It’s funny how we associate certain foods with our memories of events in our past. In thinking about this recipe, memories of my past came rushing into my mind with crystal clarity. I could see us all gathered around the dinner table, clamoring for the food to be passed to us, hoping there would be enough to go around. Then all the bickering, shoving and under-the-table kicks as petty childhood squabbles were worked out, without drawing the attention, and ire, of our parents.

So, regardless of what you thought of your childhood’s version of tuna noodle casserole, give this one a try. I think you will be pleasantly surprised at the sophisticated blend of flavors.

 

INGREDIENTS

1-2 cans tuna, drained or 3 cups shredded chicken or turkey breast

3 Tablespoons olive oil

½ large white onion, diced

3-4 mini Bella mushrooms, sliced

Salt and pepper to taste

1 teaspoon garlic powder

4 oz. cream cheese

½ cup sour cream

1 10.5-oz. can cream of mushroom soup

¾ cup milk

8 oz. pasta (your preference)

1 cup shredded Colby jack cheese

1 cup French fried onions

 

DIRECTIONS

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F, then slice the mushrooms and dice the onions. Lightly grease your 8×8 inch baking dish with cooking spray.

Start your pasta water cooking. While the water is heating, heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Once the oil is heated, add the onions and mushrooms and sauté until the onions are translucent. After the onions are done, add your pasta to the water and cook until al dente (7 minutes or so).

Add the mushroom soup, cream cheese, sour cream, milk and garlic powder to the frying pan and heat until it’s hot. Season with salt and pepper to your taste, once it’s all warmed up.

Drain the pasta well and add to the pan and stir to mix. Make sure your pasta gets covered well.

Once you’ve mixed the pasta well, add the tuna (make sure it is well drained) or cooked chicken to your pan and mix it all up again. Pour the mixture into your baking dish.

Add the shredded cheese on top. If you want more cheese, go for it.

If you’re making this amazing casserole recipe for tonight’s dinner, sprinkle the French fried onions on top, then bake at 375 degrees F for 10 minutes or just until the onions are golden brown.

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Quick Tip:  You can easily freeze this casserole and have it on hand for a quick meal any time. Just use an 8×8 inch pan with a lid. If you can’t find one with a lid, cover it securely with two layers of foil. Omit the French fried onions until you are ready to bake it. Heat it at 350 degrees F for 30 minutes or until heated through.

Recipe and photo courtesy of Stacy Barr at Six Dollar Family