Easy and Quick Homemade Tuna Helper

A hearty, comforting one-pan meal that’s quick, easy, and full of nostalgic flavor. This homemade version of Tuna Helper combines tender pasta, flaky tuna, and a rich, creamy cheese sauce with a hint of garlic and herbs.

Prep Time: 10 minutes 

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Servings: 4 

Ingredients

• 12 Ounces Medium Shell Pasta
• 4 Tablespoons Salted Butter
• 1/4 cup All Purpose Flour
• 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
• 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt
• 1/2 teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
• 2 Cups Chicken Broth
• 1 Cup Half and Half at room temperature
• 2 Cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese
• 1 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese, freshly grated
• 1 12-oz Can Chunk Tuna, drained
• 1 can peas, drained

Directions

1. Cook the pasta in a large Swiss Diamond pot according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. In a Swiss Diamond saute pan, melt the butter over medium heat and stir in the flour, mixing continuously to make a light roux. Mix in the onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Continue stirring until the sauce starts to simmer and thickens a bit.
4. Lower the heat and pour in half and half, stirring constantly until the sauce starts to simmer again and is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
5. Turn off the heat and gradually stir in the cheddar and parmesan cheese until melted.
6. Add the cooked pasta, peas, and tuna to the sauce and mix until everything is coated evenly.
7. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired.