Lemony Tuna Noodle Casserole

Ingredients

12 ounces wide egg noodles

1⁄4 cup unsalted butter

2 large leeks, sliced

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

3 cups whole milk, at room temperature

4 cups (16 ounces) shredded Gruyčre cheese

2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

1 tablespoon lemon zest

1/2 teaspoon salt

4 (5- to 5.5-ounce) cans oil-packed tuna, drained and flaked

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

1 teaspoon minced garlic

1 cup panko (Japanese breadcrumbs)

Directions

1. Cook egg noodles until al dente according to package directions. Drain, rinse with cold water, and drain again.

2. Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add leeks and cook, covered, 7 minutes or until tender but not browned. Whisk in flour; cook 1 minute. Pour in milk; bring mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, whisking frequently. Reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer 3 minutes or until sauce is smooth and thickened.

3. Remove from heat, and whisk in cheese and next 3 ingredients. Fold in tuna and egg noodles. Pour into a greased 3-quart baking dish.

4. Combine olive oil, garlic, and panko; sprinkle over casserole. Bake at 375° for 30 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.