There’s something magical about the combination of creamy pasta and the smoky flavors of salmon. Picture this: you dive into a bowl of smoked salmon pasta, the noodles twirling like dancers on your fork, while hints of citrus zest and dill waft through the air. Mediterranean Lentil Salad Creamy Caesar Salad Pasta It’s a dish that feels fancy but can be whipped up in just 10 minutes, making it perfect for those nights when you want to impress without breaking a sweat.
I’ll never forget the first time I made smoked salmon pasta for my friends. We had just finished a long week at work and needed a quick dinner fix. With laughter echoing in the kitchen and our bellies grumbling, I tossed together this dish in under 10 minutes. Asian Tuna Cakes with Spicy Mayo The smiles on their faces as they tasted it were priceless—and now it’s become our go-to recipe for every get-together.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This delicious smoked salmon pasta is incredibly easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings
- Its rich flavor profile combines smoky salmon with fresh herbs and creamy sauce
- Visually stunning with vibrant colors, it’s sure to impress any guest
- Plus, this versatile dish can easily adapt to different ingredients or dietary preferences
I still remember how my friends’ eyes lit up after their first bite of this pasta.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish: Turkey Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes.
- Pasta: Use your favorite type; spaghetti or fettuccine works wonders for soaking up the sauce.
- Smoked Salmon: Opt for high-quality, thinly sliced salmon for that rich flavor; trust me, it makes all the difference.
- Cream Cheese: Full-fat cream cheese adds creaminess; let it soften at room temperature for easy mixing.
- Dill: Fresh dill brings a burst of flavor; if you can’t find fresh, dried dill will do.
- Lemon Zest: Brighten up the dish with freshly grated lemon zest; it’s like sunshine in your bowl.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds depth; sauté until fragrant but don’t let it brown—nobody likes burnt garlic.
- Olive Oil: A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil enhances richness; choose quality oil for the best taste.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grated parmesan on top adds a savory finish; feel free to go generous with it.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make It Together
Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente—usually around 8-10 minutes. Drain and reserve a cup of pasta water for later.
Sauté Garlic and Prepare Sauce
In a large skillet over medium heat, drizzle olive oil. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant—about 1 minute—making sure not to let it brown.
Add Cream Cheese and Salmon
Lower the heat and mix in softened cream cheese until melted and smooth. Stir in chopped smoked salmon gently so that it warms through without losing its shape.
Add Herbs and Seasoning
Toss in fresh dill and lemon zest into the mixture, giving everything a good stir to combine flavors perfectly. If needed, add reserved pasta water gradually until you reach your desired consistency.
Toss Pasta with Sauce
Add drained pasta directly into the skillet with your sauce mixture. Toss everything together until well coated—you want each noodle hugging that creamy goodness. For more inspiration, check out this Creamy seafood delight recipe.
Serve It Up!
Plate your smoked salmon pasta generously, then sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese on top for an extra touch of indulgence. Serve immediately while it’s hot!
Now you’ve made an incredible smoked salmon pasta that will have everyone asking for seconds—maybe even thirds! Enjoy every bite and bask in the glory of being an instant kitchen hero!
You Must Know
- This delightful smoked salmon pasta is not just quick; it’s restaurant-quality deliciousness
- The creamy sauce clings beautifully to the pasta, while the smoked salmon adds a savory depth that will make your taste buds dance
- Plus, it’s a perfect dish to impress guests!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by boiling your pasta first, then whip up the creamy sauce while the pasta cooks. This ensures everything is hot and ready to serve at once, leaving no time for boredom or hangry feelings. For more inspiration, check out this Creamy chicken marsala pasta recipe.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap in different proteins like shrimp or chicken for variety. You can also sprinkle some capers or fresh dill for that extra burst of flavor that takes this dish from good to unforgettable.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on low heat on the stovetop, adding a splash of cream if it appears dry.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To keep your pasta from sticking together, stir frequently during cooking
- Always taste your sauce to adjust seasoning before serving
- Lastly, use high-quality smoked salmon for maximum flavor impact; it makes all the difference in this dish!
Cooking this smoked salmon pasta always reminds me of a dinner party gone hilariously wrong when I accidentally set off the smoke alarm while trying to sauté garlic. Everyone laughed as I fanned the smoke away, but they all loved the pasta!
FAQ
Can I use fresh salmon instead of smoked?
Yes, but you’ll need to cook fresh salmon before adding it to the pasta.
What type of pasta works best for this recipe?
Fettuccine or linguine pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce and salmon.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, simply use coconut cream and dairy-free alternatives for cheese in the recipe.
Smoked Salmon Pasta
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Smoked Salmon Pasta is a luxurious yet quick meal that combines the richness of creamy sauce with the smoky flavor of salmon. In just 10 minutes, you can create a stunning dish that’s sure to impress guests and satisfy your cravings. With fresh dill and zesty lemon adding brightness, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti or fettuccine
- 4 oz smoked salmon, thinly sliced
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tbsp dried)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions (8-10 minutes). Drain and reserve 1 cup of pasta water.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté minced garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Reduce heat and stir in softened cream cheese until smooth. Gently fold in the chopped smoked salmon until warmed through.
- Add dill and lemon zest; mix well. Gradually add reserved pasta water to achieve desired sauce consistency.
- Toss cooked pasta in the skillet until well coated with the sauce.
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approx. 350g)
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 560mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
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