Healthier Smoked Salmon Linguine Recipe

Introduction

This Healthier Smoked Salmon Linguine offers a rich and creamy pasta dish that’s surprisingly light and easy to make. Combining smoked salmon with a delicate lemon cream sauce, it’s perfect for a comforting dinner with a fresh twist.

Ingredients

• 1 pound linguini noodles
• 3-4 tablespoons reserved pasta cooking water (add extra if necessary)
• 4 tablespoons salted butter
• 6-8 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1 cup thick cream
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons salt (adjust to taste)
• 1 pound smoked salmon
• 2 tablespoons drained capers
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add linguini pasta and cook according to the package instructions. Once the pasta is done, reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta water. Drain the remaining water and set the pasta aside.
2. Step 2: In a large saucepan or skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to brown the garlic. Add the heavy cream to the pan and bring it to a gentle boil.
3. Step 3: Add lemon juice and 3-4 tablespoons of the reserved pasta water to the boiling cream. Allow the mixture to come to a boil once more. The sauce should start to thicken slightly at this point. Add salt to taste, stir through, and then turn off the heat.
4. Step 4: Add the cooked linguini to the cream sauce. Toss the pasta thoroughly in the sauce to ensure it is evenly coated.
5. Step 5: Use a fork to break apart the smoked salmon into smaller pieces. Add the smoked salmon and capers to the pasta in the saucepan. Toss everything together to combine well.
6. Step 6: If desired, garnish the finished dish with fresh parsley. Serve your creamy smoked salmon linguini hot and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• For a lighter version, substitute half the cream with low-fat milk or use a dairy-free cream alternative.
• Fresh dill can be used instead of parsley for a complementary herbal flavor.
• If you prefer more citrus zing, add a bit of lemon zest to the sauce along with the juice.
• Capers add a nice briny contrast, but you can omit them if you prefer a milder taste.

Storage

Store any leftover smoked salmon linguine in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of cream or pasta water to loosen the sauce and prevent it from drying out.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, other long pastas like fettuccine or spaghetti work well with this recipe. Adjust cooking times according to the package instructions.

Is smoked salmon already cooked?

Yes, smoked salmon is cured and ready to eat, so it’s added at the end just to warm through without further cooking.

Healthier Smoked Salmon Linguine Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 128 reviews

A creamy, flavorful smoked salmon linguine recipe that combines tender linguine noodles with a rich garlic cream sauce, lemon juice, and capers for a healthier twist on a classic dish. Perfect for a quick and comforting meal that’s elegant yet simple to prepare.

• Author: Sana
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 1 pound linguini noodles
• 3–4 tablespoons reserved pasta cooking water (add extra if necessary)

Sauce

• 4 tablespoons salted butter
• 6–8 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons salt (adjust to taste)

Additional Ingredients

• 1 pound smoked salmon
• 2 tablespoons drained capers
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional)

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add linguini pasta and cook according to the package instructions. Once the pasta is done, reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta water, then drain the remaining water and set the pasta aside.
2. Prepare the Cream Sauce: In a large saucepan or skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to brown the garlic. Then add the heavy cream to the pan and bring it to a gentle boil.
3. Thicken the Sauce: Add lemon juice and 3-4 tablespoons of the reserved pasta water to the boiling cream. Allow the mixture to come to a boil once more until it starts to thicken slightly. Add salt to taste, stir through, and then turn off the heat.
4. Combine Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked linguini to the cream sauce. Toss the pasta thoroughly in the sauce to ensure it is evenly coated.
5. Add Smoked Salmon and Capers: Use a fork to break apart the smoked salmon into smaller pieces. Add the smoked salmon and capers to the pasta in the saucepan. Toss everything together to combine well.
6. Garnish and Serve: If desired, garnish the finished dish with fresh parsley. Serve your creamy smoked salmon linguini hot and enjoy!

Notes

• Make sure not to brown the garlic while sautéing to keep the sauce flavorful without bitterness.
• The reserved pasta water helps to adjust sauce consistency and helps it cling to the pasta better.
• Adjust salt levels carefully, especially since smoked salmon and capers are naturally salty.
• Fresh parsley adds a nice herbal freshness but is optional.
• This dish is best served immediately for the creamiest texture.

Keywords: smoked salmon linguine, creamy pasta, easy dinner, quick pasta recipe, garlic cream sauce, seafood pasta