Description
This homemade Tuna Helper recipe is a comforting, quick, and easy one-pot meal featuring tender elbow macaroni, a creamy cheese sauce, and flaky tuna. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it combines pantry staples into a hearty American-style main course with optional veggies for added nutrition.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 oz elbow macaroni or shell pasta
Protein
- 1 can (5 oz) tuna in water, drained
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Optional Add-ins
- ½ cup frozen peas (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Prepare the elbow macaroni or shell pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside for later use.
- Make the Roux: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for about 1 minute to create a smooth roux, which serves as the base for the sauce.
- Prepare the Cheese Sauce: Slowly whisk in the milk to the roux, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Continue cooking and stirring until the sauce thickens, about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Season and Add Cheese: Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Then add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir continuously until the cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes smooth.
- Combine Tuna and Vegetables: Fold in the drained tuna and the frozen peas if using, gently mixing them into the cheese sauce.
- Add Cooked Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and stir everything together until well combined and heated through.
- Serve: Serve the tuna pasta warm as a satisfying main course.
Notes
- You can substitute the tuna with canned chicken for a different protein option.
- Add extra vegetables like corn or chopped bell peppers for more color and nutrition.
- Use whole wheat pasta to increase fiber content and make the dish healthier.
