Tuna Casserole with Walnut Crust

By Le Petit Chef
Total Time
1 Hr, 20 Mins
Serves
6
Serving Size
1 1/3 cups
Meal
Dinner
Course
Main

DESCRIPTION

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

Prep Time
25 Mins
Cook Time
55 Mins
Total Time
1 Hr, 20 Mins
Calories
670
Total Fat
38
Saturated Fat
70
Polyunsaturated Fat
8.7
Monounsaturated Fat
8.332
Cholesterol
100
Sodium
790
Carbohydrates
48
Dietary Fiber
4
Total Sugars
9
Protein
36
Vitamin D
1
Calcium
420
Iron
4
Potassium
690

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

  1. 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.
  2. Preheat oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 2 1/2-quart shallow baking dish.
  3. To prepare casserole, cook pasta in boiling water until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. Spread into prepared baking dish and sprinkle with remaining cheese. Cover with walnut mixture.
  8. 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.