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!
Try SnapCalorie's FREE AI assisted nutrition tracking free in the App store or on Android.
Scan with your phone to download!
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)
Directions
Step 1
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.
Step 2
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.
Step 3
Slowly whisk in the milk, making sure to eliminate any lumps. Continue cooking and stirring until the mixture thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
Step 4
Lower the heat to medium-low and gradually stir in the cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
Step 5
Season the cheese sauce with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Step 6
Gently fold in the drained tuna and frozen peas (if using). Stir until fully incorporated and heated through.
Step 7
Add the cooked pasta shells back to the pot and toss until everything is coated in the cheese sauce.
Step 8
Serve immediately, garnished with additional black pepper or a sprinkle of extra cheese if desired.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (1348.1g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 3027.9 |
| Total Fat 137.5g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 83.8g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 0.3g | |
| Cholesterol 430.1mg | 0% |
| Sodium 4205.7mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 320.4g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 19.6g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 44.4g | |
| Protein 141.1g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 260.1IU | 0% |
| Calcium 2362.5mg | 0% |
| Iron 8.6mg | 0% |
| Potassium 2107.4mg | 0% |
Source of Calories