Gluten Free Tuna Casserole

Is it just me, or do some of the coziest memories happen around a casserole dish? There’s something so wonderfully reassuring about pulling a bubbling, golden-brown bake from the oven. It promises warmth, comfort, and a meal that brings everyone to the table. That’s exactly what this Easy Gluten Free Tuna Casserole is all about. It’s the ultimate weeknight hero—creamy, satisfying, and made with simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. Whether you’re navigating a gluten-free lifestyle or simply looking for a no-fuss dinner that everyone will love, this recipe is here to save your evening.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Gluten Free Tuna Casserole

• Weeknight Wonder: From prep to table in under an hour, this dish is a lifesaver on busy days.
• Picky-Eater Approved: Creamy, cheesy, and familiar, it’s a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults.
• Budget-Friendly: It turns humble, affordable ingredients into a truly delicious meal.
• Incredibly Customizable: Don’t have peas? Use broccoli! The recipe is a fantastic canvas for your creativity.

Gather Your Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this comforting classic. The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility, so feel free to make it your own

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• 12 ounces gluten-free elbow pasta (or your favorite gluten-free pasta shape)
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 cup finely diced onion
• 1/2 cup finely diced celery
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons gluten-free all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
• 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 2 (5-ounce) cans tuna in water, drained
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 cup crushed gluten-free crackers or potato chips for topping (optional)

Let’s Make Some Comfort Food!

Follow these simple steps for a perfectly creamy and comforting casserole every single time.

1. Cook the Pasta: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the gluten-free pasta according to package directions, but aim for al dente as it will continue to cook in the oven. Drain and set aside.
2. Sauté the Veggies: While the pasta cooks, melt the butter in a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Create the Sauce: Sprinkle the gluten-free flour over the vegetables and stir constantly for about one minute to cook off the raw flour taste. Slowly pour in the milk and broth, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring often, until it thickens nicely.
4. Combine Everything: Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the frozen peas, drained tuna, 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese, and the paprika. Season generously with salt and pepper. Gently fold in the cooked pasta until everything is evenly coated in that luscious sauce.
5. Top and Bake: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese (and the crushed crackers or chips, if using) over the top. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
6. Rest and Serve: Let the casserole sit for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps the sauce set up perfectly!

My Go-To Kitchen Tools

You don’t need anything fancy for this recipe! Here are the key players:

• Large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven (this is a one-pot dream if you have one!)
• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons

Tips, Tricks, and Tasty Variations

This recipe is wonderfully forgiving. My family’s version has evolved over the years, and I encourage you to make it your own!

• No Oven-Safe Skillet? No problem! Simply transfer the combined mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish before adding the topping and baking.
• Get Creative with Veggies: Swap the peas for cooked broccoli florets, diced carrots, or even some sautéed mushrooms.
• Cheese Lovers Unite: Feel free to mix up the cheese. A combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack is fantastic, or add a little Parmesan for a sharper flavor.
• Make it Creamier: For an extra-rich sauce, stir in 2 ounces of softened cream cheese along with the cheddar.
• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or a 350°F oven until warm.

I’ll never forget the first time I made this for my kids. They were a little wary of the “green things” (aka peas), but one bite of the cheesy, tuna-filled pasta and they were sold. It’s been a regular in our dinner rotation ever since!

What to Serve With Your Casserole

This gluten free tuna casserole is a complete meal all on its own, but a simple side can really round it out. I love serving it with a crisp, green salad like this Easy Italian Salad or some roasted green beans. A slice of crusty gluten-free bread is also perfect for soaking up every last bit of that creamy sauce.

A Few Questions You Might Have

Can I freeze this gluten free tuna casserole?

You can! Assemble the casserole but wait to bake it. Cover it tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, bake it from frozen, adding an extra 15-20 minutes to the baking time (remove the foil for the last 10 minutes to brown the top).

What’s the best gluten-free pasta to use?

I’ve had great success with brown rice or quinoa-based pasta blends. They hold their shape well. For more guidance on picking the perfect pasta, check out this great resource from Beyond Celiac.

Can I use canned chicken instead of tuna?

Absolutely! Canned chicken is a fantastic substitute if you’re not a tuna fan or just want to switch things up. It will be just as delicious.

How can I make this recipe dairy-free?

For a dairy-free version, use your favorite plant-based butter, unsweetened almond or oat milk, and dairy-free cheese shreds. The method remains exactly the same.

Nutrition Information

This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on the specific ingredients you use.

Calories: 425kcal | Carbohydrates: 45g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 55mg | Sodium: 480mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 6g

So there you have it—a delicious, dependable Gluten Free Tuna Casserole that’s sure to become a cherished part of your family’s meal plan. It’s proof that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. If you’re looking for another easy, family-friendly dinner idea, you have to try my One-Pot Creamy Chicken and Rice. Now, go preheat that oven and get ready for some serious comfort. Happy cooking .