Easy, elegant, and bursting with flavor: this Smoked Salmon Pasta combines creamy sauce, bright lemon, and tender tagliatelle. Ready in just 15 minutes!
There’s something magical about a dish that comes together quickly but feels like a luxury.
That’s exactly what this smoked salmon pasta delivers: a creamy, zesty, and slightly smoky combination that’s both comforting and elevated. And it's ready in just 15 minuts!
It’s the kind of recipe you can whip up on a weeknight, yet it feels special enough for a dinner party.
The taste? Imagine tender pasta wrapped in a rich, buttery cream sauce, brightened by the tang of fresh lemon, and punctuated by the savory smokiness of salmon.
Making it couldn’t be simpler. If you’ve got 15 minutes and a handful of ingredients, you’re all set.
Whether you’re using tagliatelle or whatever pasta you have on hand, the silky sauce clings beautifully, creating a restaurant-quality meal with minimal effort.
I like to serve it with a crisp salad for a light meal, or pair it with garlic bread or Outback Steakhouse Bread for something heartier. And if you’re like me, you might even make it for lunch the next day—it’s that good.
This smoked salmon pasta is one of those recipes you’ll return to time and again. It’s quick, delicious, and endlessly adaptable.
Once you make it, you’ll see why it’s a favorite in my kitchen. Give it a try—you won’t be disappointed!
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Make: Ready in 20 minutes, start to finish.
- Few Ingredients: No long shopping lists—just pantry and fridge staples.
- Versatile: Works for casual dinners or special occasions.
- Customizable: Add veggies, swap pasta types, or tweak the flavors.
- Incredibly Delicious: Creamy, smoky, tangy, and perfectly balanced.
Ingredients
You only need simple pantry ingredients for this recipe!
- Smoked Salmon: The star ingredient! Its smoky, savory flavor elevates the dish. Use high-quality salmon for the best results.
- Tagliatelle (or Any Pasta): Long pasta like tagliatelle or fettuccine works best, but penne or spaghetti are good substitutes.
- Butter: The base of the sauce, adding richness. You could swap this for olive oil, but butter gives a better flavor.
- Lemon (Zest & Juice): Adds brightness and cuts through the richness. If you’re out of lemon, lime could work in a pinch.
- Heavy Cream: Creates the luscious, silky sauce. For a lighter option, use half-and-half or even milk, but the sauce won’t be as thick.
- Salt & Pepper: Season to taste.
See the recipe card for quantities and method.
How to make Smoked Salmon Pasta
Follow these step-by-step instructions, then scroll down for the full ingredients list and method.
Bring a pot of water to boil, and cook the tagliatelle or other pasta , according to the time indicated on the packaging.
Meanwhile, melt the butter in a skillet over a medium/low heat, then stir in the salmon and sprinkle with the lemon juice.
Allow it to cook for 2 minutes, stirring, then reduce the heat to low, stir in the cream, and allow it to bubble gently for 4 minutes. Season to taste with the salt and pepper.
Drain the cooked pasta and add it to the salmon cream sauce and stir to coat.
Divide the smoked salmon pasta between 4 plates and serve topped with the lemon zest.
Scroll down for the full ingredients list and method.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a crisp green salad drizzled with Strawberry Vinaigrette for balance.
- Pair with a crusty baguette or garlic bread to soak up the sauce.
- Add a glass of chilled white wine—Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc work well.
Variations
- Add Veggies: Toss in spinach, peas, or asparagus for extra color and nutrients.
- Boost the Flavor: Add capers, a sprinkle of dill, or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Make It Cheesy: Stir in a handful of grated Parmesan for even more indulgence.
- Use Different Proteins: Substitute smoked trout or canned tuna if you don’t have salmon.
Storage & Freezing
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The sauce may thicken, but a splash of cream or milk when reheating will fix it.
- Freezing: Cream sauces don’t freeze well—they tend to separate. It’s best to enjoy this fresh or store it in the fridge.
More Pasta Recipes
Recipe Tips
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: It will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the sauce.
- Don’t Overcook the Salmon: Two minutes in the pan is enough to keep it tender.
- Save Pasta Water: A splash can help loosen the sauce if it gets too thick.
- Use Fresh Lemon: Bottled juice won’t give you the same brightness.
Other Flavor Add-Ins
- Capers for a salty pop
- Fresh dill for a herby finish
- A pinch of chili flakes for heat
- Parmesan for extra umami
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📖 Recipe
Smoked Salmon Pasta
Equipment
- Pot
- Pan
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 ounces smoked salmon chopped
- ½ a lemon zest and juice
- ⅔ cup heavy cream
- 10 ounces tagliatelle or other pasta
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a pot of water to boil, and cook the tagliatelle or other pasta , according to the time indicated on the packaging.
- Meanwhile, melt the butter in a skillet over a medium/low heat, then stir in the salmon and sprinkle with the lemon juice. Allow it to cook for 2 minutes, stirring, then reduce the heat to low, stir in the cream, and allow it to bubble gently for 4 minutes. Season to taste with the salt and pepper.
- Drain the cooked pasta and add it to the salmon cream sauce and stir to coat.
- Divide the smoked salmon pasta between 4 plates and serve topped with the lemon zest.
Nutrition
The nutritional information provided is approximate and can vary depending on several factors, so is not guaranteed to be accurate. Please see a registered dietician for special diet advice.
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