Description
Creamy salmon mac and cheese elevates comfort food with luxurious Pacific Northwest flavors. Rich, cheesy pasta mingles with flaky salmon, creating a delightful meal you’ll savor to the last comforting bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked salmon, flaked
- 8 ounces (226 grams) elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Cheese and Dairy:
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cups milk
- 1/2 cup butter
Seasoning and Topping:
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- salt to taste
- pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook macaroni until al dente, approximately 8-10 minutes. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
- Melt butter in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat, creating a smooth, golden base for the sauce.
- Sprinkle flour into the melted butter, whisking continuously to form a pale, silky roux without any lumps.
- Slowly stream in milk, stirring constantly to prevent scorching and create a velvety, thickening sauce.
- Reduce heat and incorporate cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, stirring until they melt into a rich, creamy consistency.
- Gently fold in cooked macaroni and flaked salmon, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
- Season the mixture with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the overall flavor profile.
- Transfer the creamy salmon mac and cheese into a greased baking dish, spreading evenly.
- Generously sprinkle breadcrumbs across the surface for a crispy, golden topping.
- Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 25-30 minutes until the top turns golden brown and the edges bubble invitingly.
- Allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes before serving to let the sauce set and flavors meld together.
Notes
- Swap salmon for budget-friendly canned tuna or leftover cooked chicken to create a versatile meal.
- Use whole wheat pasta for added fiber and a nutritional boost, making the dish more heart-healthy.
- Choose Greek yogurt instead of some milk to increase protein content and create a tangier, creamier sauce.
- Add sautéed vegetables like spinach or peas to boost nutritional value and introduce extra color and texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 725 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 44 g
- Saturated Fat: 26 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 46 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 42 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg