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Tuna Noodle Casserole

Tuna noodle casserole made in a square Anyday dish in the microwave, featuring tender pasta, tuna, artichokes, capers, and lemon zest. This easy recipe is a comforting, quick meal that's ideal for busy weeknights.
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Prep Time

5 mins

Cook Time

6-7 mins
4 reviews

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Tuna Noodle Casserole

4 reviews

This is not your grandma’s tuna noodle casserole! This microwave version of a classic is packed with vibrant artichokes, zesty capers, and a hint of lemon, transforming the familiar into something truly special. With an Anyday dish, there’s no need to pre-cook the pasta — just layer it right into the casserole. Plus, you’ll love how our recipe keeps cleanup to a minimum. You can cook, serve, and store leftovers all in one dish, making your life easier and your kitchen tidier.

For the finishing touch, add a generous layer of cheese and crispy breadcrumbs for an irresistible crunch in every bite. This flavor-packed, hassle-free dish is ideal for weeknight meals and is sure to become a family favorite!

All of Anyday’s recipes are tested (and retested!) in many different microwave and home kitchens to make sure they work— and work well. Unless specified otherwise, all recipes should be cooked at full power.

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Select your serving size and microwave wattage in the dropdown. The recipe will change accordingly.

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Select your microwave wattage in the dropdown. The cook times in this recipe will automatically change accordingly.

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To find your microwave’s wattage, look at the front panel, the side of the door, in the back, in the user manual, or Google the model number. If both an input and output wattage are listed, use the output.

Wattage translates to how powerful the microwave is. The higher the wattage, the faster your food will cook. The lower the wattage, the longer the cook time.

When in doubt, start with less time — you can always add more.

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Dish

The Small Square Dish

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup (55g) medium egg noodles
  • ¾ cup (180ml) water
  • ¼ cup (30g) sliced red onions
  • ½ cup (30g) artichoke hearts, roughly chopped
  • 1 tablespoon capers
  • ½ tablespoon lemon zest
  • ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 pinch ground black pepper
  • ¼ cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese, divided
  • 2 tablespoons panko breadcrumbs
  • ½ 5oz can tuna, drained and flaked
  • 2 tablespoons sour cream
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Preparation

  1. Preheat the oven to 500°F.
  2. While the oven is heating, combine the olive oil, egg noodles, water, red onion, artichokes, capers, salt, and lemon zest in a Square dish. Stir well, making sure the noodles are submerged in the water. Cover with the lid (knob lifted).
  3. Cook in the microwave Power Level 10
    ✕

    Certain foods cook best in the microwave at lower power levels. 

    [[video-power]]

    Different microwaves have different settings. See your microwave manual (or look it up online) to learn how to change your microwave’s power level.

    For many microwaves: enter the cook time, press the “Power” (or “Power Level”) button, and select a number between 1-10. Other microwaves may require selecting the Power Level first, and then entering the cook time.

    Microwaves list power levels in different ways. Here’s a guide to help you adjust:

    PL 10 = 100% = High (default)

    PL 9 = 90% = High

    PL 8 = 80% = Med-High

    PL 7 = 70% = Med-High

    PL 6 = 60% = Medium

    PL 5 = 50% = Medium

    PL 4 = 40% = Med-Low

    PL 3 = 30% = Med-Low

    PL 2 = 20% = Low

    PL 1 = 10% = Low

    You will know if the power level has been successfully changed if you hear periodic changes in the microwave’s tone after it begins cooking.

     for 6-7 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and the liquids has thickened into a sauce.
  4. As the pasta cooks, mix half of the Parmesan cheese with the panko breadcrumbs and set aside.
  5. Stir the flaked tuna, sour cream, remaining Parmesan, and parsley into the casserole. Top with the panko-Parmesan mixture and bake in the preheated oven until the topping is golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes.

Suggestions

  • Spicy tuna casserole: Add a dash of chili flakes, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce for a spicy kick.
  • Broccoli tuna casserole: Swap out artichokes for chopped broccoli florets to bring a fresh, green twist to your casserole.
  • Vegetarian option: For a vegetarian version, sub the tuna with vegetables such as sliced bell peppers, zucchini, hearts of palm, or mushrooms for a flavorful and hearty alternative.
  • Mediterranean tuna casserole: Add olives and cherry tomatoes to the casserole and top with feta cheese for a Mediterranean twist.

Recipe Notes

  • Use any canned tuna you prefer; however, we recommend tuna packed in oil or brine for added flavor and moisture, enhancing the overall taste of your dish.
  • Don’t have panko breadcrumbs? Use plain or Italian seasoned breadcrumbs instead.
  • Microwave ovens vary, even with the same wattages. Adjust cooking times as needed.

All You Need to Know About Making Tuna Melt Casserole in the Microwave

What is tuna noodle casserole?

Tuna noodle casserole is a classic American dish that’s been around since the 1970’s. It combines creamy, savory tuna with pasta, cheese, and crunchy breadcrumbs for a comforting meal. Our version adds artichokes and capers, which bring a burst of brightness and a touch of salty flavor that perfectly complements the tuna.

Can I make tuna casserole in the microwave?

Yes, you can make tuna noodle casserole in the microwave using an Anyday dish! Simply follow the recipe to prepare the mixture, then cook it at the recommended power level. After cooking, sprinkle on the panko topping. For a golden, crispy finish, you can briefly place the dish in a 500°F oven. This method not only reduces the total cook time compared to the traditional oven method but also simplifies clean-up by allowing you to cook the pasta in the same dish. Be sure to let it cool slightly before serving.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply swap the egg noodles for your choice of gluten-free pasta. Rinse the pasta thoroughly before adding it to the Anyday dish to remove excess starch and maintain the dish's texture and consistency. Check out our guide for cooking gluten-free pasta in the microwave here.

What can I use if I don’t like artichokes, capers, or tuna?

No problem! If artichokes, capers, or tuna aren’t your favorite, you can easily substitute them. Use asparagus, diced zucchini, frozen peas, green beans, or broccoli in place of artichokes. You can also try other pasta dishes in our library here!

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, making this dish dairy-free is easy. Replace the sour cream with vegan plain yogurt or coconut cream to keep it creamy and delicious.

Can I make the casserole ahead of time?

Definitely! You can prepare the casserole in advance and store it in an Anyday dish for convenient reheating. Just add the panko topping right before reheating. To reheat, cover with the Anyday lid and microwave for 3-5 minutes at full power. After heating, add the panko and parmesan mixture on top and toast as needed for a crispy finish.

Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, you can freeze the casserole directly in the Anyday dish for up to 3 months. For best results, reheat the dish directly from frozen on full power. Need more instructions? Check out our blog: How to Reheat Frozen Food.

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