Lighter Cheesy Tuna Noodle Casserole (without Canned Cream Soup)

Step 1

Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package directions but one or two minutes less than the package calls for. Drain and set aside. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

Step 2

Soften up the vegetables: While pasta is cooking, in a large nonstick skillet sprayed with misto olive oil or cooking spray, over medium-high heat, saute the onion, celery, and carrots (if using raw) for about 5 minutes to soften them. Add in the garlic. Continue to cook for about a minute or two, until garlic becomes fragrant. Add in the mushrooms and continue to cook vegetables until they are all soft. Add in frozen peas and thyme. ( add in frozen carrots now if using frozen) Take off heat and set aside.

Step 3

Make the sauce: In the same pan you cooked the pasta in, melt the butter on med-high heat. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk. Cook for one minute while whisking. Slowly pour in the milk while continuing to whisk. Add in the chicken broth. Continue to cook and stir until it begins to thicken. Cook one more minute. Take off heat. Season with salt and pepper. Whisk in the Dijon mustard, cheese, and tuna.

Step 4

Assemble the casserole: Spray a 13" x 9" baking pan with cooking spray. Add the reserved cooked pasta and the reserved softened vegetables to the sauce. Stir to combine. Pour into prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with crushed crackers.

Step 5

Bake in oven for about 30 minutes or until the casserole is hot and bubbly. Allow to cool for 5 minutes before serving.