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If you’re searching for a comforting, soul-satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Creamy Tuna Noodle Casserole with Cheddar, Parmesan, and Crispy Ritz Topping Recipe is your new best friend. It’s everything you love about classic tuna noodle casserole, but amped up with rich cream cheese and heavy cream for that irresistible creamy texture, sharp cheddar and pungent parmesan cheeses for layers of flavor, and a golden, crunchy Ritz cracker topping that adds the perfect contrast. Whether you’re feeding the family or whipping up a cozy dinner for one, this dish promises a delightful mix of tender noodles, savory tuna, bright peas, and a luscious sauce that’s truly unforgettable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the ingredient list intimidate you because each item is simple and essential, working together to build a symphony of flavors, textures, and colors. From creamy cheeses to crunchy topping, every component plays a part in turning this casserole into a true crowd-pleaser.
- 3 cups uncooked egg noodles: The perfect base with a tender, slightly chewy bite to soak up the creamy sauce.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a subtle richness and helps gently sauté the vegetables.
- 1 medium onion (chopped): Brings sweetness and depth when cooked down.
- 3 sticks celery (chopped small): Adds a fresh crunch and aromatic complexity.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Provides that unmistakable savory kick and fragrance.
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened): Creates the luscious, velvety texture that defines this recipe’s creamy sauce.
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream: Enhances richness and smoothness, melding all flavors perfectly.
- 1/4 cup chicken broth: Balances the sauce with a touch of savory depth.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Gives a gentle tang and a sophisticated layer of flavor.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Brings a subtle umami boost and complexity.
- Salt & pepper (to taste): Essential seasoning to make all flavors pop.
- 1 cup grated cheddar cheese: Sharp and creamy, melting beautifully into the sauce.
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese: Adds nuttiness and a touch of saltiness.
- 1 cup frozen peas: Brightens the dish with sweetness and a pop of green color.
- 12 ounces canned tuna (drained): The star protein, flaky and tender, making this meal hearty and satisfying.
- 1/4 cup melted butter: Essential for binding the topping and achieving that crispy golden crust.
- 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers or panko breadcrumbs: The secret to that irresistible crunchy topping you’ll be dreaming about.
How to Make Creamy Tuna Noodle Casserole with Cheddar, Parmesan, and Crispy Ritz Topping Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by setting your oven to 375°F and position the rack near the top third—this helps achieve the perfect crispy topping. While the oven warms, get all your ingredients ready: chop, measure, and soften your cream cheese. For the butter, a quick microwave melt works wonders and saves time.
Step 2: Cook the Egg Noodles
Boil your egg noodles, but be sure to undercook them slightly by about two minutes less than the package suggests. This keeps them from turning mushy during baking. Drain and transfer these noodles immediately to your 9×13 casserole dish, which will be their warm home for the final assembly.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
In a skillet over medium-high heat, warm the olive oil before adding onion and celery. Cook these until they soften and release their natural sweetness—about 5 minutes. Toss in the minced garlic for 30 seconds to unleash its aroma, then promptly move this flavor-packed mixture into the casserole dish with the noodles.
Step 4: Whip Up the Creamy Sauce
Using the same skillet (no need for extra washing!), turn the heat to medium and add the softened cream cheese. Stir continuously as you slowly pour in the heavy cream, chicken broth, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and season lightly with salt and pepper. Whisking almost continuously, blend these ingredients for about 5 minutes until the sauce becomes silky-smooth and coats the back of a spoon—think a soft Alfredo consistency. If it thickens too quickly, splash in a bit more cream to keep it just right.
Step 5: Add the Cheeses and Mix-ins
Switch off the heat and fold in the sharp cheddar and freshly grated parmesan cheeses. Their creamy melt forms the heart of this sauce, making every bite rich and flavorful. Next, gently incorporate the frozen peas and your flaky tuna, folding everything into the sauce with care so you preserve the tender texture of the tuna while spreading the veggies evenly.
Step 6: Combine, Top, and Bake
Pour the creamy mixture over the noodles and sautéed vegetables in the casserole dish. Toss gently to coat every noodle, then spread it out evenly to ensure uniform baking. Stir your melted butter into the crushed Ritz crackers, creating a luscious topping that will turn golden and crispy. Sprinkle this liberally over the casserole and pop it into the oven, uncovered, for 20 minutes. The result is a bubbling, golden masterpiece ready to wow your taste buds.
How to Serve Creamy Tuna Noodle Casserole with Cheddar, Parmesan, and Crispy Ritz Topping Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives added after baking not only boosts the visual appeal but also adds a fresh, herbaceous note that balances all that cheesy, creamy goodness. For a bit of zing, a few cracks of fresh black pepper on top work wonders!
Side Dishes
This casserole shines on its own but pairs beautifully with crisp green salads dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette, or a side of roasted seasonal vegetables for added color and nutrition. Garlic bread or a warm baguette is a classic companion to soak up any leftover creamy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress at a dinner party? Serve individual portions in oven-safe ramekins topped with the crispy Ritz crust for a personal touch. Alternatively, layer the casserole in glass baking dishes so the vibrant layers peek through for a truly inviting presentation that will have guests eagerly reaching for seconds.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers of this Creamy Tuna Noodle Casserole with Cheddar, Parmesan, and Crispy Ritz Topping Recipe should be cooled completely before transferring to airtight containers. Stored in the refrigerator, it will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it a convenient, ready-to-reheat meal for busy days.
Freezing
If you want to prep ahead on a bigger scale, this casserole freezes well. Freeze it before baking by tightly wrapping the assembled dish with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. It can stay frozen for up to 3 months. When you are ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.
Reheating
To reheat and recapture that crispy Ritz topping, bake your leftovers uncovered at 350°F for about 20 minutes until warmed through and bubbling. Alternatively, microwave portions covered briefly and then pop under a broiler for a couple of minutes to crisp up the topping again.
FAQs
Can I use fresh tuna instead of canned tuna?
While fresh tuna can be used, canned tuna is ideal for this casserole because it flakes easily and blends seamlessly into the creamy sauce. Fresh tuna would require cooking and may change the texture and cooking time of the dish.
Is this casserole gluten-free?
The base recipe is not gluten-free due to egg noodles and Ritz crackers. However, you can substitute gluten-free noodles and gluten-free breadcrumbs or crackers to make a delicious gluten-free version without sacrificing flavor.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
This casserole relies heavily on creamy cheeses for its signature flavor and texture, but you can experiment with dairy-free cream cheese, plant-based cream alternatives, and dairy-free cheddar and parmesan-style cheeses for a dairy-free version. Keep in mind the texture and taste will vary.
How can I add more vegetables?
Feel free to sneak in extra veggies like diced carrots, mushrooms, or spinach. Just sauté them alongside the onion and celery to soften and incorporate nicely into the casserole.
What type of tuna is best for this casserole?
Chunk light tuna packed in water is typically preferred for casseroles because it offers good flavor and flakes well without overpowering the dish. Albacore tuna is milder and firmer but might be pricier; either option works based on your preference.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about this Creamy Tuna Noodle Casserole with Cheddar, Parmesan, and Crispy Ritz Topping Recipe—a perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, savory, and crunchy elements that make every forkful a delight. Whether it’s a weeknight meal or a nostalgic family favorite, I can’t recommend enough giving this comforting joy a spot at your table. Trust me, it will quickly become one of your cherished go-to recipes for cozy, satisfying dinners.
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Creamy Tuna Noodle Casserole with Cheddar, Parmesan, and Crispy Ritz Topping Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Description
This creamy and comforting Tuna Noodle Casserole is a classic family favorite featuring tender egg noodles, savory tuna, and a rich cheese sauce made with cream cheese, heavy cream, and cheddar. Topped with a buttery Ritz cracker crust and baked to golden perfection, it’s an easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 3 cups uncooked egg noodles
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 sticks celery, chopped small
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup frozen peas
Sauce
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Protein
- 12 ounces canned tuna, drained
Topping
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers or panko breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and position the rack in the top third of the oven to ensure even baking and browning of the casserole topping.
- Prepare Ingredients: Gather and prep all ingredients—chop onions, celery, mince garlic, soften cream cheese, and melt the butter in a small bowl using the microwave. Set aside until ready to use.
- Cook Noodles: Boil the egg noodles according to package instructions but cook them 2 minutes less than directed to keep them firm. Drain and transfer the noodles into a 9×13-inch casserole dish evenly.
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion and celery and sauté for 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add Garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds to release its aroma, then transfer all sautéed vegetables to the casserole dish with the noodles.
- Make Sauce: Using the same skillet on medium heat, combine softened cream cheese, heavy cream, chicken broth, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and salt & pepper. Whisk constantly for about 5 minutes until the cream cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy, similar to Alfredo sauce. If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash more cream.
- Add Cheeses: Turn off the heat, then stir in grated cheddar and Parmesan cheese until fully melted into the sauce.
- Combine Tuna and Peas: Flake the drained canned tuna with a fork directly in the can, add it along with frozen peas into the sauce mixture, then pour this over the noodles and sautéed vegetables in the casserole dish. Toss gently to coat everything evenly and spread the mixture evenly.
- Prepare Topping: Mix the melted butter with crushed Ritz crackers or panko breadcrumbs in a bowl until the crumbs are well coated.
- Bake: Sprinkle the buttery cracker topping evenly over the casserole. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 20 minutes until the topping is golden brown and crispy.
Notes
- For extra richness, you can substitute half the heavy cream with whole milk.
- Use fresh Parmesan and sharp cheddar for better flavor and melting quality.
- Cook noodles al dente to prevent them from becoming mushy during baking.
- Feel free to swap Ritz crackers with panko for a crunchier topping.
- Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes after baking for easier serving.
