Healthy Tuna Casserole Recipe

This healthy tuna casserole recipe is a spin on the classic 80’s dish that the whole family loves. Featuring a super easy, rich, and creamy sauce made from scratch and a cheesy topping, this budget-friendly meal is a winner.

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Easy bakes like this healthy tuna fish casserole are perfect for weeknight dinners. For more yummy tuna recipes, try this tuna avocado salad or these zucchini tuna melts. Check out all of our dinner recipes for more inspiration.

Why you will love this recipe

It is made with wholesome ingredients. There are no canned soups, panko breadcrumbs, or potato chips here.

Tuna is a high-quality yet affordable protein, making this dish budget-friendly.

Who doesn’t love healthier comfort food? The cheesy, creamy flavor is always welcome, and this dish is really nostalgic.

Ingredient Notes

Find the complete ingredient list, with measurements, in the recipe card below.

• Pasta – Elbows are the traditional choice for tuna casserole, but you can substitute egg noodles, fusilli, rotini, or penne noodles. I use a spelt based corkscrew. Fun and nutritious.
• Cream Cheese – This provides a creamy texture instead of canned soup.
• Mayonnaise – We use our homemade lemon mayonnaise. 
• Cheese – We like to use shredded cheddar cheese and recommend shredding your own. The pre-shredded products can contain additives. Parmesan cheese is also delicious with tuna.
• Garlic Powder – To add a bit of kick to the creamy sauce.
• Salt and Pepper – Essential seasonings to bring out the flavors in your recipe.
• Canned Tuna – We buy pole and line caught tuna, which is a sustainable fishing method. We generally choose albacore tuna – drawing from my experience, its tender texture is perfect for casseroles.
• Spinach – This adds a pop of green to the dish. You could use peas, which are typical, but I’m not a fan. PTSD from childhood. IYKYK.

Equipment

No fancy equipment required for this recipe.

• Saucepan – For cooking the noodles.
• Mixing Bowl and Spoon – Use these to combine the ingredients before baking. I actually use a small spatula to stir.
• Baking Dish – We use an 8×11 ceramic casserole dish for this recipe.

Instructions

Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom for the FULL recipe details.

Step 1

First, preheat the oven and lightly grease the casserole dish.

Step 2

Next, boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta according to the package directions.

Step 3

Meanwhile, while the noodles are cooking, add the softened cream cheese, mayo, shredded cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to a mixing bowl. 

Stir everything well to combine the mixture.

Step 4

Once the pasta is cooked to al dente, remove it from the heat and drain the water.

Step 5

Pour the hot pasta into the bowl with the cream cheese mixture and stir it well. The heat creates a lovely, creamy sauce.

Next, add the can of drained tuna to the bowl and stir again. 

Step 6

Lastly, stir in the spinach.

The warm pasta will slightly wilt the spinach, so there is no need to cook it beforehand.  

Step 7

Next, pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish.

Spread it evenly, then cover with the remaining shredded cheese.

Step 8

Finally, place the casserole dish in the oven and bake for 15 minutes.

If you like a crispier, browned top, turn on the broiler and broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes. Please keep an eye on it so nothing burns.

Substitutions and recipe variations

Typically, tuna casserole is made with frozen peas, which you can substitute for spinach if you prefer. Use one cup of frozen peas. Chopped kale is also a great substitute.

Bump up the nutrition by adding more vegetables such as mushrooms, yellow onion, and broccoli.

Experiment with different pasta, such as whole grain pasta or gluten-free pasta. Or substitute cauliflower rice instead of pasta for a low-carb option.

Switch up the protein and use poached chicken instead. Canned salmon also works well.

If you like a bit more crunch for the topping, mix in some breadcrumbs or ground flaxseed with the cheese. Try making your own bread crumbs for optimum freshness.

Serving suggestions

Serve this dish with a green side salad with a few cherry tomatoes and cucumber slices, all tossed together in a simple balsamic dressing. Or just a simple lettuce salad works too.

Garnish the plate with lemon wedges and brighten the taste by squeezing a splash of fresh lemon juice over the casserole.

Add more color and nutrition with a side of steamed or roasted veggies.

Sprinkle chopped fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or chives over the casserole just before serving to add a pop of freshness and color.

FAQS

Storage tips

To Store: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To Reheat: Preheat the oven to 350°F and bake in an oven-safe dish, covered with foil, for 20-25 minutes, until heated through. You can also use a microwave on medium power for 1 minute, stir, then heat in 30–45 second intervals until warmed through. Avoid high power as it can make the tuna rubbery.

More casserole recipes

*Originally posted September 25, 2023, and updated again February, 2026.*

If you’ve tried this healthy tuna noodle casserole recipe, please give me a rating and let me know how it turned out by leaving me a comment below. I’m always interested in feedback!

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