Creamy Hot Smoked Salmon Pasta
A cozy, creamy pasta dish featuring hot smoked salmon, garlic, and a rich sauce that's quick and simple to prepare for a comforting weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Pasta Ingredients
- 12 oz Pasta (fettuccine, linguine, or penne) Choose your preferred type.
- 8 oz Hot smoked salmon Flaked into bite-sized pieces.
Sauce Ingredients
- 2 tbsp Butter or olive oil For starting the sauce.
- 2 cloves Garlic Fresh is best, but jar garlic works too.
- 1 cup Heavy cream For a rich, silky sauce.
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese Freshly grated if possible.
- 1 each Lemon Zest and a squeeze of juice.
- to taste Black pepper Smoked salmon loves pepper.
Optional Add-ins
- 1 cup Baby spinach Optional for added greens.
- 1/2 cup Peas Optional for sweetness.
- 2 tbsp Capers Add for a briny pop.
- 1/4 cup Chopped parsley or dill Optional for garnish.
Instructions
Cooking the Pasta
- Boil the pasta in well salted water until just tender. Before draining, scoop out about 1 cup of pasta water.
Making the Sauce
- In a big pan, melt butter (or warm olive oil) over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for about 30 seconds.
- Pour in the cream and let it gently bubble for a couple of minutes. Then stir in parmesan until smooth and creamy.
- Add lemon zest and a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the sauce.
- Add the drained pasta to the pan, tossing to coat with the sauce and gradually adding reserved pasta water as needed.
- Turn the heat down low and gently fold in the hot smoked salmon, being careful not to break it down too much.
- Finish with black pepper and optional herbs, tasting before adding additional salt.
Notes
To reheat leftovers, warm gently in a pan with a splash of water, milk, or cream. Add greens or peas to freshen up the dish.
Nutrition
Serving: 1gCalories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 52gProtein: 25gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gSodium: 700mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1g