Lighter Cheesy Tuna Noodle Casserole (without Canned Cream Soup)

INGREDIENTS

12 oz

dry pasta, shape of your choice (I used large macaroni)

1 cup

diced onion

stalks celery, diced

med carrots, peeled and diced ( or one cup frozen cut carrots)

2 cups

sliced, raw button mushrooms

1 cup

frozen peas

1 clove

garlic, minced

1/2 tsp

dried thyme

6 tbsp

unsalted butter

1/4 cup

+ 2 TBS all purpose flour

4 cups

skim or 1% milk

1 cup

low sodium, nonfat chicken broth

1 tsp

kosher salt ( or more or less to your liking)

1/2 tsp

fresh ground pepper

2 tsp

Dijon mustard

1 cup

shredded reduced fat sharp cheddar cheese

2 oz

cans of albacore tuna packed in no liquid or in water, drained, and flaked apart

buttery-type crackers, crushed