Smoked Salmon Pasta with Creamy Lemon Dill Sauce

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Smoked Salmon Pasta with Creamy Lemon Dill Sauce is an elegant yet easy-to-make dish that combines the rich, smoky flavor of salmon with a bright and creamy lemon-dill sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish brings together freshness, richness, and herbaceous notes in every bite.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

pastasmoked salmonheavy creamlemon juicelemon zestfresh dillgarlicbutterolive oilsaltblack peppergrated Parmesan (optional)

directions

Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Pour in the heavy cream, then stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, and chopped fresh dill. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.

Add the smoked salmon, breaking it into bite-sized pieces, and stir gently to heat through.

Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce until well coated.

Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Add Parmesan if using.

Serve immediately, garnished with extra dill or lemon zest if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4.Preparation time: 10 minutesCooking time: 15 minutesTotal time: 25 minutes

Variations

Substitute crème fraîche or Greek yogurt for heavy cream for a lighter version.

Use linguine, fettuccine, or penne instead of your preferred pasta.

Add peas, spinach, or capers for an extra burst of flavor and texture.

Use hot-smoked salmon for a heartier, flakier result.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.Reheat gently over low heat with a splash of cream or milk to restore the sauce’s consistency.Avoid microwaving at high power to prevent curdling.

FAQs

Can I use fresh salmon instead of smoked?

Yes, but it will alter the flavor. Cook it separately and flake it into the sauce.

Is this dish kid-friendly?

The flavor is rich and savory, but it depends on your child’s palate. You can reduce the lemon or dill for a milder version.

Can I make this ahead of time?

It’s best served fresh, but you can prep the sauce ahead and store it separately.

Can I freeze this dish?

Cream-based sauces don’t freeze well. It’s not recommended for best texture.

What wine pairs well with this pasta?

A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the lemon and dill beautifully.

Is this gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta to make the dish gluten-free.

Do I need to remove the salmon skin?

Most packaged smoked salmon is skinless, but if yours has skin, remove it before adding to the sauce.

What type of dill should I use?

Fresh dill is preferred for flavor and aroma, but dried dill can be used in smaller quantities.

Conclusion

Smoked Salmon Pasta with Creamy Lemon Dill Sauce is a quick and luxurious meal that balances rich, smoky, and zesty flavors beautifully. Whether you’re cooking to impress or just indulging in a cozy dinner, this dish delivers elegance and comfort in every forkful.

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