Imagine twirling your fork into a creamy, elegant pasta dish that looks like it came straight from a high-end restaurant, but can be prepared in just 25 minutes! This Farfalle Pasta with Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese is not just a meal, it's a culinary adventure that transforms simple ingredients into a gourmet masterpiece that will make your taste buds dance with delight. Whether you're planning a romantic dinner or want to impress your dinner guests, this recipe is your secret weapon to instant kitchen stardom.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 oz farfalle pasta
- 8 oz smoked salmon, sliced
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 1/4 cup capers
- 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. This will be used to cook the farfalle pasta.
- Once the water is boiling, add the 12 oz of farfalle pasta. Cook according to the package instructions, usually around 10-12 minutes, until al dente.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the sauce. In a medium bowl, combine the 4 oz of cream cheese and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Mix well until smooth and creamy.
- Once the pasta is cooked, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta in a colander.
- Return the drained pasta to the pot over low heat. Add the cream cheese mixture to the pasta and stir to combine, allowing the heat to melt the cream cheese and create a creamy sauce.
- If the sauce is too thick, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
- Next, gently fold in the 8 oz of sliced smoked salmon, 1/4 cup of capers, and 1/4 cup of chopped fresh dill into the pasta.
- Season the dish with salt and pepper to taste, being cautious with the salt as the smoked salmon and capers can be salty.
- Once everything is well combined and heated through, remove the pot from the heat.
- Serve the farfalle pasta warm, garnished with additional dill or a squeeze of fresh lemon if desired.
Tips
- Always reserve pasta water before draining - it's liquid gold for creating the perfect sauce consistency.
- Use high-quality smoked salmon for the best flavor profile.
- Be gentle when folding in the salmon to prevent it from breaking apart.
- For extra richness, use full-fat cream cheese.
- Fresh dill makes a huge difference - don't substitute with dried herbs if possible.
- Taste and adjust seasoning carefully, as smoked salmon and capers are already quite salty.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and temperature.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 40mg
