Smoked Salmon Lemon Dill Pasta
Silky pasta twirled with smoky salmon, bright lemon zest, and fresh dill creates a dish that's both elegant and comforting.
Total: 25 minPrep: 10 minCook: 15 min4 servingsDifficulty: Easy⭐ 4.8 (123+ ratings)$
Ingredients
Servings:
- 8 oz linguine
- 4 oz smoked salmon, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable stock
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Red pepper flakes, optional
Steps
- 1 Cook the linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
- 2 In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- 3 Pour in heavy cream and stock, stirring to combine. Let simmer for 3 minutes.
- 4 Add lemon zest, lemon juice, and dill to the skillet, stirring well.
- 5 Toss the cooked linguine into the sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed to reach desired consistency.
- 6 Fold in the smoked salmon gently, just until heated through.
- 7 Season with salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle with red pepper flakes if desired.
Equipment
- Large pot
- Skillet
- Tongs
- Grater (for zesting lemon)
Variations
- Add peas or asparagus for extra veggies.
- Substitute capers for a classic salmon pasta flavor.
Substitutions
- If you're out of heavy cream, use half-and-half or milk for a lighter sauce.
- Use vegan butter and a plant-based cream substitute for a vegan version.
Pairings
- A crisp Chardonnay complements the lemon and dill.
- Sparkling water with lemon slices for a refreshing non-alcoholic option.
Nutrition
Calories:
520 kcal
Fat:
28g fat
Carbs:
40g carbohydrates
Protein:
24g protein
Fiber:
2g fiber
Sugar:
4g sugar
Sodium:
600mg sodium
Tips
- For a richer sauce, use full-fat ingredients.
- Feel free to use a mix of fresh and dried dill if that's what you have on hand.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of water or cream to restore sauciness.
Freezing: This dish does not freeze well due to the delicate texture of the smoked salmon.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a side of garlic bread.
- Pair with a fresh green salad drizzled with vinaigrette.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Penne or fettuccine would also work wonderfully in this recipe.