This smoked salmon pasta feels cozy yet fresh, perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or a relaxed weekend meal. Creamy, lemony, and full of gentle smoky flavor, it comes together fast with simple ingredients. It’s the kind of pasta that feels a little special without any extra effort.
Ingredients
- 12 oz dry fettuccine or linguine
- 8 oz smoked salmon, sliced into strips
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill
- Reserved pasta water, as needed
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in well-salted water according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat until melted.
- Add garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
- Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Add Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper, stirring until smooth.
- Toss in the cooked pasta and smoked salmon, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh dill before serving.
Tip
Keep the heat low once the salmon is added so it stays tender and silky instead of dry.
This pasta is best enjoyed right away, but leftovers make a lovely lunch the next day.
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Smoked Salmon Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Creamy smoked salmon pasta with lemon, dill, and Parmesan for an easy, cozy meal.
Ingredients
12 oz dry fettuccine or linguine
8 oz smoked salmon, sliced into strips
1 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp unsalted butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp lemon zest
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp salt
2 tbsp chopped fresh dill
Reserved pasta water, as needed
Instructions
1. Cook the pasta in well-salted water according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
2. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat until melted.
3. Add garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
4. Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer for 2-3 minutes.
5. Add Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper, stirring until smooth.
6. Toss in the cooked pasta and smoked salmon, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
7. Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh dill before serving.
Notes
Keep heat low after adding the salmon to keep it tender.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American