Suppose you had cozy family dinners as a child. In that case, you probably know how magical a creamy Tuna Helper Recipe meal can be. This homemade version tastes like the old-fashioned kind, but it has fresher ingredients, more flavor, and a healthy twist. In one comforting bowl, tender pasta, flaky tuna, and a smooth sauce come together to make a dish that tastes like childhood memories, but better.
This Tuna Helper Recipe is great because it’s so easy to make. You can make a creamy, savory, and satisfying dinner in less than 30 minutes using something you already have in your pantry. This recipe turns simple ingredients into something that tastes hearty and homemade, whether you use canned tuna or fresh-flaked fillets.
This homemade version doesn’t have any preservatives or fake flavors like the boxed ones do. Instead, it uses real cream, cheese, and mild spices. It’s fast enough for busy weeknights and cozy sufficient for weekends. It’s the perfect mix of comfort food and nostalgia. To finish off the meal, serve it with Garlic Mashed Potatoes or a crisp Apple Chickpea Salad.
👩🍳 Meet Chef Paula
Chef Paula brings heart and soul to every dish she creates. Known for her creamy soups, rustic casseroles, and southern-inspired comfort foods, she believes food should tell a story, warm, welcoming, and full of flavor.
At Oooh Delish!, Paula shares her love for simple, homemade recipes that turn everyday ingredients into something unforgettable. Her creations like the Swamp Soup Recipe prove that comfort food can be both nourishing and nostalgic.
When she’s not in the kitchen, you’ll find Paula exploring local farmer’s markets, searching for fresh herbs and produce to inspire her next comforting masterpiece.
Creamy, cheesy, and full of nostalgia, this Tuna Helper Recipe brings comfort to your table in minutes.
Flaky tuna blends perfectly with tender pasta and a rich homemade sauce.
It’s quick, budget-friendly, and ideal for busy weeknights.
Every bite feels like a warm hug from your childhood kitchen.
Trust me, this is the kind of easy comfort food that never goes out of style.
Tuna Helper Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Large skillet For cooking the sauce and pasta together
- 1 Saucepan To boil pasta
- 1 Wooden spoon (for stirring)
- 1 Strainer To drain pasta
- 1 Measuring cup For liquids and cheese
Ingredients
- 8 oz Elbow macaroni Or shell pasta
- 2 tbsp Butter Unsalted preferred
- 2 tbsp All-purpose flour For thickening sauce
- 2 cups Milk Whole or 2 percent
- 1 cup Shredded cheddar cheese Sharp cheddar adds flavor
- 1 can Tuna Drained and flaked
- 1/2 tsp Garlic powder Optional
- 1/4 tsp Onion powder Optional
- 1/4 tsp Salt To taste
- 1/8 tsp Black pepper To taste
- 1 tbsp Parsley For garnish
Instructions
- Boil pasta in salted water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour to form a smooth roux and cook for 1 to 2 minutes.
- Slowly whisk in milk until smooth and thickened.
- Stir in shredded cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until creamy and well-blended.
- Add the drained tuna and cooked pasta to the skillet. Mix gently to coat everything evenly in the sauce.
- Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving for the flavors to settle.
- Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- For a lighter version, use low-fat milk and half the cheese.
- Add frozen peas, corn, or diced carrots for extra color and nutrition.
- Want it baked? Sprinkle breadcrumbs on top and broil for 3 minutes until golden.
- Serve alongside the Garlic Mashed Potatoes or Apple Chickpea Salad for a full meal.
- Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to two days.
Share Your Twist on This Tuna Helper Recipe
Did you make it creamier with extra cheese or add veggies like peas and carrots?
Maybe you swapped tuna for chicken or gave it a spicy kick with paprika.
We’d love to see how you made this classic your own.
📸 Snap a photo and tag us on Instagram or Facebook with #OoohDelishTwist your version could inspire another busy home cook.
💌 Got your own twist? Send it to contact@ooohdelish.com and your recipe might be featured in our next comfort food collection.
FAQs: Tuna Helper Recipe
What is Tuna Helper made of?
Tuna Helper is a creamy pasta dish that combines cooked pasta with a cheesy milk-based sauce and flaked tuna. This homemade version skips preservatives and uses fresh ingredients.
Can I make Tuna Helper without milk?
Yes. You can replace milk with unsweetened almond milk, oat milk, or even chicken broth for a lighter option. The sauce will still be smooth and creamy.
What type of tuna works best for this recipe?
Chunk light tuna in water is ideal for this recipe. It blends easily with the sauce and adds mild flavor. You can also use albacore tuna for a firmer texture.
Can I add vegetables to Tuna Helper?
Absolutely. Peas, broccoli, spinach, or mushrooms blend perfectly with the creamy sauce and add both color and nutrients.
Can I bake Tuna Helper instead of serving it on the stove?
Yes. After mixing the pasta and sauce, transfer it to a baking dish, top with breadcrumbs and cheese, and bake for 10 minutes until golden and bubbly.
How long can I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to two days in the fridge. Reheat with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
What can I serve with Tuna Helper?
Pair it with light sides like the Apple Chickpea Salad or Garlic Mashed Potatoes for a balanced meal.
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