Description
Pasta with smoked salmon is an elegant yet easy-to-make dish that combines the rich, smoky flavor of salmon with a creamy, savory sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish balances delicate flavors and a velvety texture to impress any guest.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz pasta (linguine, fettuccine, or penne)
- 6 oz smoked salmon, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream or crème fraîche
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp capers (optional)
- 2 tbsp fresh dill or parsley, chopped
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta – Boil a large pot of salted water and cook pasta until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining.
- Sauté the aromatics – Heat olive oil or butter in a large pan over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Prepare the sauce – Pour in cream or crème fraîche, stirring gently. Add Parmesan and let it melt.
- Incorporate the salmon – Reduce heat and add smoked salmon, stirring gently.
- Season the dish – Add lemon zest, juice, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine.
- Combine with pasta – Toss cooked pasta into the sauce. Add reserved pasta water if needed.
- Garnish and serve – Sprinkle with fresh dill or parsley and capers. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Lightened-up version – Use half-and-half or Greek yogurt.
- Dairy-free option – Swap cream with coconut milk and omit cheese.
- Gluten-free adaptation – Use gluten-free pasta.
- Add vegetables – Incorporate spinach, asparagus, or cherry tomatoes.
- Extra protein – Add cooked shrimp or grilled chicken.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: italian
Keywords: smoked salmon pasta, creamy salmon pasta, quick seafood pasta, easy dinner recipe, Italian pasta dish