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barefoot contessa tuna casserole

Barefoot Contessa Tuna Casserole Recipe

Barefoot Contessa Tuna Casserole combines tender pasta, savory tuna, and creamy sauce. It is an irresistible combo that is a filling and comforting food for any occasion. We made this recipe simple so you can prepare this tuna casserole without effort.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 344 kcal
Equipment
  • Small pot
  • baking dish
  • bowl
Ingredients
  
  • 2 cans (6 oz. each) of solid light tuna
  • 3/4 pound elbow macaroni
  • 1 cup panko
  • 1/2 ounce Parmesan cheese
  • 4 tsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 yellow onion
  • 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 1/2 cups chicken broth (low-sodium)
  • 1 1/2 cups whole milk
  • Water (drained and flaked)
  • 1 cup frozen peas (thawed)
  • Coarse salt and ground pepper
Instructions
 
  • Preheat an oven to 425𐩑F. Then prepare your pasta according to the instructions on the package. 
    However, it's essential to cook it 2 minutes less than specified in the directions. Once cooked, drain pasta and set aside. 
  • Prepare the topping: mix panko, Parmesan, and 2 teaspoons of olive oil in a large bowl. 
  • Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a medium pot and add finely diced onion. Season with salt and pepper and cook for about 8 minutes until the onion gets soft. 
  • Coat the onion in flour and whisk well. Then pour the milk and broth softly while whisking. Bring the sauce to a boil, stirring continuously.
    Stir the sauce frequently as it simmers until it thickens. It should take about 8-10 minutes.
  • Toss your cooked pasta with canned tuna and peas—season with salt and pepper, some other seasonings, or fresh herbs like fresh dill or rosemary.
  • Fill a greased 9x13 baking dish with the pasta and tuna mixture. Add panko mixture on top and ensure the dish is completely covered. 
  • Place the casserole dish in an oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes until the sauce bubbles and the crust is golden brown. 
    Once baked, remove your tuna casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition
Calories: 344kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 20gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5.7gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 778mgPotassium: 294mgFiber: 2.8gSugar: 1.8g
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