Homemade Tuna Noodle Recipe in One Pan

Tuna Noodle Helper and Hamburger Helper have always been favorites and a great time saver after a busy day at work. We have always enjoyed making them, but we're constantly trying to create healthier meals, boost the flavor, while cutting calories as much as possible, so we had to tackle reimagining the classic Tuna Helper. We love the idea of adding fresh veggies and knowing exactly what spices go into the homemade Tuna Helper. Plus, it’s really satisfying making a recipe like this that is just as easy as the box version, and it tastes even better!!!! And it takes one pan for this homemade tuna noodle helper recipe, which is ready in less than 20 minutes from start to finish!!

Tips for saving calories in this Homemade Tuna Noodle Helper Recipe

1. We used the No Yolks Noodles.
   • A 2-ounce serving of No Yolks egg noodles contains 200 calories. Yolk-free egg noodles are a great choice for a healthier option because they are cholesterol-free and lower in fat. By choosing these noodles, you save about 20 calories per serving. I realize it's not a huge difference, but as we've seen, every little bit of savings really adds up and can make a meaningful impact. So for this recipe it saved about 60 calories.
2. Solid White Albacore Tuna in water
   • We prefer Solid White Albacore Tuna in water and really like the taste and texture more. Plus, I always think tuna in oil is mushy, whereas tuna in water seems to be firmer and even denser. But the best part is that Solid White Tuna is the amount of calories saved. In this recipe, we used 9 ounces of Tuna, drained, which is approximately 210 calories. Tuna in Oil is approximately 510 calories. So, for this recipe, it saved 300 calories.
3. Low sodium Chicken broth
   • This is a preferance. We often make our own chicken broth but you never have enough chicken broth so I like to purchase the low sodium. The primary reason is we like to control the spices. Favorite saying is you can always add more salt you can't take it out.
4. Cream of Mushroom Soup
   • Using non-fat cream of mushroom soup in a dish like this tuna noodle helper recipe works fine in this recipe. The first couple of times we made the recipe, we used non-fat mushroom soup. This time we used regular mushroom soup (Yes, I bought the wrong soup!). It turned out the same, maybe a little creamier with the full fat cream of mushroom soup. The calorie savings are about 100 calories per recipe. This one is all about preference and what you happen to buy! The next time I make this, I'll use the regular cream of mushroom soup. The flavor and creaminess do make a small difference.

How to make this Homemade Tuna Noodle Helper Recipe

This is such a fun, easy recipe to make. I always like to get everything measured and ready to go before I start cooking.

Start by chopping the onions, celery, and carrots. Set aside

NOTE: We used fresh carrots, but frozen ones work great. If using frozen carrots, add them at the same time the peas are added.

One of the main requirements for this tuna noodle helper is Tuna! Haha

Open the Tuna and drain it. I find it easier to use the lid from the tuna can, but it can also be drained in a colander. Our dogs love it when we have tuna, and we let them drink the water. It's a major treat. But they can't have it often.

TIP: We use an electric can opener. Not sure why they call them electric can openers since they run on a battery! Anyway, I love this can opener and highly recommend it. When the can is opened, the lid is not sharp, so I don't worry about getting cut by the lid or can. I have no idea how this works, but it's really cool. This is the can opener we have. Here's a link if you are interested in purchasing one. Can opener link. They also come in great colors. This one matched in our kitchen. Just to let you know, if you are buying it from Amazon using our link, we get a small commission, but it doesn't affect the price you pay. And it really helps us pay for this blog.

Continue getting everything ready for the tuna noodle helper before you start cooking.

Created the cheese, and measure the noodles to ensure the right amount of noodles are added. Another one of my favorite tools in our kitchen is a food scale. I use it daily! It is an essential tool if you are trying to diet. We even measure our food portions. For example, if I want some chips. We weigh the bowl and then add the chips to get the number of servings desired or what I can have from a calorie standpoint. PRO DIET TIP: Use a small bowl so it appears that you have more food. This tricks the brain and really does work! Measure everything it's surprising how much weighing what you eat can help with a diet.

Plus, I can always make sure we both get the same amount of food!!! This scale is similar to the one we have. Our scale is at least 10 years old. They last for a very long time! This scale is similar to the one we have and has all the same features. Click here to see on Amazon.

Time to start cooking the homemade tuna noodle helper

This homemade tuna noodle helper casserole is a simple and cozy one-pan recipe that’s perfect for a quick meal. Just grab a large pan and a spoon to get started. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in the pan, then add the onions, celery, and carrots (if you're using frozen carrots, add them when you put in the frozen peas). Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon each of salt, garlic powder, and black pepper, and cook for a few minutes until the vegetables begin to soften. It’s a warm and inviting dish that comes together quickly and easily!

Once the veggies have softened, gently add the cream of mushroom soup and chicken broth. Stir everything together until well combined. Bring it to a boil, and then stir in the noodles.

TIP: Pour the chicken broth into the empty soup can. Swish it around to get all the soup out of the can. Hey I like to get every little bit of the soup!

Add the Noodles

Cook the noodles following the package instructions. For No Yolk noodles, this typically takes 8 to 10 minutes. We prefer to cook them for 8 minutes so they stay a little more al dente. Once the noodles are perfectly cooked, gently mix in the frozen peas (or drained canned peas), the drained tuna, and shredded cheese. Stir everything together and cook for a few more minutes until everything is warm and the broth becomes nice and thick and creamy.

Once everything in the Homemade Tuna Noodle casserole is heated through and the cheese is melted. Remove from heat, serve, and enjoy!!!

TIP: If you happen to have leftovers (though I doubt you will), the homemade tuna noodle casserole can be easily reheated in the microwave or the oven. We like to warm it in the oven at 350 degrees for about 20 minutes, or until it's nice and heated through. This is our preferred method because it helps keep the noodles from being rubbery and even creates some yummy crunchy edges.

We hope you enjoy this homemade tuna noodle helper casserole as much as we do!

Here are some other similar recipes we hope you'll also like!

• Quick and Tasty Turkey Taco Pasta Helper Recipe - All the flavors of a taco in a comforting pasta dish! Quick and Easy!
• Air Fryer Tuna Melt - Air Fryer Tuna Melt is a great way to enjoy a classic treat. Easy to make and really fun to eat. Lower in calories and full of flavor!!
• Tuna Fish Sandwich - This lower-in-fat Tuna Fish Sandwich recipe has everything there is to LOVE about tuna salad. It's creamy, tangy, and savory, and won't break your diet.
• The Perfect Tuna Pasta Salad - This classic Tuna Pasta Salad recipe will be a great addition to your summer BBQ parties. It's lower in calories and full of flavor.
• Tuna Cakes in the Air Fryer - Air Fryer Tuna Cakes are packed with flavor and are easy to make. Don't have an air fryer? Just pan fry for a fast dinner or appetizer.