creamy smoked salmon pasta

Elevate your dinner game with this creamy smoked salmon pasta—a luscious blend of silky sauce, tender smoked salmon, and perfectly cooked pasta.

Bursting with rich, smoky flavors and a hint of zest, this dish promises to satisfy your cravings for a decadent yet effortless meal. Perfect for weeknights or impressing guests!

Smoked salmon pasta easy recipe

How irresistible is this smoked salmon pasta? This recipe is quick, simple, and packed with flavor—a perfect choice for busy days when you want something delicious with minimal effort.

A true delight for the senses, this dish combines the smoky, savory notes of salmon with the creamy, luxurious texture of the sauce, perfectly coating al dente pasta.

With just a handful of ingredients and only 20 minutes of prep time, it’s an easy yet indulgent way to elevate any meal.

You can use any pasta variety for this recipe, but I opted for slightly wide pasta shells for a heartier bite.

My kids, on the other hand, prefer it with farfalle—perhaps it’s the playful bowtie shape that wins them over.

In fact, my notoriously picky eaters polished off their plates before I even finished snapping pictures!

This smoked salmon pasta has become a family favorite, disappearing in moments and leaving everyone asking for seconds.

Whether you’re making a cozy weeknight dinner or impressing guests with a gourmet twist, this creamy smoked salmon pasta is sure to satisfy. It’s rich, flavorful, and destined to become a staple in your kitchen.

Ingredients for creamy Smoked salmon pasta

• 500g of pasta:
  • Any type works—tagliatelle, farfalle, spaghetti, penne, fusilli, or rigatoni.
  • Leftover cooked pasta from the night before works perfectly too.
  • For this recipe, pasta shells were used, but choose your favorite variety.
• A few slices of smoked salmon:
  • If unavailable, substitute with fresh salmon. It won’t have the smoky flavor but remains equally delicious.
  • For a gourmet touch, homemade salmon gravlax works beautifully—just adjust the salt in the recipe.
• 1 onion:
  • Sauté in extra virgin olive oil until translucent for a flavorful, creamy base.
  • Chop finely with a knife to avoid releasing too much juice.
• 250ml liquid cream:
  • No cream? Substitute with milk and cream cheese! Use 1–2 triangles of Kiri or La Vache Qui Rit, or 2 tablespoons of Philadelphia.

Seasonings and Additions

• A twist of freshly ground black pepper for a spicy, intense flavor.
• Optional:
  • Fresh or dried chives for an aromatic touch.
  • A splash of lemon juice to brighten the cream.
  • Fresh dill as a flavorful alternative to chives.
  • Capers for a tangy twist (if your diners enjoy them).

Cooking Tip

• Start cooking the pasta first, as it’s the longest step. Prepare the creamy smoked salmon sauce while the pasta cooks—dinner ready in under 20 minutes!

Step-by-step to prepare smoked salmon pasta

1- Cook the pasta:

• Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.
• Add the pasta and cook according to the instructions on the package for the perfect texture.

2- Prepare the onion base:

• Heat a splash of olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
• Finely chop a fresh onion and sauté it in the oil until it becomes soft and translucent.

3- Cook the smoked salmon:

• Add a few pieces of smoked salmon to the pan with the onion.
• Let it simmer gently until the salmon lightens in color.

4- Create the creamy sauce:

• Lower the heat and stir in crème fraîche.
• Season with salt (if needed) and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

5- Simmer and adjust: Allow the sauce to simmer and reduce slightly, adjusting to your preferred consistency.

6- Finish with fresh salmon: Add the remaining pieces of finely chopped smoked salmon to the sauce just before serving for a fresh, smoky flavor.

7- Combine and serve:

• Drain the pasta, reserving a little cooking water.
• Toss the pasta in the sauce, adding a splash of the reserved cooking water if needed for a silky finish.
• Serve immediately while hot.

Other recipes to try

• Potato and egg salad recipe
• easy creamy mushroom soup
• Cauliflower gratin recipe
• Oven Baked Salmon With Lemon Cream Sauce
• French boeuf bourguignon