A Cozy New England-Style Comfort Food Dinner with Ritz Crackers and Endless Seafood Options
Some recipes just feel like home, and this seafood casserole is one of those dishes for me. I’ve been making versions of it for years – sometimes with simple canned tuna, sometimes dressed up with shrimp, scallops, cod, lump crab, or whatever seafood we’re in the mood for. It’s creamy, cozy, easy to throw together, and that buttery Ritz cracker topping? Absolute comfort food magic.
I love that this recipe is flexible and unfussy. You can keep it simple for a busy weeknight or turn it into something a little special with fresh seafood for company or a holiday dinner. The peas add a little sweetness, the creamy filling keeps everything rich and comforting, and the crunchy topping pulls it all together perfectly.
Lou and I never get tired of this one. It’s one of those old-school casseroles that deserves a comeback – warm, satisfying, and perfect with a glass of wine and a quiet night at home.
Why You’ll Love This Seafood Casserole
- Easy comfort food dinner
- Great way to use leftover seafood
- Works with tuna, shrimp, scallops, cod, crab, or lobster
- Cozy, creamy, nostalgic flavor
- Buttery Ritz topping = perfection
- Freezer friendly
- Perfect New England-style comfort food
Seafood Options for This Recipe
This casserole is incredibly flexible. Use one seafood or mix a few together.
My favorite combinations:
- Tuna + peas (classic!)
- Shrimp + scallops
- Cod + lump crab
- Lobster + shrimp for a holiday version
- Seafood medley from the freezer aisle works too
You can honestly make this based on your mood, budget, or what’s hanging around in the fridge.
A Few Tips
- Don’t overcook the noodles – keep them slightly al dente.
- If using raw shrimp or scallops, give them a quick sauté first.
- Freshly shredded cheese melts better than bagged cheese, but either way works GREAT!
- Ritz crackers > breadcrumbs. I said what I said.
Seafood Casserole with Ritz Cracker Topping
Ingredients
- 12 ounces egg noodles
- 2 cans cream of mushroom soup or cream of celery if preferred
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup frozen peas thawed
- 2 cups cooked seafood of choice (tuna, shrimp, scallops, cod, crab, lobster, or a mix)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese divided
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers crushed
- 4 tablespoons butter melted
- Fresh parsley for garnish optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9x13 baking dish.
- Cook egg noodles until just al dente. Drain.
- In a large bowl, combine soup, milk, peas, seafood, 1 ½ cups cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Fold in cooked noodles and stir gently.
- Transfer mixture to prepared baking dish.
- Top with remaining cheese.
- Mix crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter and sprinkle evenly over casserole.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, until bubbly and golden brown.
- Garnish with parsley if desired and serve warm.
Notes
- Tuna works beautifully for a budget-friendly classic version.
- Lobster and crab make this feel holiday-worthy.
- You can assemble ahead of time and refrigerate before baking.
- Freezes well for up to 2 months.
Whether you grew up eating tuna noodle casserole or you’re looking for a new way to use seafood in a cozy, comforting dinner, this recipe is one of those simple meals that just works. It’s flexible, unfussy, and honestly even better the next day straight from the fridge for lunch – not that I would know anything about sneaking cold bites while standing at the counter. 😉 Around here, this casserole has become one of those dependable comfort meals that Lou and I always come back to. Simple ingredients, buttery crumbs, creamy noodles, and seafood?
That’s my kind of comfort food.
