Lightened Up Cheesy Tuna Mac

Sometimes a box of mac and cheese is exactly the kind of shortcut you need.

This Lightened Up Cheesy Tuna Mac takes that familiar pantry staple and turns it into a more substantial meal with canned tuna, peas and cauliflower rice.

I especially like the addition of cauliflower rice here. It blends right into the macaroni and cheese, adding extra volume and vegetables without changing the creamy, cheesy comfort-food character of the dish.

The tuna makes it more satisfying, the peas add a little sweetness and color, and the whole thing comes together in about the time it takes to cook a box of macaroni.

Simple, inexpensive and surprisingly satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Tuna Mac

• Quick and easy. Dinner comes together in about the time it takes to prepare boxed mac and cheese.
• Just 6 ingredients. Nothing complicated or difficult to find.
• A complete meal in one pot. You’ve got pasta, tuna and vegetables all together.
• A clever use for cauliflower rice. It adds volume and blends surprisingly well with the macaroni.
• Pantry and freezer friendly. Most of the ingredients are easy to keep on hand.
• Easy to change up. Substitute different vegetables or use canned chicken or salmon instead of tuna.

Ingredients & Notes

Boxed macaroni and cheese – The convenient foundation of the recipe. You’ll use both the macaroni and the powdered cheese packet.

Frozen cauliflower rice – Adds extra vegetables and volume to the dish and blends easily into the macaroni and cheese.

Frozen peas – Add color, a little sweetness and more vegetables.

Fat-free milk – Used to prepare the macaroni and cheese. Use whatever milk you normally keep on hand if you prefer.

Light butter – Adds richness while keeping the calories lower than regular butter.

Canned tuna packed in water – Turns the mac and cheese into a more substantial meal. Feel free to add a second can if you want more tuna.

How to Make Lightened Up Cheesy Tuna Mac, Step-by-Step

Step 1: Assemble and prep your ingredients.

Step 2: Cook macaroni.

Bring a large pot of water to boil. Add macaroni and cook until tender, 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 3: Microwave vegetables.

Meanwhile place cauliflower and peas in a microwave safe bowl (affiliate link). Microwave (affiliate link) for 2 to 3 minutes or until thawed.

Step 4: When the macaroni is done drain it in a strainer and return it to the pot. Add cheese from packet, milk and butter. Mix thoroughly.

Step 5: Combine all ingredients until heated through.

Add tuna, cauliflower, and peas. Stir until well combined. Heat over medium heat stirring until hot.

Recipe Notes & Variations

Not a cauliflower rice fan? Try chopped broccoli or spinach instead. A thawed frozen broccoli, cauliflower and carrot blend would work well too.

No tuna? Substitute canned salmon, canned chicken, shredded cooked chicken or chopped ham.

Want more tuna? Add a second can for a heartier meal.

Make it creamier. Stir in a spoonful of light sour cream or plain Greek yogurt at the end.

Change the vegetables. This is a good recipe for using whatever you have. Corn, broccoli or mixed vegetables would all be easy additions.

Serving Suggestions

I think this works perfectly well as a meal all by itself.

If you’d like something alongside, keep it simple with a crisp green salad such as my Shredded Romaine with Dill, some Microwave Broccoli or a crunchy Carrot Apple Slaw.

Storing & Reheating Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for several days.

The macaroni will absorb some of the sauce as it sits, so add a splash of milk before reheating to bring back some of the creaminess.

How Many Calories and WW Points?

According to my calculations, each serving has 261 calories and 3 WW Points.

To see your WW Points for this recipe, track it in the WW App!
(You must be logged into WW on a smartphone or tablet.)

Check out this WW Weekly Dinner Meal Plan featuring this Lightened Up Cheesy Tuna Mac

If you’ve made this Lightened Up Easy Cheesy Tuna Mac, please give the recipe a star rating below and leave a comment letting me know how you liked it. And stay in touch on Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for the latest updates.

Recipe Source: Hungry Girl Magazine Fall 2021 (affiliate link)

More Lightened Up Comfort Food Recipes

• Classic Campbell’s Tuna Noodle Casserole Made Lighter – All the creamy comfort, with fewer calories and Points.
• Low Calorie Cheesy Tuna Casserole for One – Single-serve, cheesy, and satisfying without the guilt.
• Lightened Up Campbell’s Hearty Chicken Noodle Casserole – A creamy, comforting chicken and noodle bake made lighter.
• 5-Ingredient Chicken Wild Rice Casserole – Simple, cozy casserole with just five ingredients.
• Easy English Muffin Tuna Melt for Two – Quick, cheesy tuna melts on English muffins for two.