Tuna Casserole with Walnut Crust

Name: Tuna Casserole with Walnut Crust
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons butter; 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 3/4 cup California walnuts, finely chopped; 4 tablespoons butter; 1 medium onion, finely chopped; 8 ounces cremini or baby bella mushrooms, sliced; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 2 cups whole milk; 1 cup vegetable broth; 8 ounces large pasta shells; 3 (5-oz.) cans water packed tuna, drained and flaked; 1 cup frozen petite peas; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh flat leaf parsley, plus additional for garnish; 2 cups shredded sharp white Cheddar cheese, divided

Total Time

1 Hr, 20 Mins

Serves

Serving Size

1 1/3 cups

Meal

Dinner

Description

This traditional tuna casserole is made from scratch using wholesome ingredients and is topped off with an unexpected crunchy walnut topping

Ingredients

Walnut Crust

2 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
3/4 cup California walnuts, finely chopped

Casserole

4 tablespoons butter
1 medium onion, finely chopped
8 ounces cremini or baby bella mushrooms, sliced
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
1 cup vegetable broth
8 ounces large pasta shells
3 (5-oz.) cans water packed tuna, drained and flaked
1 cup frozen petite peas
2 tablespoons chopped fresh flat leaf parsley, plus additional for garnish
2 cups shredded sharp white Cheddar cheese, divided

PREPARATION

To prepare crust, melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add breadcrumbs, salt and pepper and cook, stirring frequently, for 2 to 3 minutes or until breadcrumbs are golden brown. Transfer to a medium bowl and stir in walnuts; set aside.
Preheat oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 2 1/2-quart shallow baking dish.
To prepare casserole, cook pasta in boiling water until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
While pasta is cooking, melt butter in a very large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 to 7 minutes or until slightly softened and translucent. Increase heat to medium-high and add mushrooms and salt. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes more or until vegetables are tender and lightly browned.
Stir in flour and cook for about 1 minute. Gradually stir in milk and vegetable broth and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook, stirring frequently, for 5 minutes or until slightly thickened.
Stir pasta into vegetable mixture with tuna, peas and parsley. Remove from heat and stir in half the Cheddar cheese. Season with salt and pepper.
Spread into prepared baking dish and sprinkle with remaining cheese. Cover with walnut mixture.
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until bubbling on the edges and golden brown on top. Let stand 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley.

NUTRITION

Calories: 670 cal
Total Fat: 38 g
Saturated Fat: 70 g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 8.7 g
Monounsaturated Fat: 8.332 g
Cholesterol: 100 mg
Sodium: 790 mg
Carbohydrates: 48 g
Dietary Fiber: 4 g
Total Sugars: 9 g
Protein: 36 g
Vitamin D: 1 mcg
Calcium: 420 mg
Iron: 4 mg
Potassium: 690 mg