Instant Pot Tuna Noodle Casserole
Introduction
Instant Pot Tuna Noodle Casserole transforms a nostalgic, comforting classic into a quick and easy weeknight dinner. This recipe brings together tender noodles, creamy sauce, flaky tuna, and wholesome veggies—all perfectly cooked with minimal effort, thanks to the magic of the Instant Pot.
Perfect for families or anyone craving that “just like mom made” charm, this dish delivers not only on taste but on convenience, making it an all-around crowd-pleaser.
Why You’ll Love This Tuna Noodle Casserole
What sets this casserole apart is its balance of creamy richness and bright flavors—all achieved in one pot. The pressure cooking method ensures noodles are perfectly tender, while the tuna melds seamlessly with the vibrant veggies and flavorful sauce. It’s comfort food, reinvented for busy home cooks who crave hearty meals without the fuss.
Choosing and Prepping Ingredients
Start with quality canned tuna, peas, and classic egg noodles. For best flavor and texture, use wide egg noodles and chunk light or solid white tuna in water. A sharp vegetable chopper like the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper streamlines prep—making it easy to quickly dice onions or celery for extra crunch.
Cream of mushroom soup provides the classic base, but feel free to use a blend of mushroom and celery soups for extra depth. Add shredded cheddar, fresh parsley, or a sprinkle of black pepper for modern flair.
Easy Pressure Cooking Instructions
With the Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker, 6 Quart, all steps are nearly hands-off. Simply sauté veggies, mix in pasta, soup, broth, and spices, then let the appliance handle the rest. No extra pots means less washing up—a win for busy evenings.
To flake tuna or mash ingredients evenly, the Farberware Professional Heat Resistant Nylon Meat and Potato Masher is invaluable, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.
Assembling and Finishing Touches
Once cooked, stir in peas and cheese for creamy goodness. Serve the casserole straight from the pot, or transfer to a stylish serving bowl for a polished look. For a gourmet touch, sprinkle the top with buttered breadcrumbs toasted in a nonstick pan, such as the SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet, 9.5 Inch, before serving.
Leftovers keep well for lunch; store them in Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers, Set of 5 (3.2 Cup) for a grab-and-go meal the next day.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
Pair tuna noodle casserole with a crisp green salad or roasted veggies to round out the meal. For a light lunch, pack portions in the Bentgo Salad Container – 54 oz Bowl for meal prepping. Swap out peas for green beans, or add diced carrots using your vegetable chopper to keep things interesting.
Nutritional Information and Serving Size
This recipe yields 6 hearty servings. Each portion clocks in at about 350–400 calories, with moderate protein, essential carbs, and a boost of calcium from the cheese. For a lighter option, use reduced-fat soup and cheese, or swap out half the noodles for spiralized zucchini.
Instant Pot Tuna Noodle Casserole (Recap)
In just a few steps, you can deliver old-fashioned comfort with contemporary ease. This tuna noodle casserole is the ultimate cozy meal—creamy, satisfying, and ready in a flash with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Instructions
- On the sauté setting of your Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker, 6 Quart, heat olive oil. Add onions and celery. Sauté until just softened, about 3 minutes, using your Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper for quick prep.
- Add egg noodles, tuna, cream soups, broth, garlic powder, and black pepper. Do not stir—just layer the ingredients. Secure the lid and set to ‘Pressure Cook’ for 3 minutes.
- Quick-release pressure and carefully remove the lid. Use the Farberware Professional Heat Resistant Nylon Meat and Potato Masher to gently mix everything together.
- Stir in frozen peas and cheddar cheese. Allow the residual heat to melt the cheese and warm the peas.
- If adding a crunchy topping, toast breadcrumbs in the SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet, 9.5 Inch with a dab of butter and sprinkle on just before serving.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve. Store leftovers in Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers, Set of 5 (3.2 Cup) for easy lunches.
Cook and Prep Times
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
