Whip up a genuinely delicious meal tonight with minimal fuss! This simple pasta recipe with creamy smoked salmon offers a gourmet experience without the lengthy preparation. Enjoy a perfectly creamy texture balanced with the rich, savory flavor of smoked salmon and a hint of bright lemon. It’s the ultimate quick and elegant solution for any weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Simple Pasta Recipe with Smoked Salmon
You’ll adore this delicious pasta for so many reasons, making it a new favorite in your kitchen. Beyond its delicious taste, smoked salmon is packed with essential nutrients that contribute to overall health, as detailed by health experts. nutritional benefits of smoked salmon
- Quick and easy: Perfect for busy evenings, it comes together in under 30 minutes.
- Gourmet taste: Enjoy restaurant-quality flavors from simple ingredients.
- Versatile: Easily customize this smoked salmon pasta dish with your favorite herbs or vegetables.
- Any occasion: Elegant enough for guests, yet easy enough for a casual weeknight meal.
- Balanced flavors: The savory salmon, bright lemon, and creamy sauce create a harmonious taste.
Ingredients
Gather these fresh, high-quality ingredients to make your delicious simple pasta recipe with smoked salmon:
- 8 ounces spaghetti (or other desired pasta)
- Salt, for pasta water
- 1/4 cup pine nuts
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1/3 cup chopped shallots (can substitute onions)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup dry white wine (can substitute pasta cooking water with a Tbsp of lemon juice)
- 1/4 cup cream
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest (divided into 1 Tbsp and 1 Tbsp)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or dill
- 4 ounces smoked salmon, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Fresh ground black pepper
Notes & Substitutions
Feel free to customize this delightful pasta dish. Use penne or fettuccine for different textures. If you don’t have shallots, a small yellow onion works perfectly. Fresh dill or chives are excellent alternatives to parsley. For a lighter sauce, try half-and-half or even milk, though cream offers the richest result. A pinch of capers or extra lemon zest also adds a lovely tang.
Equipment
You don’t need much specialized gear to create this fantastic smoked salmon pasta meal.
- A large pot for boiling pasta.
- A large skillet for crafting the flavorful sauce.
- Basic measuring cups and spoons.
- A cutting board and a sharp knife.
- A colander for draining your perfectly cooked pasta.
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create your incredible simple pasta recipe with smoked salmon. Each stage is designed for ease and delicious results.
- Boil Pasta Water: Fill a large pot with at least 4 quarts of water. Add 2 tablespoons of salt to the water, then bring it to a rolling boil over high heat. Salting the water properly seasons the pasta from within.
- Cook Pasta: Once the water is boiling vigorously, add the spaghetti to the pot. Cook the pasta uncovered, stirring occasionally, according to the package directions until it reaches an al dente consistency (cooked through but still firm to the bite). Understanding the science behind “al dente” pasta cooking can elevate your culinary skills and ensure the perfect texture for your dishes. science behind cooking pasta al dente Before draining, scoop out and reserve one cup of the starchy pasta cooking liquid; this will help adjust your sauce later. Drain the pasta immediately after it’s al dente.
- Toast Pine Nuts: While the pasta water heats, place the pine nuts in a single layer in a large skillet. Heat the skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the pine nuts become fragrant and lightly browned. Watch them closely as they can burn quickly. Remove the toasted pine nuts from the pan and set them aside.
- Prepare Sauce: In the same large skillet (no need to clean it), heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped shallots and minced garlic, sautéing for about 2 minutes until softened and fragrant. Next, pour in the dry white wine and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, along with 1 tablespoon of lemon zest. Increase the heat slightly and let the mixture boil down by half, reducing and concentrating the flavors. If you desire a slightly creamy sauce, stir in the 1/4 cup of cream and let it gently boil for another minute to thicken slightly. The sauce should be ready around the same time as the pasta. If it finishes earlier, simply remove it from the heat.
- Combine and Serve: Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet with the prepared sauce. Toss everything together, ensuring the pasta is well coated. If the sauce seems a little dry, gradually add some of the reserved pasta cooking liquid until it reaches your desired consistency. Gently fold in the bite-sized pieces of smoked salmon, the toasted pine nuts, chopped fresh parsley (or dill), and the remaining 1 tablespoon of lemon zest. Season generously with freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve your delicious pasta with smoked salmon immediately for the best experience.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Achieving the perfect pasta dish is simple with a few key pointers.
- Don’t overcook pasta: Always aim for al dente pasta for the best texture in this simple pasta recipe with smoked salmon.
- Adjust sauce thickness: Use the reserved pasta cooking water to thin the sauce if it’s too thick, or let it simmer a bit longer if too thin.
- Prevent salmon overcooking: Add the smoked salmon at the very end and just toss it through. It’s already cooked, so you only need to warm it gently.
- Taste and adjust: Always taste your sauce before combining and adjust salt, pepper, or lemon as needed.
- Fresh lemon zest: Don’t skip the fresh lemon zest; it truly brightens the entire flavor profile.
Serving, Storage, & Variations
This versatile dish shines in many ways!
Serving Suggestions
- Serve this creamy smoked salmon pasta immediately for optimal freshness and warmth.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of extra fresh herbs like dill or chives.
- Pair it with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette.
- Crusty bread on the side is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce.
Storage Instructions
- Allow any leftover pasta to cool completely before storing.
- Transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate promptly.
- Consume within 2-3 days for the best quality and safety.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.
Flavor Variations
- Add some vibrant cherry tomatoes or fresh spinach during the last minute of cooking.
- Stir in a tablespoon of capers for an extra briny, tangy kick.
- Introduce a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic for a touch of heat.
- For an even richer, tangier sauce, substitute crème fraîche for the heavy cream.
- Consider using smoked trout instead of salmon for a different, yet equally delicious, flavor profile.
Nutrition Information
This delicious pasta with smoked salmon offers a balanced meal. It provides essential protein and carbohydrates to fuel your day. This nutritional breakdown helps you understand the components of this satisfying dish.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 427 kcal |
| Carbohydrate | 31 g |
| Cholesterol | 31 mg |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Protein | 14 g |
| Saturated Fat | 7 g |
| Sodium | 963 mg |
| Sugar | 3 g |
| Total Fat | 26 g |
| Serving Size | Serves 2-3 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use fresh salmon instead of smoked salmon? Yes, you can! Cook and flake fresh salmon, then add it at the very end like the smoked variety.
Can this simple pasta recipe with smoked salmon be made ahead? While best fresh, you can prepare the sauce ahead and cook the pasta just before serving. Combine everything at the last minute for optimal texture.
What’s the best pasta shape for this dish? Long, thin pastas like spaghetti or linguine work wonderfully, as do short, tubular shapes like penne, which capture the creamy sauce nicely.
Are there dairy-free options for this recipe? Absolutely. Substitute the cream with a plant-based cream alternative, such as oat or cashew cream, for a dairy-free version.
How can I make this dish less creamy? Simply reduce the amount of cream or omit it entirely. You can increase the white wine or pasta water for a lighter, broth-based sauce.
Conclusion
This simple pasta recipe with creamy smoked salmon proves that elegant, flavorful meals don’t need to be complicated. It’s an incredibly quick and easy dish that delivers gourmet taste with minimal effort. We encourage you to try this adaptable recipe tonight and savor the delightful combination of tender pasta, savory salmon, and a rich, lemony cream sauce. Enjoy a truly special meal that fits perfectly into any busy schedule!
Simple Pasta Recipe with Creamy Smoked Salmon
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Begin by heating a large pot with at least 4 quarts of salted water to a rolling boil.
- While the water heats, brown the pine nuts in a large skillet over medium heat until fragrant and lightly browned, then set them aside.
- Once the water boils, add the pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until al dente; before draining, reserve one cup of the pasta cooking liquid.
- Concurrently, prepare the sauce in the same large skillet by heating olive oil, sautéing shallots and garlic for 2 minutes, then adding white wine, lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon of lemon zest.
- Increase the heat to boil down the sauce by half; for a creamy sauce, stir in the cream and boil for another minute.
- Finally, drain the pasta and add it to the skillet with the sauce, adding some reserved pasta water if needed, then stir in the smoked salmon, toasted pine nuts, parsley, and the remaining lemon zest, seasoning with fresh black pepper.