Save to Pinterest This Creamy Salmon Pasta is the ultimate quick, flavorful weeknight meal. Featuring silky hot-smoked salmon in a rich, velvety sauce, it's a dish that perfectly balances indulgence with the bright zing of lemon and fresh herbs. Ready in just 25 minutes, it brings gourmet flair to your kitchen with minimal effort.
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The beauty of this European-inspired dish lies in the texture of the hot-smoked salmon, which flakes beautifully into the cream. It's an easy yet impressive pescatarian main dish that's perfect for a cozy dinner for four.
Ingredients
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- Pasta: 350 g (12 oz) dried fettuccine or spaghetti, Salt (for pasta water)
- Sauce: 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small shallot, finely chopped
- 200 ml (3/4 cup + 2 tbsp) heavy cream
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 100 ml (scant 1/2 cup) reserved pasta cooking water
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 150 g (5 oz) hot-smoked salmon, flaked
- 30 g (1/4 cup) grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill or flat-leaf parsley
Instructions
- Step 1
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 100 ml (scant 1/2 cup) of the pasta water, then drain the pasta.
- Step 2
- Meanwhile, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and shallot, sauté for 2–3 minutes until soft and fragrant.
- Step 3
- Stir in the heavy cream, Dijon mustard, lemon zest, and juice. Simmer gently for 2–3 minutes.
- Step 4
- Add the flaked hot-smoked salmon and half of the chopped dill or parsley. Stir gently to warm through.
- Step 5
- Toss the drained pasta into the skillet. Add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce. Sprinkle in the Parmesan and toss until the pasta is coated and the sauce is silky.
- Step 6
- Season with black pepper and adjust salt if needed. Serve immediately, topped with remaining herbs and extra lemon zest if desired.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For an even deeper flavor profile and extra richness, consider adding a splash of dry white wine to the skillet after you have finished sautéing the shallot. Ensure you simmer the sauce gently to allow the cream to thicken without curdling.
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Varianten und Anpassungen
If you prefer a different fish, you can easily substitute the hot-smoked salmon with hot-smoked trout. To create a lighter version of this recipe, feel free to use a mixture of half heavy cream and half milk.
Serviervorschläge
This creamy pasta pairs beautifully with a glass of crisp white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. Serve it immediately while the sauce is glossy and the herbs are fresh.
Save to Pinterest Enjoy this comforting and elegant meal that proves you don't need hours in the kitchen to produce a spectacular result. Bon appétit!
Common Questions
- → Can I use fresh salmon instead of hot-smoked?
Hot-smoked salmon is fully cooked and provides intense flavor that fresh salmon doesn't offer. If using fresh salmon, you'll need to cook it in the sauce until done, which will extend the cooking time. The smoky element is essential to this dish's character.
- → What pasta shapes work best?
Long strands like fettuccine, spaghetti, or linguine are ideal as they catch the creamy sauce beautifully. However, penne, fusilli, or farfalle would also work if that's what you have on hand—just adjust the sauce consistency with more pasta water as needed.
- → Can I make this ahead?
This dish is best served immediately, as cream-based sauces can separate when reheated. You can prep ingredients in advance—mince the garlic, chop the shallot and herbs, flake the salmon—but cook everything just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
- → How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently with a splash of cream or pasta water to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving on high as the sauce may separate—warm slowly on the stove instead.
- → Can I lighten this dish?
Yes! Substitute half the heavy cream with whole milk, or use a lighter cream alternative. You can also increase the amount of pasta slightly to make more servings with the same amount of sauce. The flavor remains satisfying while reducing the overall richness.
- → What can I serve alongside?
A crisp green salad with vinaigrette balances the richness beautifully. Steamed asparagus, green beans, or roasted broccolini also complement the creamy pasta. A glass of Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio pairs perfectly with the smoky salmon notes.
