Creamy Tuna Noodle Casserole

Featured in: Classic Comfort Foods

This comforting dish blends tender egg noodles with a rich tuna and mushroom sauce, peas, and sharp cheddar for a creamy texture. It's topped with a buttery, crispy Ritz cracker crust that adds a delightful crunch. Easy to prepare and perfect for family dinners or gatherings, it offers a balance of flavors and textures that are both satisfying and hearty. Bake until golden and bubbly, then let it rest before serving.

Updated on Sat, 22 Nov 2025 11:23:00 GMT
Golden, bubbly Creamy Tuna Noodle Casserole with Ritz cracker topping, ready to serve, deliciously comforting. Save to Pinterest
Golden, bubbly Creamy Tuna Noodle Casserole with Ritz cracker topping, ready to serve, deliciously comforting. | krispyrecipes.com

A comforting classic featuring tender noodles, creamy tuna sauce, and a buttery golden Ritz cracker topping—perfect for family dinners or potlucks.

This recipe has always been a family favorite during our potlucks and cozy weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

  • Pasta: 12 oz (340 g) egg noodles
  • Casserole Mixture: 2 cans (5 oz/140 g each) tuna in water, drained, 1 can (10.5 oz/300 g) condensed cream of mushroom soup, 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk, 1 cup (115 g) frozen peas, thawed, 1 cup (120 g) shredded cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup (120 ml) sour cream, 1/2 small onion, finely chopped, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1/4 tsp salt
  • Topping: 1 sleeve (about 30) Ritz crackers, crushed, 3 tbsp (45 g) unsalted butter, melted, 2 tbsp (15 g) grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

Step 1:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish.
Step 2:
Cook egg noodles in a large pot of salted boiling water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 3:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained tuna, cream of mushroom soup, milk, peas, cheddar cheese, sour cream, onion, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. Fold in the cooked noodles until evenly coated.
Step 4:
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
Step 5:
In a small bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter (and Parmesan cheese, if using). Sprinkle evenly over the casserole.
Step 6:
Bake uncovered for 25 30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling.
Step 7:
Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
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| krispyrecipes.com

This recipe has brought my family together on countless occasions, creating warm memories with every bite.

Required Tools

Large pot, Strainer, Mixing bowls, 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish, Oven

Allergen Information

Contains: wheat (noodles, crackers), milk (cheese, butter, sour cream), fish (tuna) May contain: soy (soup), egg (noodles) Always check labels for hidden allergens.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 420 Total Fat: 22 g Carbohydrates: 38 g Protein: 20 g

A casserole dish overflows with Creamy Tuna Noodle Casserole, showcasing a crispy Ritz cracker crust. Save to Pinterest
A casserole dish overflows with Creamy Tuna Noodle Casserole, showcasing a crispy Ritz cracker crust. | krispyrecipes.com

This casserole is simple yet satisfying and perfect as a comforting meal any night of the week.

Common Recipe Questions

What noodles work best in this dish?

Egg noodles are ideal here as they absorb the creamy sauce well and maintain a tender texture without becoming mushy.

How do I achieve a crispy Ritz cracker topping?

Mix crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter and sprinkle evenly on top before baking. This ensures a golden, buttery crust.

Can I add vegetables to enhance flavor?

Yes, sautéed mushrooms or diced celery can be added to the mixture for extra flavor and texture.

How long should the casserole cool before serving?

Allow the casserole to cool for about 5 minutes after baking to let it set for easier serving.

What are good substitutions for the cream of mushroom soup?

You can substitute cream of celery or cream of chicken soup to vary the flavor profile.

Creamy Tuna Noodle Casserole

Tender noodles with creamy tuna sauce, peas, and a golden Ritz cracker crust for a comforting meal.

Prep Duration
15 minutes
Cooking Duration
35 minutes
Overall Time
50 minutes
Created by Mia Harper

Recipe Type Classic Comfort Foods

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type American

Total Portions 6 Serving Size

Dietary Considerations None specified

What You’ll Need

Pasta

01 12 oz egg noodles

Casserole Mixture

01 2 cans (5 oz each) tuna in water, drained
02 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
03 1 cup whole milk
04 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
05 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
06 1/2 cup sour cream
07 1/2 small onion, finely chopped
08 1/2 tsp garlic powder
09 1/2 tsp black pepper
10 1/4 tsp salt

Topping

01 1 sleeve (about 30) Ritz crackers, crushed
02 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
03 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

How to Make It

Step 01

Prepare baking dish and oven: Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.

Step 02

Cook noodles: Boil egg noodles in salted water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 03

Combine casserole ingredients: In a large bowl, mix tuna, cream of mushroom soup, milk, peas, cheddar, sour cream, onion, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. Fold in cooked noodles until coated evenly.

Step 04

Assemble casserole: Transfer mixture into prepared baking dish and spread evenly.

Step 05

Prepare topping: Mix crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter and Parmesan cheese if using. Sprinkle over casserole evenly.

Step 06

Bake casserole: Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes until topping is golden and casserole is bubbling.

Step 07

Rest before serving: Allow to cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Tools You’ll Need

  • Large pot
  • Strainer
  • Mixing bowls
  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Oven

Possible Allergens

Double-check each ingredient for allergens and consult an expert if you're unsure.
  • Contains wheat (noodles, crackers), milk (cheese, butter, sour cream), fish (tuna)
  • May contain soy (soup), egg (noodles)

Nutritional Information (per serving)

This data is for informational purposes and shouldn't replace professional advice.
  • Calorie Count: 420
  • Total Fat: 22 grams
  • Total Carbohydrates: 38 grams
  • Protein Content: 20 grams