1 Skillet, 20-Minute, Homemade Tuna Helper

This meal is a family favorite go to. I almost always have every ingredient on hand and you can’t beat a 1 skillet, 20-minute meal on a busy night that includes a green vegetable. I’ve made this meal approximately 25 times the last 2 years and every time my kids eat it without complaining. If all of those things are not a win when it comes to a weeknight dinner then I honestly don’t know what is.

This recipe needs to be in on your dinner rotations because it’s not only fast but it’s also delicious. Give it a try on a busy night where you normally would eat cold cereal or leftovers because it’s that fast to make!

1 Skillet, 20-Minute, Homemade Tuna Helper

Print Recipe

1 skillet, 20-minutes, includes a green veggie and your kids will eat it!

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

4 tablespoons of butter

2 cups uncooked small pasta (I use the mini penne, but most any small pasta should work)

2 cans of tuna in water, drained and patted dry

2 cups milk

½ cup cream

1 cup water

½ tsp salt

¼ tsp pepper

½ tsp dry mustard powder

½ tsp paprika

2 cups frozen peas

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a soft gouda is delicious too)

Instructions

In a large skillet (non-stick works best) melt butter over medium heat and then add the pasta, tuna, milk, cream, water, and seasonings.

Bring to a simmer and stir every few minutes until pasta is cooked and sauce is thickened, about 10-15 minutes, depending on the pasta you chose.

Add frozen peas, stir, and allow peas to heat through.

Stir in shredded cheese and allow to melt.

Serve immediately.

Notes

I almost always use cheddar cheese. In Finland, cheddar cheese is white, not dyed yellow, so your finished product if using yellow cheddar will be more yellow than what is pictured here. The cheddar I use is about a medium cheddar in America.

Keywords: Tuna Casserole, Tuna Helper, 20 minute meal, one skillet meal