This is a childhood classic! Creamy homemade tuna helper with plenty of broccoli, peas, and fresh Parmigiano-Reggiano. It's so good, it takes 15 minutes and uses only one pot.
This dish is an absolute childhood favorite of mine. I wanted to make a homemade version that was just as good as I remembered.
And this is! I made sure the pasta sauce was super creamy, had lots of peas and broccoli, and plenty of tuna. Truly my childhood dream dinner.
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🥘 Ingredients
Fusilli Noodles: these spiral noodles will give you a look you want, but any noodles will work
Frozen Broccoli: make sure to get the kind that is already cut
Frozen Peas: I used half a bag, but you can adjust to your taste
Canned Light Tuna: light tuna has a softer texture, smaller flakier pieces, and a stronger flavor
Heavy Cream: for the creamy sauce
Parmesan Cheese: to give it that classic taste
Dill & Italian Seasoning: seasoned just like tuna helper
Salt: helps to bring out the flavors
Corn Starch: helps to thicken the sauce
🔪 How to Make Homemade Tuna Helper
1. Cook Pasta: Cook pasta 2 minutes shy of al dente ( the pasta packaging will give you estimated times)
2. Add Veggies: Add frozen broccoli and peas to the pot. Bring back to a boil and cook for 1 more minute.
3. Drain: Drain water and return pasta and veggies back to the pot. Place the pot back on the burner, and turn to medium-low heat.
4. Add Remaining Ingredients: Add in tuna, heavy cream, Parmesan, dill, Italian seasoning, salt, and corn starch. Mix. Let cook for 2-3 minutes, occasionally stirring, until the sauce thickens. Salt and pepper to taste.
🧀 Variations
Vegetables: You can add whatever frozen vegetable you have ( like carrots or corn) into this dish, I would keep the total amount to 12oz.
🥗 Sides
- Roasted Asparagus
- Glazed Carrots
- Fruit Salad
- Side Salad
🙋♀️ FAQ
Use any pasta shape you want, including egg noodles.
Creamy Tuna Casserole
Ingredients
- 8 oz fusilli noodles
- 6 oz frozen broccoli cuts
- 6 oz frozen peas
- 6 oz canned light tuna 2 cans
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 ½ cup parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried dill AND Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
Instructions
- Cook pasta 2 minutes shy of al dente ( the pasta packaging will give you estimated times).
- Add frozen broccoli and peas to the pot. Bring back to a boil and cook for 1 more minute.
- Drain water and return pasta and veggies back to the pot. Place pot back on the burner, turn to medium-low heat.
- Add in tuna, heavy cream, Parmesan, dill, Italian seasoning, salt, and corn starch. Mix. Let cook for 2-3 minutes, occasionally stirring, until the sauce thickens. Salt and pepper to taste.
Angel says
The dill seasoning was a spot on component. However, the parmesan cheese seemed foreign to my memory of the boxed dish.