I haven’t been wanting to cook lately. And when I do, it’s super simple stuff like this most of the time–a stove top recipe that starts with a box. While I’ve been making this for over a decade, this is the first time I considered sharing it. I finally realized there are probably a lot of busy people out there who don’t mind using a convenience food item now and then if it means dinner in 15 minutes. You can easily double or triple this recipe to feed a family, and it still only takes 15 minutes!
My best friend’s Mom used to make this all the time and I thought she was a genius because the addition of tuna and peas really ups the health-factor of boxed macaroni and cheese, while still tasting wonderful. I gobbled this up alongside her children, so I think it’s safe to say this is kid-approved. The only change I’ve made is to add in extra cheese to help flavor the added ingredients a little more, and a little mayonnaise to make it extra creamy (the latter is a new addition and the photos show it without – it’s so much more creamy with it!).
So yummy, so easy! So cheesy! :)
Easy-Peasy Cheesy Tuna Noodle Bowls
Printable recipe
Printable recipe with picture
1 box macaroni and cheese
milk and butter as called for on box (usually 1/4 cup each)
2 ounces (or more) finely shredded cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 can of tuna packed in water, drained very well
1 cup frozen peas, microwaved until hot
Cook pasta according to box directions. Meanwhile, heat peas in the microwave until hot. Drain the macaroni when it has the bite you desire, then stir in the butter until melted and combined. Add the milk , cheese, mayonnaise, and the cheese powder from the box and stir until blended and the cheese is melted. Add the tuna and peas, and stir until combined. Spoon into bowls and serve hot.
Serves 2-3
Veronica's Cornucopia 
My favorite variety of tuna noodles (or “toodles”, as Richard calls them), consists of whole-grain pasta with sauce made from coconut milk, peas, tuna and some spice (chicken stock, salt, pepper, curry). We don’t have that dish often, but it is uber-delicious.
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Hey that sounds good! Sort of Indian-ish!
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Looks delish! I’m starving right now (at 8AM LOL) and could eat a huge bowl of that! My mom used to make tuna casserole with sea shell pasta, cream of mushroom soup, tuna and slices of sandwich cheese. Oh the memories! My brother and I used to gobble it down. Now my mom tells me that she hates the stuff and only made it because it was my dad’s favorite. Go figure LOL! I need to remember to make your version with boxed pasta. Sometimes I just don’t want to eat out but don’t have much energy for making a big meal either. And what a pretty picture! Girl, you should be taking pictures for a food magazine! Thanks for posting, Veronica!
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Oh you flatterer you! We never had tuna noodle casserole growing up but this is kinda sorta the same thing. :)
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Hi, I found your blog through Suzie and Biz so I thought I would stop by :)
This looks so good! I’m a big fan of tuna noodle casserole, and this would be so much easier to throw together after work!
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I’ve seen you on Suzie’s blog, nice to meet you here! I agree, so much easier. I can’t be bothered with casseroles right now. :)
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I am actually not a fan of tuna, but I still puffy heart mac n cheese – it was a staple in my 20’s when Hannah was little! :D Glad Sam stopped by!! Hi Sam! :D
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Gotta love the blue box! (Actually I buy generic from Aldi–I don’t even care what kind I use-haha)
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I so agree – you SHOULD share recipes like this more often….and I’m just a’guessin’ that once your babe is in your arms, you’re gonna be using lots more ‘almost homemade’ recipes for their ease. This sounds great. So glad you shared. Just ADORE the baby ticker in your sidebar. =D
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You’re probably right! I’ll be the new “Semi-Homemade” Queen. :)
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This looks so comforting, wish I could eat it it right now
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Summer comfort food for sure! (or winter or spring or fall…)
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I love easy dishes like this!
Thanks for posting! ( I love adding peas to almost anything! )
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Peas are my favorite too! Just adore them. Yesterday I splurged on a baggie of fresh sugar snap peas and ate the whole thing in one sitting. YUM!
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Those sound good Veronica! =)
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Oh I love them, and I eat them raw b/c I love how crisp and crunchy they are, but they do probably have a better flavor with cooking. A little bag is like $3-4 so it’s not a bargain but I treat myself to them once in a while.
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i love peas in mac & cheese as an adult, but hated it as a kid. ben’s the tuna pasta guy in our family…i’ve tried it, not my thing haha. i think it’s the hot tuna that does it for me… but i bet ben would happily make this one day when i’m gone for dinner :)
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That’s cool Sarah – different strokes for different folks!
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I just made box macaroni the other day and about had a heart attack when John ate a bowl! I don’t think I’ve even seen him eat it…lol! I like your additions and that it is super easy after a long day! Glad to see Sam stopped by :)
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OK, that would be a food I’d think he’d always have eaten since he kind of eats like a kid-haha! Maybe by the time he dies he will be a normal eater, if not an adventurous one. All thanks to your influence! You get a gold star. :)
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Even with tuna in it, I am dying for some noodles now, too delish :D
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
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Sorry bout the tuna Uru!
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No problem my friend, I would be more than happy to make this without tuna :D
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Cheesy noodles are always so satisfying. :D
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Kraft mac and cheese is my go to food when I am feeling crappy. This looks so good right now and I want to try it!!
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It really can be a comfort food, esp since many of us got it growing up. It’s good Rhonda, but not so light on the calories unless you don’t eat much of it. But that’s no fun. :)
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I love protein packed tuna! This cheesy pasta looks super duper delicious, Veronica.
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Thanks Angie! I love it too.
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Ha ha…we love Mac and cheese at our house! It’s not the same as homemade, but sometimes, you’re in a rush. We mix a box (usually the extra creamy or Velveeta brand) with a can of chili. My kids LOVE it.
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I’M SO GOING TO DO THAT!
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Hey V, I read and forgot to comment on your comment about your hubs being an “old” papa. I cant’ tell you how many of my high school friends (now aged 45) are just starting families – in fact most of them can’t believe I have a 21 year old! It’s all relative, I know you are both going to be great parents!!
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Thanks Biz I’ll tell him that but it probably helps me more than him to hear it. I’m a little wigged out that our baby will have older parents, just like my Dad did and it was so hard for him (always afraid they would die–he was a surprise when my Grandma was 45 and Grandpa was even older, and then he was very young when his Dad passed and I just really don’t’ want that for our kid. Thankfully Dennis is in much better health than Grandpa Davis). Also, Halley Barry is having a baby this year at 45, so he’s in sexy company. lol
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Sometimes you just can’t beat the blue box! :)
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My girlies love stuff like this but I”m always wanting to get more protein in their meals, Love that you’ve added tuna!
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This I can probably feed the hubby. My girls hate tuna :-( ~Flaca
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You aren’t kidding—-delicious food, fast, my kinda meal!
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In college I always added mix-ins to my mac and cheese! Made it infintiely more delicious!
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Reblogged this on driggers9 and commented:
I think this a good recipe.
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