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Skinny Tuna Noodle Casserole - Healthy Comfort Food Made Lighter

This lightened-up tuna noodle casserole proves that comfort food doesn't have to be heavy on calories. By swapping traditional cream-based sauces for Greek yogurt and using smart ingredient choices, we've created a healthier version that's just as satisfying as the classic.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 320
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 8 ounces whole wheat egg noodles
  • 2 cans (5 oz each) water-packed tuna, drained
  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 cup low-fat milk
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup reduced-fat shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Cook the whole wheat egg noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside. While the noodles cook, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and chopped celery, cooking until softened, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  3. Reduce heat to low and stir in Greek yogurt and low-fat milk. Add dried thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir continuously until the sauce is smooth and well combined. Be careful not to boil the sauce to prevent curdling.
  4. Add the drained tuna, frozen peas, and cooked noodles to the skillet. Gently fold everything together until evenly coated with the sauce. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
  5. Sprinkle the reduced-fat cheddar cheese evenly over the casserole, followed by the whole wheat breadcrumbs. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly around the edges.
  6. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Notes

Choose water-packed tuna to reduce calories, cook noodles al dente to prevent mushiness, and feel free to customize with additional vegetables like carrots or spinach. The casserole can be assembled ahead and refrigerated for up to a day before baking.