Looking for a quick and easy dinner recipe that doesn’t compromise on taste? Look no further than this delightful lemon pasta with smoked salmon! Whether you’re short on time or just looking to switch up your weeknight meals, this dish is the perfect solution. With tangy lemon flavors and savory smoked salmon, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any dinner table. So grab your apron and let’s get cooking!
What You’ll Need
Before we dive into making this delicious lemon pasta with smoked salmon, let’s take a look at the ingredients you’ll need to make it happen.
First up is the pasta itself. You can use any type of pasta you like for this recipe, but we recommend something sturdy and slightly thicker like fettuccine or linguine. These types of pasta hold up well against the bold flavors in this dish.
Next, you’ll need some fresh herbs – specifically parsley and dill. These will add a bright burst of flavor to your finished dish, so be sure not to skimp on them.
Of course, no lemony pasta would be complete without lemons! You’ll need both zest and juice for this recipe to get that tangy citrus flavor throughout every bite.
Now onto our star ingredient – smoked salmon! Look for high-quality smoked salmon at your local grocery store or fish market. The smoky richness pairs perfectly with the zesty lemon flavors in the dish.
Don’t forget about staples like garlic, butter, salt and pepper. With these simple ingredients on hand, you’re ready to start cooking up a storm!
How to Make the Pasta
To make this quick and easy lemon pasta with smoked salmon, you’ll need some basic ingredients. You will need 8 ounces of your favorite pasta (linguine or spaghetti works great), 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, half a cup of heavy cream, the zest and juice from one lemon, salt, pepper, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Firstly, bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Once it’s boiling add in the pasta and cook until al dente. Meanwhile, melt two tablespoons of butter in a pan over medium heat. Add in half a cup of heavy cream while whisking continuously until the mixture thickens slightly.
Next up is adding in the lemon zest and juice into the mixture along with some salt and pepper for flavor. Mix it well together thoroughly.
Once your pasta has cooked through strain it out but keep about half a cupfuls worth aside as we might need them later on if needed to thin down our sauce if too thick.
Now add your cooked linguine or spaghetti into the pan with the sauce that you have created earlier. Toss everything together carefully ensuring that every strand is coated evenly with our delicious sauce.
Finish off by adding some freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving immediately!
How to Make the Smoked Salmon
Smoked salmon is a delicious and healthy addition to any pasta dish. Here’s how you can make it at home:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper.
Next, place the salmon fillet on the prepared baking sheet and brush it with olive oil. Season generously with salt and pepper.
Once your oven is hot enough, put the salmon in and bake for about 15-20 minutes, until cooked through but still moist.
Remove the salmon from the oven and let it cool down for a few minutes before flaking it into small pieces using a fork.
If you want to add some extra flavor to your smoked salmon, try adding some lemon juice or dill weed during the seasoning process.
Voila! You now have perfectly smoked salmon that will take your quick and easy lemon pasta dish to another level of yumminess.
How to Serve the Pasta
Now that you’ve cooked the perfect lemon pasta with smoked salmon, it’s time to serve it! Here are some tips on how to make the most out of this dish:
Firstly, give your pasta a good toss before serving. This helps distribute the sauce evenly and ensures each bite is bursting with flavor.
Next, add some freshly grated parmesan cheese on top for an extra burst of savory goodness. If you like a little heat, sprinkle some chili flakes on top as well.
For added freshness and texture, you can also garnish your dish with chopped fresh parsley or basil leaves. Not only does it look beautiful but it also adds a nice pop of color.
If you’re looking to elevate this dish further, consider pairing it with a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. The acidity in these wines pairs perfectly with the tangy lemon sauce.
Sit back and enjoy your delicious quick and easy lemon pasta with smoked salmon!
Conclusion
This quick and easy lemon pasta with smoked salmon recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you’re short on time but still want a delicious and satisfying meal. With only a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a dinner that’s both flavorful and healthy in just 30 minutes.
By using smoked salmon instead of traditional meat options, this dish provides protein without requiring much preparation or cooking. The lemon zest adds brightness to the pasta while also providing health benefits such as boosting your immune system.
So next time you’re looking for an easy meal idea that will impress your family or guests, give this lemon pasta with smoked salmon recipe a try! You won’t be disappointed.
