Growing up, my mom relied heavily on those blue boxes of Tuna Helper to get dinner on the table. It was quick, filling, and honestly, I loved it as a kid. But these days, I try to avoid processed foods when I can, which got me thinking about recreating that familiar comfort dish from scratch. After some trial and error in the kitchen, I figured out that making your own “helper” isn’t just possible – it’s actually pretty simple.
Just like those boxed versions, this homemade recipe comes together in about 20 minutes, but you get to control exactly what goes into it. No mysterious powder packets or ingredients you can’t pronounce. Plus, it tastes even better than what I remember from my childhood, and my kids seem to agree.
Suggestions for Ingredient Substitution
Egg noodles can be replaced with whole wheat pasta or zucchini noodles for a healthier, lower-carb option. Adjust cooking times accordingly, as whole wheat pasta may require longer cooking, while zucchini noodles need less time. For gluten-free diets, use rice noodles or gluten-free pasta alternatives. Heavy cream can be substituted with Greek yogurt or coconut cream to reduce fat content while maintaining creaminess. Use slightly less Greek yogurt or coconut cream, as they are thicker than heavy cream. Canned tuna can be swapped with canned chicken, salmon, or cooked and shredded jackfruit for various dietary preferences. Use the same amount as called for in the recipe, adjusting seasoning if needed to complement the chosen protein.
| Preparation Time | 10-15 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 20-30 minutes |
| Total Time | 30-45 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Easy |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 1100-1300
- Protein: 70-80 g
- Fat: 70-80 g
- Carbohydrates: 80-90 g
Ingredients
For the main dish:
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley
- 3/4 tsp white pepper
- 2 tbsp butter (I use Kerrygold unsalted butter)
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese (sharp cheddar preferred)
- 1 1/2 cups milk (whole milk recommended for creaminess)
- 1 pinch nutmeg (freshly grated for best flavor)
- 2 cans tuna (packed in water, drained well)
- 5 oz egg noodles
For the topping:
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup crushed crackers (butter or Club crackers work best)
For the pasta water:
- 1/8 cup kosher salt
Step 1: Prepare Ingredients
Start by draining the tuna in a strainer and setting it aside.
In a bowl, crush the crackers and mix them with grated Parmesan and chopped parsley.
Set this topping mixture aside for later use.
Step 2: Cook the Noodles and Peas
Bring a large pot of water to boil and add 1/8 cup of kosher salt.
Add the egg noodles to the boiling water and cook for 1 minute less than the package directions indicate.
About 3 minutes before the noodles are done, add the frozen peas to the boiling water.
Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain the noodles and peas and set them aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Cream Sauce
In a saucepan, gently heat the cream and milk on low until slightly warmed.
In a separate pan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter.
Add 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour to the melted butter and whisk for 2 minutes to create a light roux (paste).
Gradually pour in the warmed cream and milk while whisking continuously until the mixture is smooth.
Bring it to a high simmer, whisking frequently to prevent burning, and cook for 1-2 minutes until thickened.
Step 4: Season and Enrich the Sauce
To the thickened sauce, stir in ½ teaspoon of kosher salt, ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder, a pinch of nutmeg, and ¾ teaspoon of white pepper.
Add ½ cup of freshly grated cheddar cheese and ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until fully melted and incorporated into a creamy sauce.
Step 5: Combine Noodles with Sauce and Tuna
Remove the sauce from heat and fold in the drained tuna, cooked noodles, and peas.
Add the reserved pasta water and mix until everything is well coated and the sauce evenly covers all ingredients.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Serve the creamy tuna noodle dish hot, sprinkling the prepared cracker, Parmesan, and parsley mixture on top for added texture and flavor.
Enjoy your hearty meal!
