1tspseafood seasoning i.e. Old Bay or your favorite
1tspgranulated garlic or garlic powder
1/2tsponion powder
4cupswhole milk or half and half
3cupsshredded sharp white or regular cheddar cheese, Swiss or Gruyeredivided
36 ozcans white albacore tunadrained
1-2cupsfrozen petite peasadjust amount to your taste
1cupfrench fried onionscrushed
fresh chopped chives or parsley for garnishing`optional
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray a 13 x 9 inch baking dish with cooking spray. Set aside.
Cook noodles per the package in salted water until al dente. Drain well.
Meanwhile in a deep large saucepan, cook together butter, celery and onion for 2 minutes over medium until softened. Add flour, stirring until absorbed to make a roux. Simmer 1 minute.
To the roux add salt, lemon pepper, seafood seasoning, garlic and onion powders. Mix well.
Increase heat to medium-high and gradually mix in milk. Stir until fully combined, bring to a boil. Immediately lower heat and allow to gently bubble for 5 minutes. Remove from heat, mix in 2 cups cheese until melted.
To the pot add noodles, tuna and peas. Mix well, and pour into baking dish. Sprinkle with remaining 1 cup cheese and fried onions.
Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden and bubbly. Serve immediately garnished with fresh chives or parsley, if desired.
Notes
2-3 cloves of minced fresh garlic may be simmered with the onion and celery in place of granulated garlic, if desired.
If you don't have lemon pepper, you may use the same amount of black pepper and add a splash of fresh lemon juice.