Name: Smoked Salmon Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: European
Ingredients: 7oz / 200g tagliatelle (or long-cut pasta of choice); 2 tbsp / 30g unsalted butter; 2 small shallots, finely diced; 1 clove garlic, finely diced; 1 lemon, zest half and 1 tsp juice; 1/4 tsp black pepper (or to taste); 1/2 cup / 120ml chicken stock; 3.5oz / 100g full-fat cream cheese, room temperature; 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard; 2 tbsp finely diced fresh chives; 4oz / 125g smoked salmon, roughly torn

Why You’ll Love Smoked Salmon Pasta Recipe

It’s quick enough for a weeknight meal but feels special enough for a dinner occasion.

The creamy sauce is lightened with lemon, giving it a fresh, zesty finish.

Smoked salmon adds a luxurious, savory depth without needing complicated preparation.

Minimal ingredients come together to create a restaurant-quality dish.

It’s versatile and works with different types of long pasta.

Ingredients

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

Tagliatelle or other long-cut pasta
Unsalted butter
Shallots, finely diced
Garlic, finely diced
Lemon (zest and juice)
Black pepper
Chicken stock
Full-fat cream cheese, softened
Dijon mustard
Fresh chives, finely diced
Smoked salmon, roughly torn

Directions

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente. Do not drain the pasta when done.

In a large pan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the finely diced shallots and cook gently until soft, golden, and slightly sweet.

Stir in the black pepper, garlic, and lemon zest. Cook briefly for about 20 seconds, making sure the garlic doesn’t burn.

Pour in the chicken stock, then quickly stir in the cream cheese until it melts into a smooth sauce.

Add most of the chives, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard. Let the sauce come to a gentle simmer. If it seems too thin, allow it to simmer for a minute to thicken. Taste and adjust seasoning carefully, keeping in mind the saltiness of the salmon.

Turn off the heat. Use tongs to transfer the cooked pasta directly into the sauce. Toss well until the sauce coats the pasta. Add a splash of pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.

Gently fold in the smoked salmon, being careful not to break it up too much.

Serve immediately, garnished with the remaining chives and extra black pepper if desired.

Servings and timing

Servings: 2

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 10 minutes

Total time: 20 minutes

Variations

Use fettuccine, linguine, or spaghetti instead of tagliatelle.

Swap cream cheese with mascarpone for a richer texture.

Add spinach or peas for extra color and nutrition.

Use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock for a lighter flavor.

Add a touch of grated Parmesan for a deeper savory taste.

Include capers for a briny contrast that pairs well with the salmon.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Reheat gently in a pan over low heat with a splash of water, milk, or stock to loosen the sauce.

Avoid overheating, as the salmon can become tough and the sauce may separate.

This dish is best enjoyed fresh for optimal texture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any long pasta like linguine, spaghetti, or fettuccine works well.

Can I use low-fat cream cheese?

You can, but full-fat cream cheese gives a smoother and richer sauce.

Do I need to cook the smoked salmon?

No. The residual heat from the pasta gently warms the smoked salmon.

What can I use instead of chicken stock?

Vegetable stock or even pasta water can be used as a substitute.

How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick?

Add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce as needed.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

It’s best made fresh, but you can prepare the sauce slightly ahead and reheat gently before adding pasta and salmon.

Is this dish very lemony?

No, the lemon adds a subtle freshness without overpowering the dish.

Can I freeze smoked salmon pasta?

Freezing is not recommended, as the creamy sauce may split and the texture will suffer.

What can I serve with this pasta?

A simple green salad or steamed vegetables pairs nicely with it.

Can I add more protein?

Yes, you can add shrimp or grilled chicken, but the smoked salmon already provides a good amount of protein.

Conclusion

Smoked salmon pasta is a simple yet sophisticated dish that delivers big flavor with minimal effort. The creamy, lemony sauce combined with tender pasta and delicate salmon makes it a go-to recipe when you want something comforting, quick, and a little bit special.