Are you ready to transform your weeknight dinner into a restaurant-worthy culinary experience in just 25 minutes? This Easy Smoked Salmon Pasta is about to become your new obsession! Imagine a creamy, luxurious dish that looks and tastes like you've spent hours in the kitchen, but actually comes together faster than you can order takeout. With the rich, smoky flavor of salmon, the briny pop of capers, and a silky cream sauce, this Italian-inspired pasta will make you feel like a gourmet chef without the complicated techniques.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 4 oz smoked salmon, torn
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon capers
- 1 tablespoon dill
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- While pasta is cooking, tear the smoked salmon into bite-sized pieces and chop the fresh dill.
- In a large skillet, heat heavy cream over medium heat until it starts to simmer gently, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching.
- Reduce heat to low and add capers to the cream, allowing them to infuse their briny flavor into the sauce.
- Drain the cooked pasta and immediately add it to the cream sauce, tossing to coat evenly. If sauce seems too thick, add reserved pasta water to achieve desired consistency.
- Gently fold in torn smoked salmon pieces, being careful not to break them up too much.
- Sprinkle chopped fresh dill over the pasta and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately in warm pasta bowls, garnishing with additional dill if desired.
Tips
- Use high-quality smoked salmon for the best flavor - it makes a huge difference in the final dish.
- Reserve pasta water before draining - this starchy liquid is a secret weapon for adjusting sauce consistency.
- Be gentle when folding in the salmon to keep the pieces intact and prevent them from breaking up.
- Don't overcook the pasta - aim for al dente to maintain a perfect texture.
- Heat the cream slowly to prevent scorching and ensure a smooth, silky sauce.
- Fresh dill is key - it adds a bright, fresh flavor that complements the rich salmon and cream.
- Serve immediately while the pasta is hot to enjoy the best texture and flavor.
- For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half or whole milk for heavy cream.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 550kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 35g
Saturated Fat: 20g
Cholesterol: 110mg
