Imagine twirling your fork into a luxurious plate of pasta that looks like it's straight from a gourmet cafe, but you've created it in your own kitchen. This Smoked Salmon Fettuccine is not just a meal—it's a culinary experience that transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary dish that will make your taste buds dance with delight. Whether you're planning a romantic dinner or looking to impress your dinner guests, this recipe promises restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 250g fettuccine
- 200g smoked salmon
- 200ml cream
- 2 tablespoons capers
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. The water should taste like sea water to properly season the pasta.
- Add fettuccine to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until the pasta is al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta cooks, prepare the sauce. In a large skillet, pour the cream and heat over medium-low temperature. Gently warm the cream without allowing it to boil.
- Tear the smoked salmon into bite-sized pieces, ensuring they are roughly uniform in size for even distribution.
- Once the cream is warm, add capers and lemon juice to the skillet. Stir gently to combine and let the flavors meld for 2-3 minutes.
- Drain the cooked pasta, reserving about 1/4 cup of pasta water in case you need to adjust sauce consistency.
- Add the drained pasta directly into the cream sauce, tossing gently to coat each strand evenly.
- Fold in the smoked salmon pieces, being careful not to break them up too much.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little reserved pasta water.
- Transfer to serving plates and garnish generously with freshly chopped parsley.
- Serve immediately while hot, preferably with a crisp white wine or sparkling water with lemon.
Tips
- Salt your pasta water generously - it should taste like seawater to properly season the pasta from within.
- Use high-quality smoked salmon for the best flavor profile. Look for salmon that's thinly sliced and has a rich, smoky aroma.
- Keep the cream sauce on low heat to prevent curdling and maintain a smooth, silky texture.
- Reserve some pasta water before draining - its starchy consistency can help you adjust the sauce if needed.
- Add the salmon gently to preserve its delicate texture and prevent it from breaking into tiny pieces.
- Fresh parsley is key for garnish - it adds a bright, fresh note that cuts through the richness of the cream sauce.
- Serve immediately while hot to enjoy the pasta at its absolute best.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 290kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 14g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 55mg
