Healthier Smoked Salmon Linguine Recipe
This Healthier Smoked Salmon Linguine is a creamy, flavorful pasta dish featuring tender linguine tossed in a garlic-infused cream sauce with fresh lemon juice, smoked salmon, and briny capers. The dish is elevated with parsley garnish and offers a balanced yet indulgent meal perfect for seafood lovers seeking a comforting but lighter pasta option.
- Author: Mia
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
For the Pasta:
For the Garlic Cream Sauce:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tsp salt
- 4 tbsp salted butter (preferably Kerrygold)
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 6–8 garlic cloves, finely chopped
For the Final Dish:
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley
- 1 lb smoked salmon
- 3–4 tbsp reserved pasta water
- 2 tbsp capers, drained
- Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Prepare the Cream Sauce: In a large saucepan or skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to brown it. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle boil.
- Thicken the Sauce: Add the lemon juice and 3-4 tablespoons of the reserved pasta water to the boiling cream. Allow the mixture to come to a gentle boil again until it thickens slightly. Stir in salt to taste, then remove from heat.
- Combine Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked linguine to the cream sauce. Toss thoroughly to ensure the pasta is evenly coated in the sauce.
- Add Smoked Salmon and Capers: Use a fork to break the smoked salmon into smaller pieces. Add the salmon and drained capers to the pasta in the saucepan and toss to combine well.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the creamy smoked salmon linguine with chopped parsley if desired. Serve immediately while hot for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Be careful not to overcook the garlic to avoid bitterness.
- Reserve enough pasta water to adjust sauce consistency as needed.
- Use high-quality smoked salmon for the best flavor.
- If preferred, add freshly cracked black pepper for extra seasoning.
- This dish pairs well with a light green salad and a crisp white wine.
Keywords: smoked salmon linguine, garlic cream sauce, pasta with salmon, easy seafood pasta, lemon cream pasta