Imagine twirling your fork into a luxurious plate of pasta where tender, flaky salmon meets velvety crème fraîche in a symphony of flavors that will transport you straight to a chic Italian coastline. This Salmon and Crème Fraîche Pasta isn't just a meal—it's a culinary experience that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy dish you can create in your own kitchen in just 30 minutes!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta
- 2 salmon fillets
- 1 cup crème fraîche
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons capers
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh dill for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
- While the pasta is cooking, season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat and cook the salmon for 3-4 minutes per side, or until it's cooked through and easily flakes with a fork.
- Remove the salmon from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes. Using a fork, gently break the salmon into bite-sized flakes.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to low and add the crème fraîche. Warm gently, stirring constantly to prevent separation.
- Drain the cooked pasta, reserving about 1/4 cup of pasta water. Return the pasta to the pot and fold in the warm crème fraîche sauce.
- Add the flaked salmon, lemon zest, and capers to the pasta. Gently toss to combine, using reserved pasta water if needed to create a smooth, creamy consistency.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as desired.
- Plate the pasta and garnish generously with fresh chopped dill.
- Serve immediately while hot, enjoying the rich, creamy texture and delicate salmon flavor.
Tips
- Choose high-quality salmon: Fresh, wild-caught salmon will elevate the entire dish's flavor profile.
- Don't overcook the salmon: It should be just flaky and tender, which typically takes 3-4 minutes per side on medium-high heat.
- Reserve pasta water: The starchy water helps create a smoother, silkier sauce and helps ingredients bind together.
- Gently warm crème fraîche: Low heat prevents separation and maintains a smooth, creamy texture.
- Add lemon zest and capers at the end to preserve their bright, punchy flavors.
- Fresh dill is not optional—it adds a crucial layer of freshness that complements the rich salmon and creamy sauce.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the pasta at its peak creaminess and temperature.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 480kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 85mg
