Smoked salmon lovers, this recipe is for you! Imagine tender smoked salmon in a creamy, tangy sauce flavored with fresh lemon and dill, all tossed with your favorite pasta. This dish is perfect for a quick yet impressive dinner, combining the richness of smoked salmon with the bright flavors of citrus and herbs.
Ingredients:
- 8 oz pasta (linguine, fettuccine, or your favorite pasta)
- 6 oz smoked salmon, sliced into strips
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tsp dried dill)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp capers (optional for extra tang)
- Fresh parsley or dill for garnish
Preparation :
Cook the Pasta:
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water and cooking the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of the pasta water for the sauce.
Prepare the Sauce:
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Stir in the lemon zest and juice, cooking for an additional 30 seconds.
Add the Cream and Dill:
Pour in the heavy cream and let it simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the chopped fresh dill, and season the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste.
Combine with Pasta and Salmon:
Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet with the sauce. Add the smoked salmon strips and gently mix to coat the pasta and incorporate the salmon. If the sauce is too thick, use a bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
Finish and Serve:
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. For an extra pop of flavor, add capers if you like. Garnish the dish with fresh parsley or extra dill, and serve immediately with an additional sprinkle of Parmesan.