Classic Chicken Alfredo Recipe for Beginners

Introduction

Welcome to Love With Recipes, your ultimate destination for deliciously crafted dishes that bring comfort and joy to your table. Today, we’re diving into a savory, satisfying creation that combines the richness of tuna, the crunch of salted cashews, and the delightful crispiness of chow mein noodles. This Tuna Cashew Casserole is a beloved recipe shared by my dear friend Donna W., who has generously passed down this family favorite, ensuring it remains a staple in many homes. With a preparation time of just 15 minutes and a total cooking time of approximately 40 minutes, this casserole is perfect for busy weeknights, casual family dinners, or even weekend gatherings. Its harmony of textures and flavors makes it a standout dish that is both hearty and elegant, guaranteed to impress even the most discerning palates. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a culinary novice, this recipe is straightforward yet sophisticated enough to serve at any occasion. Let’s explore the details, step-by-step, to bring this comforting dish to life in your own kitchen.

Time

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes

Total Time: Approximately 55-55 minutes

Needed Equipment

• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Medium saucepan
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Mixing spoon or spatula
• 1 ½-quart baking dish or casserole dish
• Oven mitts
• Oven
• Cooling rack or trivet
• Optional: aluminum foil for covering during storage

Tags

• Comfort Food
• Seafood
• Cashew Nut
• Casserole
• Quick & Easy
• Family Dinner
• Cheesy
• Crunchy Topping

Serving Size

Serves approximately 4-6 people, depending on portion sizes. For larger families or leftovers, simply adjust the quantities accordingly.

Difficulty Level

This recipe is classified as Easy to Moderate. It involves basic cooking techniques such as sautéing, making a roux, and baking. Suitable for cooks with fundamental kitchen skills, but approachable enough for beginners eager to expand their repertoire.

Allergen Information

• Contains: Fish (tuna), tree nuts (cashews), gluten (wheat-based chow mein noodles, flour), dairy (butter, milk, optional cheese)
• Potential cross-contamination: Check labels on packaged ingredients if allergies are severe.

Dietary Preference

• Contains animal products (tuna, butter, milk)
• Can be adapted for vegetarian diets by replacing tuna with plant-based proteins
• Gluten-free adaptations possible with specific ingredient substitutions

Course

Main Course

Cuisine

American Comfort Food / Western

Ingredients

Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Vegetables

Begin by gathering all your fresh vegetables: celery, onion, and green bell pepper. Rinse the celery stalks under cool running water to remove any dirt or debris, then trim off the ends using a sharp knife. Slice the celery into thin, uniform pieces—about 1/4 inch thick—so they cook evenly. Next, peel and finely chop the onion; aim for small dice to ensure they soften quickly and blend seamlessly into the sauce. For the green bell pepper, core and seed it thoroughly to remove any bitterness, then dice into small squares similar in size to the celery pieces. These vegetables provide a vibrant base for the casserole, offering crunch, sweetness, and freshness that complement the richness of the tuna and creamy sauce.

Step 2: Sautéing Vegetables

Heat 1 ½ tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once melted and shimmering, add the prepared celery, onion, and green bell pepper. Sauté the vegetables, stirring frequently with a spatula or wooden spoon, until they become tender and translucent—about 5 to 7 minutes. This process releases their natural flavors and softens their texture, ensuring they meld smoothly into the casserole. Season lightly with a pinch of salt if desired, to enhance their flavor. Once cooked, transfer the sautéed vegetables to a small bowl or plate and set aside to cool slightly. This step ensures the vegetables are flavorful and tender, adding layers of texture and taste to your final dish.

Step 3: Making the Roux for the Sauce

In a medium saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. When the butter has fully melted and starts to shimmer, add the flour, whisking vigorously to create a smooth, lump-free paste called a roux. Continue whisking for about 1-2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste, but do not let it brown excessively. The roux will serve as the thickening agent for your creamy sauce, so consistency and smoothness are crucial at this stage. This technique forms the foundation of your béchamel-style base, giving the casserole its luscious texture.

Step 4: Creating the Creamy Base

Remove the saucepan from heat momentarily, then slowly pour in the milk while continuously whisking to prevent lumps from forming. Start with a small amount and gradually add more as the mixture begins to thicken, maintaining a steady stream of milk. Once all the milk is incorporated, return the saucepan to medium heat. Continue whisking until the mixture comes to a gentle boil. As it boils, the sauce will thicken further—this is a critical stage, so keep stirring to prevent burning or sticking. Allow the sauce to boil for about 1 minute, or until it reaches your desired thickness. You’re aiming for a velvety, smooth consistency that will coat the ingredients beautifully once combined.

Step 5: Incorporating Tuna and Vegetables

Gently fold in the drained tuna, breaking it apart into smaller chunks as you mix. Add the sautéed vegetables, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the sauce. Mix carefully but thoroughly to marry the flavors—this combination is the heart of your casserole. The tuna adds a savory, protein-rich element, while the vegetables contribute crunch, sweetness, and freshness, balancing the richness of the sauce. Continue stirring until everything is well coated and the mixture is heated through, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 6: Incorporating Cashews and Chow Mein Noodles

Add the salted cashews and 1 cup of chow mein noodles to the mixture. Season with freshly ground black pepper to taste—start with a small amount and adjust as needed. Stir everything together gently, ensuring the cashews and noodles are evenly distributed. The salted cashews introduce a delightful crunch and a nutty flavor that complements the tuna and creamy sauce, while the chow mein noodles add an irresistible crispy texture once baked.

Step 7: Preparing the Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 1 ½-quart baking dish thoroughly with butter to prevent sticking and promote even browning. Pour the tuna, vegetable, and sauce mixture into the prepared dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula or the back of a large spoon. This level surface ensures uniform cooking and a neat presentation once baked.

Step 8: Adding the Crunchy Topping

Sprinkle the remaining chow mein noodles evenly over the top of the casserole. This crispy topping will develop a golden-brown crust during baking, providing a contrasting texture to the creamy interior. For extra flavor, you can sprinkle a little additional salt or pepper over the noodles, or even a touch of shredded cheese if you prefer a cheesier version.

Step 9: Baking to Perfection

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 30 minutes. During baking, the noodles will crisp up, the casserole will heat through, and the flavors will meld into a harmonious dish. Keep an eye on the top—once it turns a lovely golden brown and becomes crispy, it’s ready to enjoy. If you notice the top browning too quickly, tent the dish with aluminum foil to prevent burning while the interior finishes cooking.

Step 10: Serving

Once baked, carefully remove the casserole from the oven and transfer it onto a cooling rack or trivet. Allow it to rest for 5 minutes; this helps the casserole set slightly, making serving easier. Garnish with optional chopped parsley or sliced green onions for a fresh, vibrant touch. Serve hot with your favorite side dishes, such as a crisp green salad, steamed vegetables, or warm crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. Enjoy every bite of this comforting, flavorful dish that combines a variety of textures and tastes in perfect harmony.

Preparation Tips

• Vegetable prep: Use a sharp knife for clean cuts, and consider prepping all vegetables ahead of time to streamline the process.
• Cheese addition: For a cheesy upgrade, sprinkle shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella over the casserole just before baking. Cover loosely with foil if you want a softer cheese melt or leave uncovered for a crispy crust.
• Cashew selection: Use salted cashews for added flavor, but you can opt for unsalted if you prefer a less salty dish. Toast the cashews lightly in a dry skillet before adding for an extra depth of flavor.
• Cooking the noodles: If you prefer a softer topping, you can briefly toast the chow mein noodles in a bit of butter before sprinkling over the casserole.

Nutritional Information

Tips and Tricks

• Flavor enhancement: Add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.
• Texture variation: Mix in some shredded carrots or chopped green beans for added color and crunch.
• Cheese lovers: Incorporate shredded cheese into the sauce or sprinkle on top before baking for a creamy, cheesy crust.
• Leftover storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
• Freezing: This casserole freezes well if assembled without the crispy topping; add the topping after reheating.

Add-ons

• Chopped fresh herbs such as parsley, cilantro, or green onions for garnish.
• A drizzle of lemon juice or a dash of hot sauce before serving for extra zing.
• Shredded cheese, grated Parmesan, or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for added flavor.

Side Dishes

• Fresh mixed green salad with vinaigrette
• Steamed broccoli or green beans
• Garlic bread or dinner rolls
• Roasted vegetables such as carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers

Improvements

• Substitute fresh herbs for dried ones for a brighter flavor.
• Add a splash of white wine or lemon juice to the sauce for acidity and depth.
• Mix in cooked pasta or rice for a more filling, carb-rich casserole.
• Use Greek yogurt or sour cream to make the sauce creamier and tangier.

Save and Store

To store leftovers, allow the casserole to cool to room temperature. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the casserole in an airtight container for up to 2 months. To reheat, bake directly from the fridge at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual portions, adding a splash of milk or broth to maintain moisture.

FAQ

Can I substitute the tuna with other proteins?

Absolutely. Canned chicken, cooked shrimp, or even plant-based proteins like chickpeas or white beans work well as alternatives, especially for vegetarian adaptations.

Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?

Yes, but ensure you use gluten-free chow mein noodles and a gluten-free flour substitute. Check labels carefully to avoid cross-contamination.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Yes. Assemble the casserole without the crunchy noodles topping, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add the topping and cook as directed.

Is it possible to make this dish vegan?

With modifications, yes. Replace tuna with chickpeas or tofu, use plant-based butter and milk, and omit cheese or use vegan cheese alternatives.

Conclusion

This Tuna Cashew Casserole from Love With Recipes embodies the perfect blend of comfort, crunch, and flavor. Its simple yet sophisticated profile makes it an ideal main course for weeknights or special occasions alike. The combination of tender tuna, crunchy salted cashews, and crispy chow mein noodles creates a multi-layered experience that keeps everyone coming back for more. Feel free to customize the ingredients and toppings to suit your taste, dietary needs, or ingredient availability. With just a handful of pantry staples and fresh vegetables, you can create a memorable dish that delights family and friends. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the satisfying harmony of textures and flavors in every spoonful.

References

Recipe inspired by traditional tuna casserole techniques and adapted from family favorites shared on Love With Recipes.