Tuna and Noodles is so simple yet so crave-able! With just a few ingredients, this kid-friendly dinner is on the table in no time! They’ll love the taste and you’ll love how easy it is.
With canned tuna and elbow macaroni, this is a nostalgic recipe that screams comfort food. It’s a tasty dinner recipe that you can use whenever you need something quick and delicious.
This post was originally published on June 13, 2016 and has now been updated with more details so you can make it perfectly every time!
Did your mom make tuna and noodles for you when you were a kid? Mine did and I LOVED it. I forgot about it for years but then remembered that it would be a fantastic meal idea for those super busy days.
This pasta recipe is one that my mom used to make for us when I was little. As an adult, I love to make dishes that remind me of her (and that I’ve stolen and made my own).
Like her Chicken Eden Isle and White Chicken Green Chili Enchilada Casserole, this one is nostalgic and crazy tasty.
Why This Recipe Works
Tuna Casserole is a classic dish and this Tuna and Noodles recipe basically takes the best parts and makes it its own dish.
Pasta is a staple in most homes, especially when you need to throw together a quick dinner. But this one uses tuna and a little mayo and kicks that traditional red sauce to the curb.
I may have recipes with mayonnaise on this site (like Mayo Cookies and Chocolate Mayo Cupcakes), but I HATE mayonnaise. This is one of two recipes I use mayo in.
So if you also don’t like this gloppy gross condiment, I implore you to give it a try at least once.
If your kids will tolerate a tuna sandwich, they’ll enjoy this dinner idea. Tuna is high in protein and low in fat so it’s a great way to fill up bellies.
In about 20 minutes, dinner is served! And best of all, you only dirty one pan!
If you need more easy dinner ideas check out my Tortilla Soup, Jazzed Up Store-Bought Ravioli, and Chicken and Farro with Rosa Sauce.
Ingredients
- Tuna
- Elbow Noodles
- Mayonnaise
- Seasoned Salt
- Corn Chips
See the printable recipe card below for full quantities.
While they aren’t pictured, the seasoned salt and corn chips are essential to making this Tuna and Noodles recipe as delicious as possible. Do not skip!
Directions
To a medium-sized saucepan, boil water and make the elbow macaroni following the directions on the package. (Typically, it’s boil the noodles for about 10 minutes).
Drain the pasta.
Add the mayonnaise and drained tuna.
Mix well, breaking up any large chunks of tuna as you go.
Add seasoned salt, to taste.
To serve, spoon a portion into a bowl. Top with corn chips. And EAT!
Corn chips are a MUST! The salt is perfect for this dish and the crunch adds another texture that you are sure to love!
The best part about this meal? It’s great cold the next day for lunch leftovers! My youngest son loves this dish and so do I! It’s on our shortlist of quick weeknight dinner ideas.
Tips
- You can use a different type of noodle if you prefer. You can even use something like fettucine.
- You can add in some peas and/or carrots to make it feel a little bit more like tuna casserole.
- If you really can’t stomach mayonnaise, you can try Greek Yogurt (plain). That is what I use with my tuna for a sandwich. It will add a little more tang, but a pretty great substitute idea.
- We know tuna melts are delicious so if you’re kid is into cheese, try sprinkling on some cheddar cheese along with the corn chips.
Related Recipes
- Our favorite chicken stir fry.
- A yummy Brussels Sprouts and Sausage Pizza.
- Make these fast Fish Stick Tacos!!
Tuna and Noodles
Ingredients
- 16 oz. box of elbow pasta
- 10 oz. Tuna solid white albacore in water
- ¼ cup mayo or more if you want this a little more moist
- seasoned salt to taste
- corn chips
Instructions
- Cook your pasta like you normally would. (Follow directions on the package). Then drain.
- Drain both cans of tuna and add to the cooked pasta.
- Add ¼ cup of mayo.
- Stir well.
- Sprinkle on the seasoned salt. Taste, add more as needed.
- Place in a bowl and top with corn chips.
Notes
- You can use a different type of noodle if you prefer. You can even use something like fettucine.
- You can add in some peas and/or carrots to make it feel a little bit more like tuna casserole.
- If you really can’t stomach mayonnaise, you can try Greek Yogurt (plain). That is what I use with my tuna for a sandwich. It will add a little more tang, but a pretty great substitute idea.
- We know tuna melts are delicious so if you’re kid is into cheese, try sprinkling on some cheddar cheese along with the corn chips.
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