Homemade Tuna Helper Recipe
This homemade tuna helper recipe is a creamy, comforting one-pan meal full of nostalgic flavor. This easy, cheesy dinner is ready in just about half an hour, making it a perfect way to to add some budget friendly variety to your weeknight rotation.
Did you grow up on Tuna Helper?
We sure had it a lot and now it is one of my favorite comfort meals.
But instead of using the boxed kind, I prefer to make this homemade tuna helper recipe so I can skip some of the preservatives and sodium and customize it just the way my family likes.
It’s something that comes together quick just like the boxed version but with ingredients you can feel good about using.
And it’s a tasty, budget friendly alternative to other proteins.
Ingredients
To make these you’ll need:
- Pasta– Egg noodles
- Butter and flour– To make a roux for the base of the cheese sauce
- Spices– Onion powder, garlic powder, salt and pepper
- Chicken broth– Use reduced sodium if you are watching salt intake
- Half and half– Let it come to room temperature
- Cheese– Shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan
- Tuna– 2 7 ounce drained, flaked cans of albacore tuna packed in water
How to Make
This homemade tuna helper recipe is pretty easy.
To make it start by cooking the pasta according to the package directions for ‘al dente’.
When the pasta is done, drain it and set it aside until the sauce is ready.
While the pasta cooks, melt the butter in a large pot set over medium heat.
Once the butter melts, whisk in the flour until the mixture turns a golden paste like consistency.
Stir in the seasonings.
Slowly pour in the broth, whisking the whole time to prevent any lumps.
Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Once the mixture simmers, turn down the heat and whisk in the half and half, whisking often.
Turn the heat back up and bring the mixture back to a simmer.
Let it simmer just until the sauce has thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon.
At this point, take the pot off the heat and stir in the cheeses until the cheese sauce is smooth.
Stir in the pasta and tuna until everything is evenly coated in sauce.
Serve warm and enjoy!
Storing Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the microwave until warmed through.
Tips and Tricks
- Want to add some veggies? Stir in some frozen peas, steamed broccoli, or sauteed mushrooms.
- Start making the sauce while the water for the pasta is coming to a boil so everything is ready right around the same time.
- Don’t substitute non fat half and half for this. You need the fat to help the sauce thicken and come together.
Other Tuna Recipes
This homemade tuna helper recipe is a delicious way to add some variety to your dinner table!
Make it and enjoy!
Looking for other tuna recipes?
Try these:
- Tuna Melt Sliders
- Dutch Oven Tuna Mornay
- Tuna Melt Stuffed Tomatoes
- Creamy Tuna Noodle Casserole
- Italian Tuna Salad
- Nonna’s Tuna Frittata
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Homemade Tuna Helper Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 12 oz bag egg noodle pasta
- 4 tbsp butter
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- salt & pepper to taste
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup half & half at room temperature
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 7 oz cans albacore tuna in water well drained & flaked
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to the package directions for 'al dente'. Drain and set aside.1 12 oz bag egg noodle pasta
- While the pasta cooks add the butter to a large pot set over medium heat. Once melted add the flour and whisk to combine. Add the seasonings and stir to combine.4 tbsp butter, 1/4 cup flour, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp garlic powder, salt & pepper
- Slowly pour in the broth whisking constantly to incorporate and prevent any lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer.2 cups chicken broth
- Turn down the heat and pour in the half & half, whisking often and bring the mixture back to a simmer. Cook just until the sauce has thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon.1 cup half & half
- Remove the pot from heat and add the cheeses, stirring to combine. Continue stirring until melted and smooth.2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Add the pasta and tuna to the pot and stir until evenly incorporated.2 7 oz cans albacore tuna in water
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Want to add some veggies? Stir in some frozen peas, steamed broccoli, or sauteed mushrooms.
- Start making the sauce while the water for the pasta is coming to a boil so everything is ready right around the same time.
- Don't substitute non fat half and half for this. You need the fat to help the sauce thicken and come together.
Nutrition
recipe adapted from The Salty Marshmallow
