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Are you looking to use up that can of tuna that has been stilling in your panty for way too long? But hate tuna casseroles.  Then you have to try this jumbo tuna stuffed shells recipe.  The sauce is creamy but light and full of flavour.  And isn’t a mushy mess like other tuna casserole recipes. 

The inspiration for this recipe came from a tuna filled shells recipe on Taste of Home.  But with a few modifications. Our dietitians would also recommend pairing this casserole with a side salad to round out the meal.

Don’t have tuna? Canned chicken would work as well.

Meal prep help Winnipeg dietitians
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Jumbo Tuna Stuffed Shells

Jumbo Tuna Stuffed Shells


  • Author: Susan Watson, Registered Dietitian
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Looking for a recipe to use up that can of tuna in your panty?  Then you need to try this jumbo tuna stuffed shell recipe.  These tuna stuff shells make for a light but filling casserole.  Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.  


Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 jumbo pasta shells
  • 5 teaspoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups 1% milk
  • 1 teaspoon dill weed
  • 1 teaspoon thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 celery rib, diced
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 1 tablespoon canola oil
  • 1 cup panko crumbs 
  • 1 can (12 ounces) light water-packed tuna, drained and flaked
  • 1/2 cup reduced fat Caesar salad dressing
  • 1/2 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese

Instructions

  1. Start by cooking the jumbo pasta shells according to the directions on the box.
  2. In a medium saucepan, whisk together the flour, milk, dill and salt until smooth.
  3. Bring to a boil and stir until thickened.  This can take anywhere from 2 to 5 minutes. 
  4. Pour 1-1/4 cups of the sauce into a baking dish and set aside.
  5. Saute celery and onion in oil until tender.
  6. Stir in Panko crumbs, tuna, salad dressing and cheese.
  7. Drain shells and pat dry.
  8. Spoon in tuna mixture into shells.
  9. Place stuffed shells on top of the sauce in the dish. Drizzle with remaining sauce on top.
  10. Cover and bake at 350° until bubbly.  Approx. 25-30 minutes.

Notes

Serve with a side salad or steamed veggies

  • Prep Time: 10
  • Cook Time: 30

If you’re struggling to come up with pantry friendly recipes ideas, here is a quick guide on how to build a catch-all casserole. 

How To Build a Catch-all Casserole

  1. In a large pot, add cooked meat, fish, poultry, beans or lentils, and an equal amount of cooked vegetables. You can also add cooked rice, macaroni or potato. Mix well.

  2. Add one or more of the following to make it moister: condensed cream soup, milk, vegetable broth, meat stock, tomato sauce or gravy.

  3. Add toppings like breadcrumbs or grated cheese.

  4. Heat thoroughly at 375°F for about 30 minutes.

Looking For More Casserole Examples?

Check out these two casserole recipes:

Don’t Forget to Pin this Jumbo Tuna Stuffed Shells Recipe

HOW DO I BOOK AN APPOINTMENT WITH A REGISTERED DIETITIAN?

  • To book an appointment with one of our Registered Dietitians or therapists, you can:
  • Phone: 204-515-7466
  • Email: admin@alittlenutrition.com
  • Book online: https://alittlenutrition.janeapp.com