Introduction
Looking for a comforting dinner that’s both hearty and healthy? This creamy salmon casserole is the perfect blend of rich flavors and wholesome ingredients. Whether you’re using fresh, canned, or leftover salmon, this easy one-dish meal brings together tender pasta, savory vegetables, and a creamy sauce topped with a golden, crispy crust. It’s the kind of cozy, satisfying recipe your whole family will love — ideal for weeknight dinners or weekend meal prep!
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this delicious salmon casserole:
🔹 Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked pasta (elbow macaroni, penne, or rotini)
- 1½ cups cooked salmon (fresh, leftover, or canned – flaked)
- 1 cup frozen peas (or mixed vegetables)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups milk (whole or 2%)
- ½ cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried dill or parsley
- Salt and black pepper to taste
🔹 Topping:
- ½ cup breadcrumbs or crushed Ritz crackers
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- Optional: extra cheese for topping
Instructions
1. Preheat & Prepare Pan
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×9 inch casserole dish or similar baking pan.
2. Cook the Pasta
Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Make the Sauce
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until soft (about 3 minutes). Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute, forming a roux.
Gradually whisk in milk and cook until thickened (2–3 minutes). Add sour cream, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and dried dill. Mix in shredded cheese until melted and smooth.
4. Assemble the Casserole
In a large bowl, combine:
- cooked pasta
- flaked salmon
- peas
- cheese sauce
Mix gently until everything is well coated. Pour into the prepared baking dish.
5. Add Topping
In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the casserole. Add extra cheese if desired.
6. Bake
Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until bubbly and the top is golden brown.
7. Serve
Let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy hot with a side salad or crusty bread!
Tips for Best Results
- Use canned wild salmon for convenience — just remove bones and skin if needed.
- Add extra veggies like chopped spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
- Swap pasta for cooked rice or quinoa for a gluten-free option.
- For richer flavor, use a splash of heavy cream instead of milk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can I make salmon casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble everything (except topping) and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Add topping before baking.
Q. Can I freeze it?
Definitely. Let it cool completely, then cover tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake until heated through.
Q. What can I use instead of sour cream?
You can use plain Greek yogurt or cream cheese for a similar creamy texture.
Q. Can I make it low-carb?
Yes – replace pasta with steamed cauliflower or zucchini noodles.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a crisp green salad
- Garlic bread or dinner rolls
- Steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus
- A squeeze of lemon juice on top for brightness
Nutrition Info (1 serving out of 6 approx.)
- Calories: 380
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 4g
(May vary depending on ingredients and cheese type)
Conclusion
This creamy salmon casserole is the perfect balance of comfort and nutrition — an easy, wholesome meal that brings people together. Whether you’re using pantry staples or fresh ingredients, this recipe is flexible, flavorful, and guaranteed to be a repeat favorite. Give it a try and enjoy cozy bites of goodness!
