Stuffed Shells Tuna Casserole
Servings: 6 people
Calories: 376kcal
Ingredients
- ½ pound jumbo shells cook a few extra in case shells break
- 4 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups Half and Half plus extra if needed
- 3 tsps Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning or ½ tsp cayenne pepper
- ½ tsp fresh cracked black pepper
- ½ tsp dried basil
- 2 4.5 oz cans albacore tuna in water drained
- 1 cup fresh broccoli chopped
- ½ red bell pepper diced
- 1 small shallot minced
- ½ cup sharp cheddar shredded
Instructions
- Cook jumbo shell pasta according to package until just al dente. Dash with cold water and set aside. Preheat oven to 350℉.
- In a medium sauce pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about one minute, whisking constantly. Slowly stir in the half and half. Add the Dijon mustard, salt, thyme, basil, Old Bay seasoning, and pepper. Stir until thickened, about 3 minutes. Taste and add more seasoning if needed. If sauce seems too thick, add more half and half until thick buy not gloopy.
- In a medium bowl, add the tuna, broccoli, red bell pepper, and shallot. Add about ½ cup of the sauce and stir to bind. This will still be a bit dry. Add a very thin layer of sauce to the bottom of the casserole dish. Fill each shell with the tuna mixture, continuing until the stuffed shells have filled the dish. Don't overcrowd them but place side by side. Pour the remaining sauce over the shells. Sprinkle the cheddar cheese over top.
- Cover dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25-30 minutes, until heated through. Remove the foil and continue to bake another 5 minutes to let the cheese further melt into the sauce.
- Remove from oven and sprinkle fresh parsley over the top, more black pepper, if desired. Servings are for 2 or 3 shells per person.
Notes
- Leftovers may be refrigerated for up to 3 days. Reheat and serve.
- You may replace the butter in the sauce with a half cup of broth if desired.
- Half and half may be replaced with milk or cream as desired.
- Other vegetables are also delicious in the casserole. Frozen peas are particularly good.
Nutrition
Serving: 2stuffed shells | Calories: 376kcal | Carbohydrates: 37g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 58mg | Sodium: 595mg | Potassium: 282mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 1033IU | Vitamin C: 27mg | Calcium: 181mg | Iron: 1mg