When it comes to dinner, we all want something easy to prepare but still feel special and indulgent. Smoked salmon is one of those ingredients that instantly elevates a meal. It’s rich, smoky, and full of flavor, making it the perfect choice for a delicious dinner that feels fancy but doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. If you’ve never used smoked salmon in your dinner recipes, you’re in for a real treat.
This recipe I’m about to share is not only packed with flavor but also simple to make. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or even a small gathering with friends and family. Plus, it’s a great way to add a healthy dose of omega-3 to your meal.
So, let’s dive into one of my favorite smoked salmon recipes for dinner: Smoked Salmon Pasta with Creamy Lemon Sauce.
Why You’ll Love This Smoked Salmon Recipe
Before we jump into the recipe, here’s why you’ll love this dish:
- Quick and easy: You can have dinner on the table in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings.
- Rich in flavor: The smoky salmon pairs beautifully with a creamy, tangy lemon sauce, creating a perfect balance of flavors.
- Healthy: Smoked salmon is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for heart health.
- Versatile: You can customize this recipe by adding your favorite veggies or even swapping out the pasta for a gluten-free option.
Ingredients for Smoked Salmon Pasta with Creamy Lemon Sauce
Let’s start by gathering everything you’ll need. This smoked salmon recipe uses simple, fresh ingredients that you can easily find at your local grocery store.
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or your favorite pasta)
- 6 oz of smoked salmon, cut into small, bite-sized chunks.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 small shallot (finely chopped)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- Salt (to taste)
- Fresh dill (for garnish)
- Optional: A handful of baby spinach or arugula for added greens
That’s it! These simple ingredients come together to create a delicious, flavorful dish.
How to Make Smoked Salmon Pasta with Creamy Lemon Sauce
With our ingredients ready, let’s dive into the cooking process! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious smoked salmon dinner ready in no time.
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Begin by heating a large pot of water with a pinch of salt until it reaches a rolling boil.
- Once the water is boiling, add the pasta and cook it following the instructions on the package. You want the pasta to be al dente, meaning it’s still firm to the bite. This will ensure that it holds up well with the creamy sauce.
Once the pasta is done, reserve about ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain the rest. Set the pasta aside while you make the sauce.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic and Shallot
Warm the olive oil in a large skillet on medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped shallot, and sauté for about 2-3 minutes, until they’re soft and fragrantMake sure the garlic doesn’t burn, as it will turn bitter.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Lemon Sauce
Once the garlic and shallot are softened, pour in the heavy cream. Stir well to combine and let the cream simmer gently for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want the cream to reduce slightly and thicken a bit.
Next, add the Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Stir continuously until the cheese has fully melted, creating a smooth and creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
Step 4: Add the Smoked Salmon
Now it’s time to add the star of the dish—the smoked salmon! Gently fold the smoked salmon pieces into the creamy sauce, making sure they’re evenly distributed. Since smoked salmon is already cooked, you only need to warm it through in the sauce. This should take about 1-2 minutes.
Step 5: Toss the Pasta
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce, and use tongs to toss everything together until the pasta is well-coated in the creamy lemon sauce. If you’re adding greens like spinach or arugula, toss them in now as well. They’ll wilt slightly in the warm sauce, adding a nice touch of freshness to the dish.
If the sauce seems too thick, you can add a little more of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
Step 6: Season and Serve
Once the pasta and sauce are combined, taste the dish and season with freshly ground black pepper and salt to your liking. Remember, smoked salmon can be a bit salty, so taste before adding too much salt.
Serve the pasta in bowls, garnished with fresh dill for a burst of color and flavor. You can also add a little extra lemon zest or a drizzle of olive oil on top for an extra touch of brightness.
And that’s it! A rich, creamy, and flavorful smoked salmon dinner that’s ready to enjoy.
Tips for the Best Smoked Salmon Pasta
Here are a few tips to make sure your smoked salmon pasta turns out perfectly every time:
- Choose good-quality smoked salmon: Since smoked salmon is the main flavor in this dish, make sure you choose a good quality product. You can find smoked salmon in most grocery stores, but if you have access to a specialty market or seafood store, you may want to explore their options.
- Don’t overcook the salmon: Smoked salmon is already cooked, so you just want to warm it through in the sauce. Overcooking it can make it tough and dry.
- Use fresh lemon juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice makes all the difference in this recipe. It adds brightness and helps cut through the richness of the cream sauce.
- Add veggies: If you want to add more veggies to the dish, spinach, arugula, or even peas are great options. They add a pop of color and extra nutrients to the meal.
- Gluten-free option: If you’re gluten-free, simply swap out the regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free pasta. The rest of the recipe stays the same!
Why This Smoked Salmon Recipe is Perfect for Dinner
This smoked salmon pasta recipe is a great choice for dinner for several reasons:
- It’s fast: You can have this dish ready in under 30 minutes, which is perfect for busy weeknights.
- It’s filling: The creamy sauce and hearty pasta make this a satisfying and filling meal that won’t leave you hungry.
- It’s elegant: Even though it’s simple to make, smoked salmon has an elegant, gourmet quality that makes this dish feel special. It’s perfect for date nights, dinner parties, or even just treating yourself to something extra delicious.
- It’s healthy: Smoked salmon is packed with heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, and adding fresh greens like spinach boosts the nutritional value even more.
Frequently Asked Questions About Smoked Salmon Recipes
Is it possible to substitute hot-smoked salmon for cold-smoked salmon?
Yes! You can use either hot-smoked or cold-smoked salmon in this recipe. Hot-smoked salmon has a firmer, flakier texture, while cold-smoked salmon is softer and silkier. Both will work well, but the texture will be slightly different.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While this dish is best served fresh, you can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to serve, warm the sauce in a skillet, add the salmon and pasta, and toss to combine.
What can I serve with smoked salmon pasta?
This pasta dish is pretty filling on its own, but you can serve it with a side salad or some crusty bread to soak up any extra sauce. A light green salad with a lemon vinaigrette would complement the richness of the pasta nicely.
Can I substitute the heavy cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute half-and-half or even whole milk for the heavy cream. Just keep in mind that the sauce won’t be as rich or thick, so you may need to let it reduce a bit longer.
Final Thoughts on Smoked Salmon Recipes for Dinner
Smoked salmon pasta with creamy lemon sauce is one of those dishes that feels luxurious but is surprisingly easy to make. The combination of rich smoked salmon, tangy lemon, and creamy sauce over perfectly cooked pasta is pure comfort food. Plus, it’s versatile enough to be served on a casual weeknight or for a more special occasion.
If you’re looking for an easy yet impressive smoked salmon recipe for dinner, this is the one to try. It’s simple, flavorful, and sure to become a new favorite in your dinner rotation.
Happy cooking!
3 thoughts on “Smoked Salmon Creamy Pasta”