Description
Creamy Smoked Salmon Linguine is a quick, family-friendly pasta dish that combines tender linguine with a velvety smoked salmon cream sauce. This easy meal blends rich cold-smoked salmon, garlic-infused butter, and fresh lemon juice for a bright, satisfying flavor. Ready in just 30 minutes, it is perfect for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta Ingredients
- 12 oz Linguine Pasta (whole wheat or gluten-free optional)
- 1 tsp Salt (for pasta water)
Sauce Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp Butter (or olive oil for lighter version)
- 2 cloves Minced Garlic (fresh)
- 1 cup Heavy Cream (or half-and-half/non-dairy cream)
- 2 Tbsp Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1/4 cup Reserved Pasta Water
Main Additions
- 8 oz Cold-Smoked Salmon (avoid canned)
- 2 Tbsp Capers
- 2 Tbsp Fresh Parsley (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Boil Pasta: Fill a large pot with water, add 1 tsp salt, and bring it to a rolling boil.
- Cook Pasta: Add 12 oz linguine to boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, approximately 8-10 minutes.
- Reserve Pasta Water: Before draining, scoop out 1/4 cup of the starchy pasta water and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add 2 cloves minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Simmer Cream: Pour 1 cup heavy cream into the skillet and stir gently. Bring to a gentle simmer and let cook for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Add Lemon & Pasta Water: Stir in 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice and the reserved pasta water to the cream sauce, combining thoroughly.
- Season Sauce: Add salt to taste and remove the skillet from heat to prevent curdling.
- Toss Pasta: Add the drained linguine to the skillet and toss to coat every strand evenly with the creamy sauce.
- Add Salmon & Capers: Gently fold in 8 oz cold-smoked salmon pieces and 2 tbsp capers, distributing them carefully to maintain texture.
- Serve: Plate immediately, garnishing with 2 tbsp fresh parsley if desired, for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
Notes
- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best bright flavor.
- Reserve pasta water helps emulsify the sauce for a silky texture.
- Cold-smoked salmon adds the perfect smoky richness; avoid canned salmon substitutes.
- Butter can be replaced with olive oil for a lighter dish.
- Heavy cream can be substituted with half-and-half or non-dairy cream for a lighter or dairy-free option.
- Parsley garnish is optional but adds freshness and visual appeal.
- Do not overcook the salmon to preserve its delicate texture.
