Tuna Noodle Casserole

Ingredients

• 8 ounces medium shell pasta (cooked al dente according to package directions)
• 4 tablespoons butter (divided)
• 1 medium stalk celery (thinly sliced or diced)
• 1/4 cup diced onion
• 8 ounces mushrooms (sliced or diced)
• olive oil (as needed)
• 4 tbs flour
• 1 14.5 ounce can chicken broth (just under 2 cups, warmed)
• 1 cup milk (warmed)
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon dill
• 2 tsp fresh lemon juice (more if desired (I desire))
• 2 tablespoons fresh minced parsley
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (divided)
• 5 oz can tuna (packed in water, more if desired)
• Topping:
• 1/4 cup Ritz cracker crumbs mixed with about 1/2 tablespoon melted butter
• or 1/4-1/2 cup broken up potato chips (I recommend kettle style)

Instructions

1. 1

   Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet. Add celery and saute for 2-3 minutes. Add onion and cook 2-3 minutes longer, stirring often. Add mushrooms and cook 3-5 more minutes, until mushrooms are golden and tender. If needed for moisture, add a drizzle of olive oil to the pan after the mushrooms are added; more if needed during remaining cooking time. Remove vegetables from pan and set aside.

2. 2

   Melt remaining 3 tablespoons butter in pan and add flour. Stir constantly for 30 seconds. Slowly add broth and milk, a little at a time while constantly whisking until mixture is smooth. Bring to a low simmer. Add salt, pepper, and dill. Stir constantly until thickened and bubbly, 2-3 minutes. Reduce heat to low and add lemon juice, parsley, and 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese. Whisk until smooth and taste. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste, and extra lemon juice if desired.

3. 3

   Remove from heat and add pasta, vegetables, and tuna. Stir to combine and place in a 3 quart baking dish. Sprinkle with remaining ½ cup cheese (feel free to add more if you want) and sprinkle cracker crumbs or chips on top.

4. 4

   Bake at 350℉ for 25-30 minutes, until top is golden and pasta is hot and bubbly. Let rest 10-15 minutes before serving to allow sauce to thicken.