Smoked salmon pasta is a creamy, decadent dish that brings together the smoky flavor of salmon with the richness of a velvety sauce. This recipe is perfect for a cozy dinner at home or a special occasion when you want to impress your guests. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, yet tastes like a restaurant-quality meal.
Why You’ll Love This Smoked Salmon Pasta Recipe
Rich and Creamy: The combination of smoked salmon and a creamy sauce creates a luxurious dish that’s incredibly satisfying.
Quick to Prepare: This pasta dish comes together in less than 30 minutes, making it ideal for weeknight dinners.
Impressive yet Simple: Despite its elegant appearance, this recipe is straightforward and doesn’t require advanced cooking skills.
Customizable: You can adjust the ingredients to suit your taste, adding more or less cream, herbs, or spices.
Comfort Food: This dish is the perfect comfort food, offering warmth and indulgence with every bite.
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How to Make Smoked Salmon Pasta
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (fettuccine or spaghetti)
- 4 oz smoked salmon
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh dill or parsley for garnish
Detailed Instructions
Cook the Pasta: Cook 12 oz of pasta according to the package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
Sauté Aromatics: In a large pan, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and 1 finely chopped small onion. Cook until soft and fragrant.
Make the Sauce: Add 1 cup of heavy cream and the zest of 1 lemon to the pan. Simmer until the sauce thickens slightly.
Add Salmon: Stir in 4 oz of smoked salmon, cooking just until warmed through.
Combine: Toss the cooked pasta in the sauce, adding pasta water if needed to reach the desired consistency.
Garnish and Serve: Top with fresh dill or parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Tips for the Best Smoked Salmon Pasta
Use Fresh Pasta: Fresh pasta works particularly well with creamy sauces, as it absorbs the flavors beautifully.
Don’t Overcook the Salmon: Smoked salmon is already cooked, so just warm it through to avoid a tough texture.
Balance the Flavors: Add a squeeze of lemon juice to cut through the richness of the cream sauce.
Save Pasta Water: The starchy water helps to bind the sauce and pasta together, creating a silky texture.
Recipe FAQ
Can I use any type of pasta?
Yes, you can use any pasta you prefer, though long pasta like fettuccine or spaghetti works best with creamy sauces.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
It’s best served fresh, but you can prepare the sauce in advance and reheat it just before serving.
Can I substitute the cream?
You can use half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative like coconut milk, though it may alter the flavor slightly.
Is smoked salmon healthy?
Yes, smoked salmon is a good source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, though it can be high in sodium.
What other herbs can I use?
Dill and parsley are classic, but chives, basil, or tarragon also complement the flavors of this dish.
Smoked Salmon Pasta
Equipment
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large pan for the sauce
- Colander
- Tongs or pasta fork
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta fettuccine or spaghetti
- 4 oz smoked salmon
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh dill or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook 12 oz of pasta according to the package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large pan, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and 1 finely chopped small onion. Cook until soft and fragrant.
- Make the Sauce: Add 1 cup of heavy cream and the zest of 1 lemon to the pan. Simmer until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add Salmon: Stir in 4 oz of smoked salmon, cooking just until warmed through.
- Combine: Toss the cooked pasta in the sauce, adding pasta water if needed to reach the desired consistency.
- Garnish and Serve: Top with fresh dill or parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Notes
Nutrition Information
Calories: 550 | Carbohydrates: 45g | Protein: 18g | Fat: 32g | Saturated Fat: 18g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Sodium: 750mg | Potassium: 400mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 100mg | Iron: 2.5mgLet me know!
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