This Healthy Tuna Noodle Casserole is a lighter, from-scratch version of the classic comfort dish, made with a creamy homemade sauce instead of canned soup.
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Cook the whole wheat pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet over medium heat, add a drizzle of olive oil. Sauté the diced onion until soft, about 3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms, and cook until the mushrooms begin to soften, about 3–4 minutes.
Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed vegetables and stir to coat. Gradually whisk in the milk and chicken broth, stirring continuously until the mixture thickens. Stir in the dried thyme, dried oregano, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the plain Greek yogurt and half of the shredded white cheddar cheese. Gently fold in the drained tuna, frozen peas, and cooked pasta until everything is well combined.
Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining white cheddar cheese evenly over the top, then add the whole wheat breadcrumbs as a final layer.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the breadcrumb topping is lightly golden.
Prep Your Pasta: Be sure to cook your pasta until just al dente; overcooking can make the casserole mushy when baked.
Whisk to Prevent Lumps: When adding milk and broth to the sautéed vegetables, whisk continuously to ensure a smooth, lump-free sauce.
Cool Before Mixing: Let your sauce cool slightly before stirring in the Greek yogurt. This prevents it from curdling and keeps the sauce creamy.
Gently Fold Tuna In: When incorporating the tuna and peas, gently fold them in so you maintain chunks of tuna and a light texture throughout the dish.
Resting Time Is Key: Allow the casserole to sit for a few minutes after baking. This helps the flavors meld and makes it easier to serve without falling apart.