An easy and quick meal, this stovetop tuna mac and cheese makes a great lunch or dinner! Who doesn’t love a mac and cheese recipe?! I have always loved mac and cheese, but this was my first time adding a new ingredient to it. Not only is this meal super easy to make, but it is creamy and filled with delicious tuna. Add vegetables or leave them as is. However you decide to make this recipe, you’ll want more. Yum!

Equipment Needed

• Large pot
• Medium pot
• Strainer

Ingredients

• Elbow macaroni or pasta of choice
• Olive oil
• Unsalted butter
• Flour
• Salt
• Pepper
• Milk
• Cheddar cheese (shredded)
• Albacore tuna (drained)

How to Make Stovetop Tuna Mac and Cheese

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook pasta according to package instructions. Add olive oil and a pinch of salt.
2. Heat the unsalted butter in a medium pot over medium heat. Add in the flour, salt, and pepper. Whisk until the flour dissolves, about 1-2 minutes.
3. Whisk in the milk and bring the sauce to a low boil.
4. Add in the cheese and stir until melted, 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat.
5. Drain the pasta. Pour in the cheese mixture until the sauce is evenly coated.
6. Add in the tuna. Mix until tuna is evenly distributed. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

• Milk- I use whole milk for this recipe, but 2% works as well.
• Olive oil- Use a teaspoon of olive oil to your pasta water. This prevents the noodles from sticking.
• Albacore tuna- Break the tuna into chunks that way it is evenly distributed throughout the mac and cheese.
• Vegetables- If you would like to add vegetables to this recipe, feel free to add frozen peas, carrots, or broccoli.

How to Store

Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container and placed in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Health Benefits of Tuna

Tuna is an excellent source of lean protein and omega-3 fatty acids, promoting heart health and aiding in brain function. Incorporating tuna into your meals provides essential nutrients and supports a balanced diet.

Mac and Cheese

Mac and cheese have been a beloved comfort food for generations, offering a warm and satisfying meal that’s simple to prepare. Adding tuna to this classic dish elevates its nutritional value and taste.

Conclusion

Stovetop Tuna Mac and Cheese offers a quick and delicious way to enjoy a comforting meal. Its creamy texture, combined with the goodness of tuna, makes it a family favorite. Customize this dish to your liking and savor the delightful flavors.

FAQ

Can I use a different type of cheese for this recipe?

Absolutely! You can experiment with various cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Gruyère to suit your taste.

Is it necessary to use canned tuna, or can I use fresh tuna?

Canned tuna is recommended for this recipe due to its convenience and easy integration into the dish. However, you can use fresh tuna if preferred.

Can I make this dish ahead of time and reheat it?

Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time and reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a little milk to retain the creamy consistency.

What are some additional toppings I can try?

Aside from bread crumbs, consider topping your mac and cheese with chopped parsley, grated Parmesan, or a drizzle of hot sauce for an extra kick.

How long will the leftovers last in the refrigerator?

Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently to maintain the creamy texture.

Stovetop Tuna Mac and Cheese

Recipe by MamaCourse: Dinner, LunchCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

5

minutes

Cooking time

15

minutes

Calories

400

kcal

Total time

20

minutes

An easy and quick meal, this stovetop tuna mac and cheese makes a great lunch or dinner!

Ingredients

• 8 oz elbow macaroni or pasta of choice

• 1 tsp olive oil

• 3 tbsp unsalted butter

• 2 tbsp flour

• 1 tsp salt

• 1/2 tsp pepper

• 1 1/2 cups milk*

• 1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded)

• 1 can albacore tuna (drained)

Directions

• Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook pasta according to package instructions. Add olive oil and a pinch of salt.
• Heat the unsalted butter in a medium pot over medium heat. Add in the flour, salt, and pepper. Whisk until the flour dissolves, about 1-2 minutes.
• Whisk in the milk and bring the sauce to a low boil.
• Add in the cheese and stir until melted, 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat.
• Drain the pasta. Pour in the cheese mixture until the sauce is evenly coated.
• Add in the tuna. Mix until tuna is evenly distributed. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

• *Milk- I use whole milk for this recipe, but 2% works as well.
• Olive oil- Use a teaspoon of olive oil to your pasta water. This prevents the noodles from sticking.
• Albacore tuna- Break the tuna into chunks that way it is evenly distributed throughout the mac and cheese.
• Vegetables- If you would like to add vegetables to this recipe, feel free to add frozen peas, carrots, or broccoli.