The Ultimate Instant Pot Tuna Noodle Casserole: A Creamy, Cheesy, One-Pot Wonder

Experience the classic comfort food like never before with this incredibly easy and unbelievably delicious Instant Pot Tuna Noodle Casserole. Forget the oven – this one-pot recipe brings creamy, cheesy goodness to your table in record time, all made from scratch! It’s destined to become your new favorite weeknight dinner.

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No Instant Pot? No problem! You can still enjoy the timeless appeal of this dish with our traditional Tuna Noodle Casserole recipe, baked to golden perfection.

Are you, like us, completely obsessed with your Instant Pot? If so, you’ll love how this versatile appliance transforms the humble tuna noodle casserole into a gourmet experience. For more quick and flavorful meals, don’t miss our reader-favorite Instant Pot Barbacoa Beef, my personal go-to Pressure Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken, or these unbelievably tender Instant Pot Ribs. Your pressure cooker truly is a kitchen superhero!

Why This Instant Pot Tuna Noodle Casserole Will Be Your New Go-To

Tuna Noodle Casserole holds a special place in the hearts of many, often conjuring fond memories of childhood dinners and family gatherings. While I may not recall having it much as a child myself, I’ve certainly made up for lost time in my adult years. It’s a dish that, when done right, offers unparalleled comfort and satisfaction. And with this Instant Pot version, “done right” means incredibly easy, exceptionally creamy, and packed with flavor.

This recipe isn’t just another tuna noodle casserole; it’s a revelation. The Instant Pot dramatically simplifies the cooking process, transforming a multi-step meal into a single-pot wonder. This means less time scrubbing dishes and more time enjoying a hearty, homemade dinner with your loved ones. The unique cooking method allows the noodles to absorb the rich, savory sauce as they cook under pressure, resulting in an unmatched creaminess that truly elevates this classic.

What sets this recipe apart is its commitment to flavor from scratch. No canned cream soups here! We build a luscious, velvety sauce using fresh ingredients, ensuring every bite is bursting with authentic taste. This dedication to quality ingredients, combined with the convenience of the Instant Pot, makes this dish an absolute must-try. Prepare to make this creamy, cheesy, and undeniably comforting tuna noodle casserole a cherished classic in your household.

Essential Ingredients for a Perfect Instant Pot Tuna Noodle Casserole

Crafting a truly spectacular tuna noodle casserole begins with selecting the right ingredients. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need and some tips for each:

• **Butter:** We recommend unsalted butter to maintain control over the overall sodium content. If you opt for salted butter, remember to slightly reduce the amount of added salt in the recipe. Butter forms the rich base for sautéing our aromatics and creating the roux for the sauce.
• **Mushrooms:** Fresh mushrooms are highly preferred for their superior texture and earthy flavor. Sliced cremini or white button mushrooms work beautifully. While canned mushrooms can be a convenient substitute in a pinch, their texture and taste aren’t quite the same.
• **Onion:** A medium yellow onion is typically used for its balanced flavor, but a white onion would also be an excellent choice if that’s what you have on hand. Finely chopped onion provides a sweet and pungent aromatic foundation for the casserole.
• **Bell Pepper:** For a touch of sweetness and vibrant color, we suggest using a red or orange bell pepper, diced. These varieties are naturally sweeter than green bell peppers. However, green bell peppers will work just fine if you prefer their slightly sharper taste.
• **Salt and Pepper:** These essential seasonings are crucial for enhancing all the flavors in the casserole. We divide the salt and pepper, adding some during the sautéing process and the remainder with the tuna, ensuring a well-seasoned dish.
• **Garlic:** Freshly minced garlic adds an undeniable depth of flavor. This recipe calls for 2 cloves, but if you’re a garlic enthusiast like me, feel free to add an extra clove or two for an even more robust taste.
• **All-Purpose Flour:** This is key to building our from-scratch sauce. The flour creates a roux with the butter, thickening the chicken broth and half and half into a luxurious, creamy consistency without relying on condensed canned soups.
• **Chicken Broth:** A good quality reduced-sodium chicken broth serves as the savory liquid base for our sauce. For a vegetarian version or simply if you prefer, vegetable broth can be substituted. Reduced-sodium options allow for better control of the final saltiness.
• **Half and Half:** This dairy product is vital for achieving the signature rich and creamy texture of this casserole. We haven’t tested this recipe with regular milk, so we can’t guarantee the same creamy results or proper thickening. Half and half provides the ideal fat content for a luscious sauce.
• **Egg Noodles:** Traditional tuna noodle casserole often features wide egg noodles for their tender texture and ability to soak up the sauce. While you could experiment with other pasta shapes, be mindful that different noodles may require varying amounts of liquid and cooking times to achieve the perfect al dente texture.
• **Tuna Fish:** For the best flavor and texture, we highly recommend using high-quality albacore tuna packed in water. Ensure it is thoroughly drained before adding it to the casserole to avoid making the dish watery.
• **Lemon Juice:** A squeeze of fresh lemon juice is a game-changer! It brightens the flavors of the casserole, cutting through the richness of the cheese and cream and adding a touch of zesty freshness. Freshly squeezed is always best.
• **Colby-Jack Cheese:** This blend offers a fantastic combination of mild flavor and excellent melting properties. Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese are also wonderful alternatives if you prefer. The cheese melts into the sauce, adding another layer of creamy, savory goodness.
• **Frozen Peas:** Adding frozen peas at the end provides a pop of color, a hint of sweetness, and tender texture. Simply take them out of the freezer when you start cooking; they’ll thaw enough by the time you’re ready to incorporate them.
• **Potato Chips:** The ultimate classic topping! Crushed potato chips provide an irresistible salty crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy casserole. To ensure they stay perfectly crisp, add them to individual servings just before eating, rather than sprinkling them over the entire casserole beforehand.

Effortless Cooking: How to Make Instant Pot Tuna Noodle Casserole

Making tuna noodle casserole has never been this straightforward and delicious! Follow these simple steps to create a hearty, comforting meal that comes together quickly in your Instant Pot.

1. **Sauté the Aromatics:** Begin by setting your 6-quart Instant Pot to the “Sauté” function on normal heat. Add the butter and allow it to melt completely. Once melted, add the sliced mushrooms, chopped onion, and diced bell pepper to the pot. Stir occasionally and cook until the vegetables soften, which typically takes about 6-8 minutes. Season these vegetables with half a teaspoon of salt and half a teaspoon of pepper, stirring to combine. Finally, add the minced garlic and continue to cook for just one more minute until fragrant.
2. **Build the Creamy Base:** Next, stir the all-purpose flour into the sautéed vegetables. Cook for about 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to cook out the raw flour taste and create a roux. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, making sure to whisk continuously to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, still stirring, and let it cook for another 1-2 minutes until it slightly thickens. This forms the rich, flavorful foundation of your sauce.
3. **Add Noodles and Pressure Cook:** Carefully pour in the half and half, then add the uncooked egg noodles to the pot. Stir everything gently to ensure the noodles are fully submerged in the liquid. Place the lid on your Instant Pot, twisting it to lock securely. Confirm that the steam release valve is set to the “Sealing” position. Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” button, adjust the pressure to “High,” and set the cooking time for 3 minutes.
4. **Release Pressure and Finish:** Once the cooking cycle is complete, the Instant Pot will beep. Immediately perform a quick release by carefully turning the steam release valve to the “Venting” position. Stand clear of the valve as steam rapidly escapes. Once all the pressure has been released and the float valve drops, you can safely remove the lid.
5. **Prepare the Tuna Mixture:** While the casserole is pressure cooking, in a small separate bowl, combine the thoroughly drained tuna with the fresh lemon juice and the remaining half teaspoon of salt and half teaspoon of pepper. This pre-seasoning ensures the tuna integrates seamlessly with the casserole’s flavors.
6. **Thicken and Serve:** Return the Instant Pot to the “Sauté” setting. Stir the prepared tuna mixture, shredded Colby-Jack cheese, and frozen peas into the casserole. Continue to cook for a few minutes, stirring gently, until the cheese is fully melted, the peas are heated through, and the sauce has thickened to your desired creamy consistency. Serve the warm, comforting tuna casserole immediately, topped with a generous sprinkle of crushed potato chips for that essential crispy finish.

Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Instant Pot Tuna Noodle Casserole

This rich and satisfying Instant Pot Tuna Noodle Casserole pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. Here are some of our favorite ideas to round out your meal:

• **Scalloped Corn and Broccoli:** A creamy, cheesy vegetable side that complements the casserole’s texture and adds extra greens.
• **Broccoli Salad:** A refreshing, crunchy salad with a creamy dressing that offers a delightful contrast to the warm casserole.
• **Crown Ruby Fruit Salad:** For a touch of sweetness and lightness, a vibrant fruit salad can cut through the richness of the main dish.
• **Tomato and Herb Salad:** A simple, fresh salad with ripe tomatoes and fragrant herbs provides a bright, acidic counterpoint.
• **Steph’s Summer Salad:** A crisp, seasonal salad that brings freshness and a variety of textures to the plate.
• **Simple Green Salad with Vinaigrette:** A classic choice, a light vinaigrette-dressed salad offers a refreshing and healthy balance.
• **Steamed Green Beans:** A quick and easy vegetable side, steamed green beans provide a delicate crunch and vibrant color.
• **Garlic Bread or Dinner Rolls:** Perfect for soaking up any extra creamy sauce, adding another layer of comforting carbs.

More Hearty Comfort Food Ideas for Weeknights

If you’re craving more delicious and comforting meals that are perfect for any weeknight, check out these family-friendly favorites:

• Mini Chicken Pot Pies: Individual portions of a beloved classic.
• Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy: A savory and satisfying dish that feels gourmet but is easy to make.
• Penne Pasta Bake: A cheesy, comforting pasta dish that’s always a crowd-pleaser.
• Easy Chicken Divan Recipe: A classic chicken casserole with broccoli and a creamy sauce.
• Turkey Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie: A healthier twist on a traditional favorite, packed with flavor.

Essential Kitchen Tools

Having the right tools can make all the difference in your cooking experience. Here are a couple of items that are incredibly useful for making this Instant Pot Tuna Noodle Casserole and many other recipes:

• I rely on this 6-quart Instant Pot for consistent and efficient pressure cooking. Its size is perfect for family meals.
• A good set of liquid measuring cups is invaluable in any kitchen, and these sizes are particularly versatile for various recipes.

Instant Pot Tuna Noodle Casserole

4.50 from 2 votes

Author:
Deborah Harroun

Prep Time:

15
minutes

Cook Time:

20
minutes

Inactive Time:

15
minutes

Total Time:

50
minutes

Servings:

8
servings

Course:
Main Dish

Cuisine:
American

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Creamy, cheesy and always comforting, this Instant Pot Tuna Noodle Casserole is so easy you’ll never bake it again. And bonus – this recipe is made from scratch!

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 8 oz fresh mushrooms sliced
• 1 medium onion chopped
• 1 medium bell pepper diced
• 1 teaspoon salt divided
• 1 teaspoon pepper divided
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
• 2 cups half and half
• 8 oz (4 cups) uncooked egg noodles
• 3 (5 oz each) cans light tuna in water, drained
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 cups shredded Colby-Jack cheese
• 2 cups frozen peas thawed
• 2 cups crushed potato chips

Instructions

1. Select the sauté setting on a 6-quart Instant Pot or electric pressure cooker. Add the butter. When the butter melts, add the mushrooms, onion, and sweet pepper. Cook, stirring, until the vegetables are tender, about 6-8 minutes. Season with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper. Add the garlic and cook an additional minute.
2. Stir in the flour and cook for another minute. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly, until it thickens slightly, about 1-2 minutes. Stir in the cream and the noodles.
3. Place the top on the Instant Pot and lock the lid. Make sure the vent is closed. Select manual, adjust the pressure to high and set the time to 3 minutes.
4. When the timer is finished, do a quick-release to release any remaining pressure.
5. Combine the tuna, lemon juice and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper in a small bowl.
6. Select the sauté setting on the Instant Pot and stir in the tuna mixture, the cheese, and the peas. Cook for a few minutes, just until heated through and thickened.
7. Serve the tuna casserole topped with the crushed potato chips.

Recipe Notes:

Recipe source: Taste of Home Instant Pot Cookbook

Nutrition information provided as an estimate only. Various brands and products can change the counts. Any nutritional information should only be used as a general guideline.

Nutrition Information

Calories:
497
kcal
(25%)
,

Carbohydrates:
34
g
(11%)
,

Protein:
30
g
(60%)
,

Fat:
28
g
(43%)
,

Saturated Fat:
14
g
(88%)
,

Polyunsaturated Fat:
7
g
,

Trans Fat:
0
g
,

Cholesterol:
105
mg
(35%)
,

Sodium:
1219
mg
(53%)
,

Fiber:
5
g
(21%)
,

Sugar:
9
g
(10%)

Keywords:
instant pot, tuna noodle casserole