Name: Creamy Tuna Noodle Casserole with Parmesan Breadcrumb Topping Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/3 cup breadcrumbs (regular or panko); 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese; 1 Tablespoon melted salted butter; 12 ounce bag egg noodles; 1 1/2 cups milk; 10.5 ounce can cream of mushroom soup; 10.5 ounce can cream of chicken soup; 2 (5 ounce) cans tuna (preferably packed in water); 1 cup frozen peas; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup sour cream (or mayonnaise); 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley (optional, plus more for topping); 1/4 teaspoon onion powder; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt

If you’re craving a classic comfort food that’s creamy, cheesy, and just downright satisfying, you’re going to want to try this Creamy Tuna Noodle Casserole with Parmesan Breadcrumb Topping Recipe. This dish has been a family favorite for me for years — it’s simple to make but packs so much flavor with that luscious creamy base and the irresistible crunchy parmesan breadcrumb topping. Stick with me and I’ll walk you through some handy tips so your casserole turns out perfect every single time.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: You can make this comforting casserole in just about 30 minutes — perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Pantry-Friendly Ingredients: Most items are probably already in your kitchen, making it super convenient.
Creamy and Crunchy Texture: The combination of creamy tuna noodle filling with a golden parmesan breadcrumb crust is simply irresistible.
Family Favorite: My family goes crazy for this dish — it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser every time.

The image shows a white rectangular baking dish filled with a creamy pasta casserole topped with a golden brown crumb crust. The pasta beneath is wide egg noodles, mixed with small green peas and pieces of tender meat, all coated in a thick, light beige sauce. The crispy, toasted crumb layer on top is evenly spread, with a slightly rough texture and some green herb specks. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface, surrounded by various white bowls and plates with small amounts of sauce and spice remnants. A wooden spoon rests in one bowl, showing traces of the creamy sauce. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Creamy Tuna Noodle Casserole with Parmesan Breadcrumb Topping, tuna noodle casserole, cheesy tuna bake, quick comfort food, easy tuna casserole recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

When I shop for this casserole, I look for simple, quality ingredients that work together to build that classic flavor and creamy texture. The balance between cheeses, soups, and tuna makes it cozy and satisfying.

Flat lay of fresh yellow egg noodles coiled loosely, two shiny silver cans of tuna opened showing flaky light pink tuna, a small pile of bright green frozen peas glistening with frost, a wedge of sharp orange cheddar cheese with a slightly crumbly texture, a mound of creamy sour cream with a smooth surface, a handful of golden brown panko breadcrumbs with a rough texture, a small heap of pale beige grated parmesan cheese, and scattered dried parsley flakes in vibrant green, all arranged artfully to highlight their natural colors and textures, placed on white marbled surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Creamy Tuna Noodle Casserole with Parmesan Breadcrumb Topping, tuna noodle casserole, cheesy tuna bake, quick comfort food, easy tuna casserole recipe

Breadcrumbs: Both regular and panko work; panko gives an extra crispy topping, which I love.
Grated parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty crunch to the topping that perfectly complements the creamy casserole.
Melted salted butter: Helps bind the breadcrumb topping and adds richness.
Egg noodles: I cook them to al dente so they hold up well baking, without turning mushy.
Milk: Use whole milk for extra creaminess, but 2% works fine too.
Cream of mushroom soup: Classic flavor, adds a savory depth to the sauce.
Cream of chicken soup: Works alongside mushroom soup for a rich, creamy base.
Canned tuna: I prefer tuna packed in water to keep it light and flaky.
Frozen peas: Adds a pop of sweetness and color—frozen is just fine here.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts perfectly for cheesy goodness throughout.
Sour cream (or mayonnaise): Adds tang and creaminess to the mix.
Dried parsley: Optional but adds lovely herbal brightness.
Onion powder: Subtle savory note without overpowering.
Garlic powder: A hint of warmth to round out flavors.
Black pepper and kosher salt: Season to taste and balance the flavors.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how versatile this Creamy Tuna Noodle Casserole with Parmesan Breadcrumb Topping Recipe can be. You can tweak it easily depending on what you enjoy or what you have on hand.

Add Veggies: Sometimes I throw in mushrooms or sautéed mushrooms for extra earthiness—works beautifully!
Dairy-Free Option: Swap the sour cream for a vegan version and use dairy-free cheese to make this casserole inclusive for everyone.
Extra Cheese: If you’re a cheese lover like me, sprinkle some mozzarella or extra cheddar inside or on top before baking for gooey delight.
Spice it Up: For a little kick, add some cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños—my family is obsessed when I do!

How to Make Creamy Tuna Noodle Casserole with Parmesan Breadcrumb Topping Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Breadcrumb Topping

Start by mixing the breadcrumbs, grated parmesan cheese, and melted salted butter in a small bowl. This little mix is what gives the casserole that delightful crust, so be sure to use good parmesan for flavor. Set it aside while you prepare the rest. This part is quicker than it sounds but makes a world of difference.

Step 2: Cook the Egg Noodles

Cook your egg noodles according to the package instructions, aiming for al dente—firm but cooked through. Drain them really well, because you don’t want watery casserole. From experience, I learned that letting them drain thoroughly helps keep the casserole from becoming soggy.

Step 3: Combine Everything in the Baking Dish

Add the cooked noodles to a large baking dish. Then pour in the milk, cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, drained tuna, frozen peas, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, dried parsley, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, and kosher salt. Mix everything thoroughly so the noodles are evenly coated with the creamy mixture. If you prefer, you can mix all of this in a large bowl and then transfer to the baking dish—that’s what I usually do when prepping ahead.

Step 4: Add the Topping and Bake

Sprinkle the breadcrumb and parmesan topping evenly over the casserole. Bake at 400°F for about 15 minutes until you see the edges bubbling and the filling is hot. This bubbling is the magic sign that your casserole is melting together just right.

Step 5: Broil for the Perfect Golden Crust

Switch your oven to broil on high and place the casserole under the broiler for about a minute to brown the topping. Keep a close eye on it—this step is quick, and you want a beautiful golden top, not a burned one. Once golden, remove from oven, and sprinkle with extra dried parsley for a pretty finish.

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Pro Tips for Making Creamy Tuna Noodle Casserole with Parmesan Breadcrumb Topping Recipe

Drain Tuna Well: I always drain canned tuna thoroughly to avoid extra moisture diluting the creamy sauce.
Don’t Overcook Noodles: Cooking noodles al dente prevents them from turning mushy during baking, keeping texture firm and pleasant.
Watch the Broil Step: Broiling only takes about a minute, so stay close to avoid burning the breadcrumb topping.
Mix Well but Gently: Stir the casserole ingredients just enough to combine—overmixing can break noodles and change texture.

How to Serve Creamy Tuna Noodle Casserole with Parmesan Breadcrumb Topping Recipe

A white baking dish filled with a creamy pasta casserole made of curly pasta mixed with a white sauce, small pieces of light-colored meat, and green peas. The top layer is covered with a golden-brown crunchy breadcrumb topping, sprinkled with fresh green parsley pieces. At the front, a wooden spoon with a woman's hand holding it scoops out a portion, showing the creamy inside with visible pasta, meat, and peas. The dish sits on a white marbled surface with a stack of white plates blurred in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Creamy Tuna Noodle Casserole with Parmesan Breadcrumb Topping, tuna noodle casserole, cheesy tuna bake, quick comfort food, easy tuna casserole recipe

Garnishes

I love sprinkling a bit of fresh chopped parsley or even some finely chopped green onions on top right before serving. It adds a fresh pop of color and brightness that balances the richness of the casserole beautifully.

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette, or some roasted seasonal veggies if you want a heartier meal. I also love serving it alongside garlic bread for an extra comforting vibe.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve baked this casserole in individual ramekins or small cast-iron skillets to make personal servings look extra charming. It’s fun to garnish with microgreens or a drizzle of truffle oil for a grown-up twist that impresses guests!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After the casserole cools, I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, I cover it loosely with foil to keep moisture in and avoid drying it out.

Freezing

I’ve successfully frozen this casserole before baking it—just assemble everything in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed.

Reheating

To reheat, I cover the casserole with foil and warm it in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 20 minutes depending on portion size. Removing the foil at the last 5 minutes lets the breadcrumb topping crisp back up.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pasta instead of egg noodles?

Yes! Fresh pasta works well, but reduce the baking time slightly since it cooks faster. Keep an eye on the casserole so the pasta doesn’t overcook and turn mushy.
What can I substitute for the cream soups?

If you prefer homemade or can’t find canned soups, you can make a quick white sauce with butter, flour, and milk, seasoning it with mushroom or chicken broth and a bit of seasoning. This is healthier and lets you control flavors and sodium.
Is it okay to use tuna packed in oil instead of water?

Absolutely! Tuna packed in oil will add a richer flavor, but might also increase the fat content slightly. If you use it, you may want to reduce or skip the additional butter to balance it out.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free egg noodles and substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs for the topping. Just be sure your soups are also gluten-free, or replace them with homemade sauce alternatives.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Tuna Noodle Casserole with Parmesan Breadcrumb Topping Recipe is one of those tried-and-true dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. I absolutely love how it comes together — simple, comforting, and ridiculously tasty. Whether you’re making it for your family or meal prepping for the week, I think you’ll find this casserole hits the spot every time. Give it a try, and soon it might just become one of your go-to comfort meals too!