1 Skillet, 20-Minute, Homemade Tuna Helper
1 skillet. 20 minutes. Includes a green veggie (peas). And the kids will eat it!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
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 very well 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
1/4 teaspoon salt plus more to taste
2 cups frozen peas
1 1/2 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 to al dente, 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. This will thicken as it cools so don’t worry if it seems a little thin when it’s done.
Notes
Frequently Asked Questions below recipe card.
I almost always use cheddar cheese.
Original recipe called for 2 cups of cheese and no salt and to cook until thickened. If you cook until totally thickend you will have a super soft pasta. I’ve found cooking to al dente and letting it thicken as it cools works a lot better.
Keywords: Tuna Casserole, Tuna Helper, 20 minute meal, one skillet meal, tuna hamburger helper