If you’re a fan of tuna melts, this high-protein tuna macaroni and cheese should be added to your list of quick meals to try! Each serving gives you 35 grams of protein, giving this comfort food more nourishment and staying power than your average cheesy mac. Plus, the whole family loves this delicious recipe and it’s ready in under 20 minutes!
Thank you to Larder & Vine for sponsoring this post and providing the 8-Piece Ceramic Bakeware Set for the recipe.
Easy High Protein Tuna Macaroni and Cheese Recipe
Whenever I can simplify a meal, I do. That’s exactly what I did with this dinner we’ve been loving.
Unlike classic macaroni and cheese, you don’t have to make a roux or use flour. The quick creamy sauce is made in the blender with a combination of milk and cottage cheese.
Not only does the cottage cheese help to thicken your sauce, but you also get extra protein from it!
Then we add canned tuna (an awesome inexpensive protein source) along with old bay seasoning and you’ve got yourself a filling, comforting dinner recipe to keep on repeat.
To include an awesome texture, we’re adding the mac and cheese into Larder & Vine’s ceramic-coated 8″ x 8″ square pan and topping it with panko bread crumbs before broiling for a few minutes.
The 8-inch size is awesome for cakes, and also savory dishes like this! I love that after dinner is done, I can put it into the dishwasher for easy cleanup.
I have the French Grey bakeware set, but they come in many other colors and all have a smooth, non-stick ceramic surface that is free of PFOA, PFAS, PTFE, & all heavy metals.
Why you’ll love this homemade mac
Extra punch of protein – If your goal is to get more protein at mealtime, this dinner will help you hit your goals!
Super quick to make – This entire meal is done in under 20 minutes. While the pasta cooks you prepare the cheese sauce and tuna. When you’re short on time, you’ll want this easy recipe in your life!
Great for meal prep – Mac and cheese keeps really well, and this recipe is no different! Prep it when you have more time, and simply reheat on a busy night.
What you need for this easy tuna mac recipe
Scroll down to view the recipe card below for the full ingredients list, nutrition facts, and step-by-step full instructions.
- elbow macaroni (I like a lentil or multi-grain pasta for more protein!)
- milk of choice
- cottage cheese
- unsalted butter
- old bay seasoning
- sea salt
- black pepper
- garlic granules
- cheddar cheese
- Parmesan cheese
- tuna
- panko breadcrumbs
- dried chives
How to make cheesy tuna fish pasta
Step 1: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package directions, but remove when al dente (cooked, but still slightly firm). When the pasta is done, drain and set aside.
Step 2: While the noodles cook, blend the milk and cottage cheese.
Step 3: When your pot is empty, reduce the heat to medium heat and add the butter to melt. Pour the blended cottage cheese in, and add the seasonings and grated cheese. Mix and heat through until your cheese is melted fully.
Step 4: Add the cooked pasta into your cheese sauce and stir through, then add the tuna.
Step 5: Spread a little oil on your Larder & Vine’s ceramic-coated 8″ x 8″ square pan and pour the mac and cheese mixture in. Top the macaroni mixture with panko and broil for 2-3 minutes, until you see the breadcrumbs getting golden. Serve with dried chives, and enjoy!
TIP – If you like a spicy tuna mac add some hot sauce into the sauce. You could also swap some cheddar for pepper jack in the cheese mix.
Watch me make this easy meal!
The full how to video can be watched below, or on my YouTube channel!
Serving suggestion
To make a complete meal, add a size of veggies alongside it. Here are some favorite recipes we love to enjoy with this cozy meal!
- Healthy roasted broccoli and carrots
- Stovetop green beans with bacon
- Easy broccoli salad
- Lemon tahini slaw
- Kale pomegranate salad with lemon maple dressing
How to store
Leftover mac and cheese can be stored once cooled to room temperature. A quicker way to cool hot mac and cheese is to place it in a shallow baking dish so that it’s in a thinner layer.
Once at room temperature, add to airtight containers and keep cool in the fridge for up to 1 week.
You can reheat leftovers on the stovetop or in the oven until warmed through.
Substitutions, optional variations & dietary adjustments
Below you’ll find a list of substitutions that will work well in this cheesy tuna noodle casserole recipe.
If you try something different out, please leave a comment below letting us all know how it turned out!
Elbow macaroni – Any small pasta shape will work here! You can use regular pasta, lentil pasta, or chickpea pasta. There are lots of great gluten-free pastas available if you need to keep this recipe gluten-free.
Milk of choice – Cow’s milk dairy will work great, as will an unsweetened plain non-dairy milk!
Unsalted butter – You can use ghee or olive oil in place of the butter.
Cheddar cheese – Sharp cheddar will give you the best flavor, but medium or milk cheddar cheese will work great too! White cheddar or Monterey jack are both other great alternatives.
Canned tuna – Use your favorite kind of tuna here! I prefer skipjack, but albacore tuna would be just as delicious.
Panko breadcrumbs – Regular bread crumbs will work here too. Another good crunchy option would be crushed potato chips or crushed ritz crackers! Opt for a gluten-free panko to make this recipe gluten-free (with gluten-free pasta too)
More favorite recipes you’ll love
Easy High Protein Tuna Macaroni and Cheese Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 oz elbow macaroni (I like lentil pasta for more protein!)
- 3/4 cup milk of choice
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1.5 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp old bay seasoning
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic granules
- 4 cups cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
- 2 cans tuna
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package directions, but remove when al dente (cooked, but still slightly firm). When the pasta is done, drain and set aside.
- While the noodles cook, blend the milk and cottage cheese.
- When your pot is empty, reduce the heat to medium heat and add the butter to melt. Pour the blended cottage cheese in, and add the seasonings and grated cheese. Mix and heat through until your cheese is melted fully.
- Add the cooked pasta into your cheese sauce and stir through, then add the tuna.
- Spread a little oil on your Larder & Vine’s ceramic-coated 8″ x 8″ square pan and pour the mac and cheese mixture in. Top the macaroni mixture with panko and broil for 2-3 minutes, until you see the breadcrumbs getting golden. Serve, and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
If you try this tuna macaroni and cheese recipe, I’d love it if you left a star rating and comment below letting me know how it turned out!
XO
Heather
2 comments
Love how this Tuna Macaroni and Cheese recipe is packed with protein & so easy to make! It’s become a favorite quick meal in my home! Thanks for this bowl of creamy goodness. 🙂
You’re so welcome Mackenzie! Glad it’s become a hit in your house! Thanks so much for coming here and sharing 🙂