Tuna Noodle Casserole

Prepare to indulge in the classic comfort of a timeless favorite - Tuna Noodle Casserole. This dish oozes coziness and creaminess and is bound to warm your heart. Crafted with canned tuna, tender egg noodles, and crowned with a crispy Panko topping, it's a dish that brings forth memories of home-cooked goodness. What sets this recipe apart is its extra creaminess, cheesy richness, and the fact that it's made entirely from scratch - no canned soup shortcuts here. The crowning glory is the irresistibly crispy Panko topping, which adds the perfect touch to every bite.

• Ingredients: To create this mouthwatering Tuna Noodle Casserole, gather the following ingredients:
  • 10 ounces wide egg noodles (approximately 4 1/2 cups)
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 2 large shallots, diced
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 3 ½ cups half and half
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • 8 ounces shredded sharp white cheddar cheese (about 2 cups)
  • 3 (5-ounce) cans of tuna in water, drained
  • 1 cup frozen green peas, rinsed
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives

  For the Panko Mixture:

  • ⅓ cup Panko breadcrumbs
  • ⅓ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil