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Flavorful Smoked Salmon Pasta Recipe with Capers and Lemon Cream Sauce

smoked salmon pasta - featured image

A quick and easy smoked salmon pasta with a creamy lemon sauce, briny capers, and fresh herbs. Perfect for weeknights or entertaining, this dish balances smoky richness with bright citrus flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (225 g) fettuccine or linguine pasta
  • 6 ounces (170 g) thinly sliced smoked salmon
  • 2 tablespoons capers, drained
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • ½ cup (50 g) finely grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill or chives, chopped (optional)
  • Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces (225 g) of pasta and cook until al dente, about 9-11 minutes. Reserve ½ cup (120 ml) pasta water before draining.
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons unsalted butter. Add 3 cloves minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Pour in 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream and stir gently. Bring to a gentle simmer, then add lemon zest and 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
  4. Lower heat and stir in ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen sauce.
  5. Add 2 tablespoons drained capers and gently fold in 6 ounces (170 g) smoked salmon. Warm through for 1-2 minutes without overheating.
  6. Add drained pasta to skillet and toss gently to coat with sauce. Use reserved pasta water as needed for a glossy finish.
  7. Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper carefully. Garnish with 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill or chives before serving.

Notes

Cook pasta just shy of al dente as it finishes cooking in the sauce. Fold smoked salmon in gently and warm briefly to avoid toughness. Use reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Adjust salt carefully due to salty ingredients. Fresh lemon zest is key for brightness. Leftovers keep for up to 2 days; reheat gently with added cream or milk.

Nutrition

Keywords: smoked salmon pasta, lemon cream sauce, capers, easy pasta recipe, weeknight dinner, creamy pasta, seafood pasta