Homemade Salmon Noodle Casserole Recipe

This creamy, flavorful salmon noodle casserole transforms ordinary weeknight dinners into something extraordinary. Here’s a fun fact: casseroles became popular during the Great Depression because they stretched expensive ingredients like fish into family-sized meals.

This dish combines tender salmon, perfectly cooked noodles, and a rich, velvety sauce that creates pure comfort food magic. It’s incredibly simple to prepare, taking just 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy families.

Much like our popular chicken and rice casserole, this recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort, proving that delicious home cooking doesn’t have to be complicated.

What is Salmon Noodle Casserole?

Ever wonder why we call it a “casserole”? The name comes from the French word “casserole,” meaning saucepan! This hearty dish combines flaky salmon with tender egg noodles, all swimming in a creamy, herb-infused sauce that’ll make your kitchen smell like heaven. It’s the kind of meal that proves the old saying true: “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” Ready to create some kitchen magic and win over everyone at your dinner table?

Why You’ll Love This Salmon Noodle Casserole

Rich, Creamy Perfection

This salmon noodle casserole delivers restaurant-quality comfort food right from your home kitchen. The combination of tender salmon flakes, al dente egg noodles, and a luxuriously creamy sauce creates a symphony of textures and flavors that melts in your mouth.

Budget-Friendly Family Meal

Making this casserole at home costs a fraction of what you’d spend at a seafood restaurant. Canned salmon works beautifully in this recipe, making it an affordable way to get omega-3 rich fish into your family’s diet without breaking the bank.

Flavor-Packed Ingredients

Fresh herbs like dill and parsley brighten the rich cream sauce, while a golden breadcrumb topping adds the perfect crunchy contrast. The addition of frozen peas brings color and sweetness that complements the salmon beautifully. If you love our tuna noodle casserole, this salmon version will become your new obsession. Ready to treat your family to this incredible comfort food tonight?

How to Make Salmon Noodle Casserole

Quick Overview

This salmon noodle casserole is surprisingly easy to make and incredibly satisfying. The creamy, herb-infused sauce paired with flaky salmon and tender noodles creates the perfect comfort food experience.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Serves: 6-8 people

Key Ingredients for Salmon Noodle Casserole

For the Casserole:

• 12 oz wide egg noodles
• 2 cans (14.75 oz each) salmon, drained and flaked
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika

For the Topping:

• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dish Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. This prevents sticking and ensures easy cleanup.

Step 2: Cook the Noodles Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook the egg noodles according to package directions until al dente, usually 8-10 minutes. Drain well and set aside. Don’t overcook them as they’ll continue cooking in the oven.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables In a large skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and celery, cooking for 5 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Create the Cream Sauce Sprinkle flour over the sautéed vegetables and stir constantly for 1 minute to eliminate the raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring no lumps form. Cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.

Step 5: Add Flavor and Cheese Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in sour cream, cheddar cheese, fresh dill, parsley, salt, pepper, and paprika. Mix until the cheese melts completely and the sauce is smooth.

Step 6: Combine Everything In your prepared baking dish, combine the cooked noodles, flaked salmon, and frozen peas. Pour the cream sauce over everything and gently fold together until well coated.

Step 7: Prepare the Topping In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the casserole for a golden, crunchy top.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.

Step 9: Rest and Serve Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly and makes it easier to portion.

What to Serve Salmon Noodle Casserole With

This hearty casserole pairs beautifully with fresh, crisp sides that balance its rich creaminess. A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness perfectly. Steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus add color and nutrients to your plate. For bread lovers, warm dinner rolls or garlic bread complement the dish wonderfully. A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc enhances the salmon’s delicate flavor without overpowering the meal.

Top Tips for Perfecting Salmon Noodle Casserole

Choose Quality Salmon

Use high-quality canned salmon or leftover cooked fresh salmon. Remove any skin and bones carefully. Wild-caught salmon offers the best flavor, but farmed salmon works well too.

Don’t Overcook the Noodles

Cook noodles just until al dente since they’ll continue cooking in the oven. Overcooked noodles become mushy and break apart in the creamy sauce.

Make the Sauce Smooth

Whisk the milk into the flour mixture gradually to prevent lumps. If lumps do form, strain the sauce through a fine-mesh sieve before adding other ingredients.

Customize Your Vegetables

Feel free to add mushrooms, carrots, or bell peppers for extra nutrition and flavor. Sauté harder vegetables like carrots for a few extra minutes to ensure they cook through.

Get the Perfect Golden Top

For extra browning, place the casserole under the broiler for 2-3 minutes at the end of cooking. Watch carefully to prevent burning.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover salmon noodle casserole covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The cream sauce may thicken when cold, which is completely normal.

Freezing Instructions

This casserole freezes well for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, or store in airtight freezer containers. Label with the date and contents.

Reheating Methods

For best results, thaw frozen casserole overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 20-25 minutes until heated through. Add a splash of milk if the sauce seems too thick. Individual portions reheat well in the microwave for 1-2 minutes on medium power.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Per Serving (1/8 of recipe)
Calories	425
Protein	28g
Carbohydrates	38g
Fat	18g
Fiber	3g
Sodium	680mg
Calcium	285mg
Omega-3 Fatty Acids	1.2g

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh salmon instead of canned?

Yes! Use about 1.5 pounds of cooked fresh salmon, flaked into bite-sized pieces. Grilled, baked, or poached salmon all work beautifully in this recipe.

What can I substitute for sour cream?

Greek yogurt makes an excellent substitute and adds extra protein. You can also use cream cheese (softened) or heavy cream, though the flavor will be slightly different.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Add the breadcrumb topping just before baking and increase cooking time by 5-10 minutes.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, substitute gluten-free pasta and use cornstarch or gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour. Check that your breadcrumbs are also gluten-free.

Can I add other types of fish?

Yes! Tuna, crab, or even cooked shrimp work wonderfully. Adjust cooking time accordingly if using delicate seafood like crab.

What if my sauce is too thick or thin?

If too thick, gradually add warm milk until you reach desired consistency. If too thin, simmer the sauce a bit longer or mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold milk and stir it in.

Recipe Variations and Substitutions

Mediterranean Twist

Replace dill with fresh basil and add sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese for a Mediterranean flavor profile that’ll transport you straight to the Greek islands.

Lighter Version

Use low-fat milk, reduced-fat sour cream, and add extra vegetables like zucchini and spinach. This cuts calories while maintaining the creamy texture you love.

Spicy Kick

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, diced jalapeños, or a few dashes of hot sauce to the cream sauce for those who like their comfort food with a little heat.

Expert Chef Tips for Success

Start with room temperature ingredients when possible, as they blend more easily and create a smoother sauce. Toast your breadcrumbs with a little garlic powder before adding to the casserole for extra flavor depth. Always taste and adjust seasoning before baking, as different brands of canned salmon have varying salt levels.

For the creamiest texture, remove the casserole from heat as soon as the cheese melts to prevent the dairy from curdling. If you’re entertaining, this recipe doubles easily and fits perfectly in a large roasting pan for crowd-size portions.

The Secret to Restaurant-Quality Results

The key to exceptional salmon noodle casserole lies in layering flavors at each step. Sauté your aromatics until they’re beautifully golden, create a proper roux for the sauce base, and don’t skip the fresh herbs – they brighten the entire dish. The final rest period after baking is crucial; it allows all the flavors to meld together and the sauce to reach the perfect consistency.

This salmon noodle casserole proves that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. With simple ingredients and straightforward techniques, you’ll create a meal that brings families together around the dinner table. Whether it’s a busy Tuesday night or a special Sunday dinner, this recipe delivers satisfaction in every single bite.