Healthy Tuna Pasta Casserole

Enjoy a healthier alternative to your family favorite to kick off the New Year with this Healthy Tuna Pasta Casserole.

It combines whole grain pasta, lean protein from tuna and a variety of vegetables to create a filling and balanced meal.

Be sure to check out the rest of our easy pasta recipes, too!

This post contains affiliate links.

Better-for-You Family Favorite for a Healthier Routine

New year means building new and healthier habits!

Taking time to nurture your health and well-being starts with building healthier habits.

Challenge yourself to make small yet consistent choices that help you and your family as the seasons change – through transitions at school, the office or wherever your days take you.

To help you establish (or re-establish) healthy habits during mealtime and beyond, try these tips.

Eat Meals Together

“Making time for meals together as a family provides a chance to connect and decompress,” said Bridget Wojciak, director of nutrition at Kroger Health, a national sponsor of the American Heart Association’s Healthy for Good initiative.

“Regular meals at home can help reduce stress, boost self-esteem and improve feelings of connection.”

Make Time for Yourself

Chronic stress can have a negative impact on mental and physical health, but turning lost moments – like a meal by yourself spent mindlessly scrolling through social media – into mindful moments can help.

Cuisinart 12-Piece Kitchen Knife Set10 Piece Stainless Steel Measuring Cups and Spoons SetStainless Steel Mixing Bowls with Airtight LidsFood Grade Silicone Rubber Spatula Set for Baking

 

Try practicing gratitude at the table by thinking of three things you’re grateful for or putting your fork down between each bite to savor the flavor and consider the nourishment you’re receiving.

Enjoy the Cooler Temperatures

Cooler temperatures can make it more enjoyable to take advantage of outdoor exercise, which is a good way to soak in vitamin D to improve your mood and boost immunity.

Going for a brisk walk after mealtime (solo or with your pet), jogging and even raking leaves are examples of activities that count toward the American Heart Association’s recommended 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week.

Visit heart.org/healthyforgood to find more tips for a healthier you in mind, body and heart.

Healthy Tuna Pasta Casserole

Servings: 4

Ingredients for Healthy Tuna Pasta Casserole

• 4 ounces dried whole-wheat rotini pasta (about 1 1/2 cups)
• nonstick cooking spray
• 16 ounces frozen mixed vegetables, thawed
• 1 pouch (11 ounces) low-sodium chunk light tuna
• 1 can (10 3/4 ounces) low-fat, low-sodium condensed cream of chicken soup
• 1/2 cup chopped roasted red bell peppers
• 1/2 cup fat-free half-and-half
• 1 teaspoon all-purpose, salt-free seasoning blend
• 3/4 cup crushed low-sodium, whole-grain crackers
• 1/4 cup shredded or grated Parmesan cheese

Healthy Tuna Pasta Casserole Directions

Prepare pasta according to package directions, omitting salt. Using colander, drain well. Transfer to large bowl.

Preheat oven to 350 F.

Lightly spray 2-quart glass baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.

Stir mixed vegetables, tuna, soup, roasted peppers, half-and-half and seasoning blend into pasta until combined.

Transfer to baking dish. Top with crackers and Parmesan cheese.

Kitchen Aprons for Women with Pockets, Cooking Aprons for WomenLofekea Aprons 2 Pack Adjustable Bib Aprons with 2 Pockets Cotton LinenLessMo Kitchen Cooking Aprons with 3 Pockets – Cotton Adjustable Professional Grade Chef ApronBritimes Apron Home Kitchen Cooking Baking Gardening

 

Bake, uncovered, 25-30 minutes, or until casserole is warmed through and topping is golden brown.

Don’t miss out on our other family friendly recipes!