Adding a new twist to classic mac and cheese makes it even better!
I’m confident that I’m not alone when I talk about how much I love mac and cheese. It’s truly one of the great classic dishes that’s always a crowd-pleaser for people of any age and all culinary tastes. Yet, I’m always looking for ways to make mac and cheese even better. I already discovered one way with Bacon Mac and Cheese. But I think this recipe for tuna mac and cheese is yet another way to turn a regular batch of mac and cheese into a more complete and delicious meal.
Admittedly, tuna is not the most obvious ingredient to add to mac and cheese. The two seem like complete opposites. But sometimes, that can make for a special dish. With tuna mac and cheese, you get the same rich and creamy taste you’ve come to expect from mac and cheese, but you also get the umami flavor of tuna, not to mention additional sweetness and texture from the peas that are also a key part of the dish. As I mentioned, this dish is all about taking already-tasty mac and cheese and making it even better.
Is Tuna Mac and Cheese Healthy?
Mac and cheese generally isn’t super healthy, but thanks to its extra ingredients, tuna mac and cheese can be considered more nutritious than regular mac and cheese. Tuna has protein and contains several vitamins and minerals, not to mention omega-3 fatty acids, so tuna adds a lot of nutritional value. Meanwhile, peas are high in vitamin C, vitamin K, zinc, and other minerals. Of course, with plenty of cheese and a little milk, tuna mac and cheese also has a good dose of calcium in it. Still, you’ll want to eat this dish in moderation.
Top It Off Right
The one thing that might be missing from this tuna mac and cheese is a little bit of crunch. Luckily, that’s easy to amend by topping it off with something crunchy right before serving. Personally, combining panko breadcrumbs with a little bit of melted butter is the best way to add a crunchy layer on top of tuna mac and cheese. But it’s not the only option. For example, crumbled saltine crackers add a little crunch and flavor. You can also consider crunching up some Cheez-Its or Goldfish crackers and spreading them over the top. This will add even more cheese flavor while also providing an interesting crunch and texture.
How to make ahead and store
Allow the leftover tuna mac and cheese to cool and then store it in an airtight container. In the fridge, the leftovers should remain good for 4 to 5 days. I would not recommend freezing this dish.
Serving Suggestions
If you’re making tuna mac and cheese as the main course, it’s best to have a salad or vegetable side dish. Specifically, I would recommend a Greek Cucumber Salad or a Mediterranean Low-Carb Broccoli Salad. If you prefer something other than a salad, I suggest making Roasted Air-Fryer Cauliflower or Shaved Brussels Sprouts.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/4 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup frozen peas thawed and drained
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 4 tablespoons cream cheese softened
- 1 5-ounce can tuna in water drained and flaked
- Kosher salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the elbow macaroni in a large pot of boiling salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In the same pot, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for about 1 minute until bubbly, without browning.
- Gradually whisk in milk and bring to a simmer. Add the peas. Cook until the sauce thickens.
- Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese and cream cheese until melted and smooth.
- Add the cooked macaroni and flaked tuna to the cheese sauce, stirring to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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