This casserole reminds me of one of my favorite casseroles I had while growing up.  Most casseroles are made with condensed soup, cheddar cheese and potato chips on top.  Well, that is all fine and dandy until you decide to try to eat healthy.  This recipe is reinvented and is made healthier.  So you can enjoy this casserole just as much as you used to enjoyed the ones from your childhood:)  It is delicious and can even be made with chicken.  Either way tastes great!!

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
• ¼ 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
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• ⅛ 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)

Directions:

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.

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.  Remove from heat and add pasta, vegetables, and tuna.  Stir to combine and place in a 3 quart baking dish.  Sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup cheese (feel free to add more if you want)  and sprinkle cracker crumbs or chips on top.

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.

Recipe from Our Best Bites