Are you ready to elevate your weeknight dinners with a dish that's as comforting as it is delicious? Introducing the Stuffed Shells Tuna Casserole—a delightful Italian-inspired recipe that combines creamy goodness with the satisfying bite of jumbo pasta shells. Perfect for busy families or anyone craving a hearty meal, this casserole is not just a feast for the eyes but also a symphony of flavors that will leave you wanting more. With just 45 minutes from prep to plate, you’ll wonder why you didn’t try this easy, crowd-pleasing recipe sooner! Dive in and discover how to make this irresistible dish that promises to become a new favorite in your kitchen!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Jumbo pasta shells
- Tuna
- Cream of mushroom soup
- Cheddar cheese
- Onion
- Peas
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it's ready for baking the casserole.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the jumbo pasta shells and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the filling. In a medium skillet, heat a small amount of oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained tuna, sautéed onion, cream of mushroom soup, frozen peas, and half of the cheddar cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix until well combined.
- Once the pasta shells are cool enough to handle, carefully stuff each shell with the tuna mixture. Place the stuffed shells in a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
- After all the shells are filled and arranged in the baking dish, pour any remaining tuna mixture over the top. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese evenly over the stuffed shells.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. This will help keep the casserole moist.
- After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges are lightly golden.
- Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This will help the filling set slightly.
- Serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy your Stuffed Shells Tuna Casserole!
Tips
- Perfectly Cooked Pasta: To ensure your jumbo pasta shells are perfectly al dente, remember to cook them just until they are firm to the bite. Overcooking can lead to mushy shells, which won’t hold up well when stuffed.
- Flavor Boost: For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding some garlic powder or Italian seasoning to the tuna mixture. Fresh herbs like parsley or basil can also brighten the dish.
- Cheese Variations: Feel free to mix and match your cheeses! While cheddar is delicious, adding mozzarella or even a sprinkle of Parmesan can give your casserole a unique twist.
- Make Ahead: This dish is perfect for meal prep! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance and keep it in the refrigerator until you're ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if baking straight from the fridge.
- Garnish: For a pop of color and freshness, garnish your casserole with chopped fresh herbs or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes before serving.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair your Stuffed Shells Tuna Casserole with a crisp green salad or some garlic bread to round out your meal and impress your guests.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
