Ingredients:

  • 3 tbsp (42g) unsalted butter
  • 3 tbsp (25g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups (480ml) low-sodium whole milk
  • 1/2 tsp (3g) garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp (1.5g) ground black pepper
  • 1 tbsp (15ml) fresh lemon juice
  • 12 oz (340g) wide egg noodles
  • 2 cans (5 oz / 142g each) chunk light tuna in water, drained
  • 1 cup (150g) frozen peas, thawed
  • 1 cup (120g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup (60g) diced celery
  • 2 cups (50g) crushed potato chips
  • 2 tbsp (28g) melted butter

Instructions:

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the egg noodles and cook for 2 minutes less than the package directions to keep them extremely al dente. Drain in a colander and set aside.
  2. In a medium saucepan, melt 3 tbsp butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute until fragrant but pale. Slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Simmer until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. Stir in garlic powder, pepper, and lemon juice, then remove from heat.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, fold together the par-cooked noodles, drained tuna, peas, diced celery, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Pour the homemade sauce over the mixture and stir until evenly coated. Transfer the mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  4. Combine crushed potato chips with 2 tbsp melted butter in a small bowl. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the top of the casserole. Bake at 375°F until the topping is golden brown and shattering.