Salmon And Macaroni Casserole
A creamy salmon and macaroni casserole featuring tender pasta in a rich, cheesy sauce, perfect for comforting family dinners or quick weeknight meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the macaroni until tender, then drain and rinse with hot water.
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
- Add the juice drained from the salmon and enough milk to make 1 1/2 cups, then blend well.
- Cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce boils and thickens.
- Add the drained salmon, salt, and pepper to the sauce and stir to combine.
- Mix the cooked macaroni into the sauce and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier sauce, consider adding shredded cheese, such as cheddar or mozzarella, to the mixture after thickening. If you don't have salmon, canned tuna can be a great alternative. Ensure to blend the flour thoroughly to avoid lumps in your sauce. You can also enhance the flavor by adding some minced garlic or chopped onions during the roux preparation.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is delicious on its own, but serves well with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal. For a comforting touch, pair it with garlic bread. It also makes an excellent dish for potlucks or family gatherings, just like other American recipes that highlight seafood.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between, to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Salmon And Macaroni Casserole contains roughly 606 calories, with 12g protein, 102g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (44% of the Daily Value), calcium (39% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1077mg per serving (47% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh salmon instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh salmon. Cook it first by baking or poaching, then flake it into the sauce. Keep in mind that the cooking time may vary slightly, so ensure the salmon is fully cooked before combining it with the macaroni.
What can I substitute for macaroni?
If you don’t have macaroni, you can use other pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or even whole wheat pasta as substitutes. Just ensure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type you choose.
Is this casserole suitable for freezing?
Yes, this casserole can be frozen. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking at 350°F until warmed through.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).