Instant Pot Tuna Noodle Casserole is going to quickly become a family-favorite recipe! Made without canned soups, this simple recipe for Tuna Noodle Casserole delivers a cozy, creamy, casserole effortlessly.

Spoon coming out of Instant Pot with noodles, tuna, and peas.

You asked for a recipe for Instant Pot Tuna Noodle Casserole and I am delivering a keeper!

Just like my recipe for Instant Pot Chicken Gnocchi Soup, this Instant Pot Tuna Casserole is a dump-and-cook Instant Pot recipe that delivers a flavorful meal with ease.

Reasons to Love Instant Pot Tuna Noodle Casserole

Quick and Easy! When I say easy, I mean easy! Just like my recipes for Instant Pot Chicken Fajitas and Instant Pot Chicken Tacos, there is no need to saute anything in this simple tuna noodle casserole recipe. And it comes together in under 30 minutes, to deliver an easy, wholesome family dinner perfect for any night of the week.
Amazing Flavor. This recipe for Instant Pot Tuna Noodle Casserole is made with egg noodles, tuna, peas, and parmesan that cook together in a perfectly seasoned broth to deliver a creamy, comforting casserole.
Wholesome Ingredients. Just as I omit the canned soups in my recipes Instant Pot Beef Stroganoff, Instant Pot Chicken and Rice, and Instant Pot Pork Chops and Mushrooms, there are no canned soups used in this recipe for tuna noodles casserole. Just simple ingredients.
Affordable. Even though this recipe is made with better-for-you ingredients, it still features basic staples that are easy to find and relatively inexpensive.

Notes on Ingredients

Ingredients for tuna noodle casserole labeled on counter.

Egg Noodles: Use whole wheat or regular egg noodles. You can also use macaroni noodles in place of egg noodles, just follow the modification for the cooking time in the recipe card.
Tuna Fish: You can use light or Albacore canned or pouched tuna. I personally find that Albacore tuna that is sold in a pouch to have the least fishy, best flavor.
Chicken Stock: Use low-sodium store-bought, homemade chicken stock, or Instant Pot chicken stock to add flavor to the noodles as they cook.
Seasonings: This recipe uses onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and celery seed. The celery seed is optional, but encouraged, as it adds a nice fresh flavor that pairs well with the tuna in this recipe.
Sour Cream: Use full-fat or reduced-fat sour cream to help give this casserole its creamy consistency. Don't use fat-free sour cream as the texture and taste are not the same.
Peas: For a bit of fresh flavor and color, I love adding frozen peas to this casserole. Feel free to omit them if your family doesn't care for peas.
Parmesan: While it is said that cheese and fish don't mix, I find that parmesan and tuna together are an exception. Use grated parmesan to give this Tuna Noodle Casserole a cheesy, irresistible flavor.
Cream/Milk: If needed add a bit of cream or milk to the tuna noodle casserole after pressure cooking to thin the casserole as needed.

Kristen's Tip

Love mushrooms? Add a 6-ounce can of sliced mushrooms, drained, to this recipe along with the tuna.

How to Make Instant Pot Tuna Noodle Casserole

While this is an incredibly simple recipe, if you are unfamiliar with cooking in an Instant Pot or the functions of your Instant Pot, be sure to start with How to Use an Instant Pot for the best results on this and future recipes. You will find the full recipe in detail in the recipe card below.

Combine the chicken stock, seasonings, and drained tuna together inside the inner pot of your electric pressure cooker.
Add the egg noodles to the liquid, and gently push the noodles down so they are in an even layer and as submerged into the broth as possible. It is okay if the noodles aren't fully covered with the broth. The moist heat will cook the noodles up perfectly.

Side by side instant pot showing broth with tuna and then after adding noodles.

Place the lid on the Instant Pot, seal it, and set it to cook on High Pressure for 5 minutes, using the manual or pressure cook button.
Once the cooking time has elapsed, allow the pressure to release naturally for EXACTLY 5 minutes. This ensures perfectly cooked noodles! After 5 minutes, do a quick release of pressure by carefully and slowly knocking the vent knob from the sealed to the venting position to release pressure. Be sure to stand back from the vent knob to protect yourself from the steam.
Once the pressure has been fully released, open up the Instant Pot. Add in the sour cream, peas, parmesan, and a tablespoon or so of milk.

Side by side instant pot with cooked noodles and then after adding sour cream, peas, and parmesan.

Stir everything to incorporate the ingredients together. As you stir everything together, the heat is going to be released, and warm the peas and sour cream through. You can add in more milk, a tablespoon at a time as needed just to finish off your tuna noodle casserole and get it to the right creamy consistency.