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Tuna Helper with shell pasta, creamy sauce, tuna, and fresh parsley in a white bowl.

Tuna Helper Recipe

Lori Mauer
Stir up a classic! This homemade Tuna Helper recipe delivers creamy, cheesy comfort in just 35 minutes. Better than the box!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 887 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 12 ounces medium shell pasta
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon dry mustard powder
  • 3/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup half-and-half
  • 1 3/4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated
  • 1 12-ounce can tuna in water drained and flaked
  • Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, cook the pasta in boiling water until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
    Cooking medium shell pasta for Tuna Helper in a pot of boiling water.
  • In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk for about 1 minute to form a smooth paste.
    Whisking melted butter and flour for Tuna Helper recipe.
  • Mix in the dry mustard powder, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and continue stirring over medium heat until the sauce begins to thicken, about 3 to 4 minutes.
  • Stir in the half-and-half and cook for an additional 2 minutes while stirring constantly. Remove the pot from the heat.
    Stirring half-and-half into the sauce for Tuna Helper.
  • Slowly stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and Parmesan until melted. Gently mix in the pasta and tuna until evenly coated.
    Tuna Helper with shell pasta and creamy tuna sauce.
  • Serve the Tuna Helper hot. For a pop of color and extra flavor, you can garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 887kcalCarbohydrates: 77gProtein: 45gFat: 44gSaturated Fat: 26gSodium: 1187mgFiber: 3g
Keyword Tuna Helper
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