogurt, 1 cup (240 ml) low-sodium chicken broth, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, and 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice. Whisk until smooth. Season with ½ teaspoon dried thyme (optional), salt, and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  5. Add the sautéed onions and garlic, drained tuna, thawed peas, and half of the shredded sharp cheddar cheese (½ cup/57 grams) to the sauce. Gently fold in the cooked pasta until everything is evenly coated.
  6. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. If desired, sprinkle ½ cup (50 grams) whole wheat breadcrumbs over the cheese for a crunchy topping.
  7. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden brown. If breadcrumbs brown too fast, loosely cover the dish with foil for the last 10 minutes.
  8. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to help it set and make slicing easier.

Notes

Do not overcook pasta; al dente is key as noodles continue cooking in the oven. Drain tuna well to avoid watery casserole. Let casserole rest 5 minutes before serving to firm up. For a crunchy topping, use whole wheat breadcrumbs or broil for 1-2 minutes watching carefully. Adjust seasoning to taste and add extra broth or Greek yogurt if casserole looks dry before baking.

Nutrition

Keywords: tuna noodle casserole, healthy casserole, high protein, Greek yogurt, easy dinner, weeknight meal, comfort food, low calorie casserole

Find it online: https://sweetstirring.com/healthy-high-protein-tuna-noodle-casserole-recipe-for-easy-homemade-meals/