Stove Top Tuna Shells and Cheese
Transform your weeknight dinner game with this creamy, comforting Stove Top Tuna Shells and Cheese recipe. Featuring tender shell pasta enveloped in a velvety, homemade cheddar cheese sauce, this dish is elevated with protein-packed canned tuna and optional sweet green peas for an added burst of flavor and nutrition. The secret to its rich, silky texture lies in the quick-to-make roux—a luscious blend of butter, flour, and milk. Ready in just 30 minutes, this one-pot meal is as satisfying as it is simple, making it a perfect choice for busy families. Serve it fresh off the stove for the ultimate cheesy, indulgent experience, and enjoy a meal that’s both nostalgic and nourishing. Ideal for fans of classic comfort food, this easy tuna mac and cheese is bound to become a go-to favorite!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz medium shell pasta
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 5-oz cans canned tuna (drained)
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp ground black pepper
- 0.5 tsp garlic powder
- 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the shell pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to form a roux.
Slowly whisk in the milk, making sure to eliminate any lumps. Continue cooking and stirring until the mixture thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
Lower the heat to medium-low and gradually stir in the cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
Season the cheese sauce with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Gently fold in the drained tuna and frozen peas (if using). Stir until fully incorporated and heated through.
Add the cooked pasta shells back to the pot and toss until everything is coated in the cheese sauce.
Serve immediately, garnished with additional black pepper or a sprinkle of extra cheese if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
676 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 35.3 g | 45% | |
| Saturated Fat | 22.3 g | 111% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 133 mg | 44% | |
| Sodium | 1144 mg | 50% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 43.8 g | 16% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.2 g | 12% | |
| Total Sugars | 9.3 g | ||
| Protein | 46.6 g | 93% | |
| Vitamin D | 3.4 mcg | 17% | |
| Calcium | 574 mg | 44% | |
| Iron | 2.8 mg | 16% | |
| Potassium | 537 mg | 11% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
