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Creamy Smoked Salmon Pasta

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 12 ounces fettuccine, linguine, or pappardelle
  • Kosher salt, for pasta water
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 large shallot, finely minced (about 1/3 cup)
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1/4 cup dry white wine (like Pinot Grigio)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
  • 6 ounces cold-smoked salmon, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Instructions
 

  • Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
  • While pasta cooks, heat olive oil and 1 tbsp of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add shallot and sauté for 2-3 minutes until soft. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
  • Deglaze the pan with white wine, scraping up any bits from the bottom. Simmer for 1-2 minutes until reduced by half.
  • Reduce heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Let it gently simmer for 3-4 minutes to thicken slightly. Do not boil.
  • Add the drained pasta to the skillet, along with the grated Parmesan, the remaining 1 tbsp of butter, and 1/4 cup of reserved pasta water. Toss vigorously with tongs until the sauce is creamy and coats the pasta. Add more pasta water if needed.
  • Remove the skillet from the heat. Add the smoked salmon, chopped dill, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Toss gently to combine.
  • Season with black pepper and serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and dill.

Notes

For the best results, use full-fat heavy cream and grate your own Parmesan cheese. These two details make a huge difference in the final texture of the sauce.
Keyword creamy pasta, Salmon Pasta, smoked salmon recipes