Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I stood in my kitchen, the scent of garlic sizzling in butter wafted through the air, transporting me to a cozy Italian eatery by the sea. That’s when I decided to whip up a dish that combines comfort with convenience: a Quick & Creamy Smoked Salmon Linguine. In just under 30 minutes, this delightful recipe transforms a few simple ingredients into an impressive and satisfying dinner. With creamy sauce enveloping perfectly cooked linguine and the smoky essence of salmon, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Not only is this dish quick to prepare, but it also brings the elegance of fine dining right to your table. Ready to make a meal that feels indulgent but is absolutely effortless? Let’s dive into making this delicious pasta! Why is Smoked Salmon Linguine a Must-Try? Quick Preparation: This dish whips up in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for those weeknight dinners when you’re short on time but still want something fabulous. Irresistible Flavor: The smoky salmon paired with rich, creamy sauce creates a delightful flavor explosion that will have your taste buds dancing. Family-Friendly: It’s a crowd-pleaser, ensuring that everyone, from kids to adults, will love every bite. Versatile Options: You can easily adapt it by tossing in veggies like spinach or peas, or even swap out salmon for shrimp in your delicious Salmon Spinach Pasta. Elevated Experience: Enjoy the unpretentious elegance of a fine-dining dish at home without the hassle—perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself! Ready to step up your pasta game? Dive into this Creamy Smoked Salmon Linguine recipe! Smoked Salmon Linguine Ingredients • Here’s everything you need to create this delicious dish! For the Pasta Linguine – The base of this dish; any long pasta variety works well in the recipe. For the Sauce Cold-smoked salmon – Provides rich flavor and protein, steering clear of canned options for the best taste. Butter – Infuses the sauce with depth, making it delightfully creamy. Garlic – Freshly minced garlic introduces lovely aromatic flavor; avoid powdered versions for the best impact. Heavy cream – Creates the luscious consistency of the sauce; substitute half-and-half for a lighter version. Lemon juice – Adds a bright acidity that beautifully balances the creamy flavors. Capers – Introduces a briny pop; feel free to omit if you’re not a fan. For Garnishing Fresh parsley (optional) – Adds color and freshness; swap with chives for a different herbal note if desired. For Cooking Pasta water – Essential for adjusting the sauce consistency; always reserve some before draining the pasta. With these ingredients in hand, you’ll be ready to whip up your own Smoked Salmon Linguine in no time! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Smoked Salmon Linguine Step 1: Boil the Pasta Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the linguine and cook according to package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta water, then drain the linguine and set aside while preparing the creamy sauce. Step 2: Sauté the Garlic In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once the butter is foamy, add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly until fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to let the garlic burn, as this will impart a bitter taste to your Smoked Salmon Linguine. Step 3: Make the Cream Sauce Next, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream, stirring gently to combine with the garlic. Increase the heat slightly and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, allowing it to thicken for approximately 2-3 minutes. Then, add 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice along with the reserved pasta water, creating a luscious sauce that beautifully coats your linguine. Step 4: Season the Sauce Taste the sauce and add salt as needed, stirring to incorporate the seasoning fully. Once seasoned to your liking, remove the skillet from heat to prevent the cream from splitting. The sauce should be creamy and rich, ready to embrace the pasta and the smoked salmon in your Smoked Salmon Linguine. Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce Add the drained linguine into the skillet, tossing gently to ensure each strand is generously coated in the creamy sauce. This is where the magic happens, as the hot pasta absorbs the flavors, creating a harmonious blend that highlights the rich components of your dish. Step 6: Add the Salmon and Capers Carefully fold in 4 ounces of chopped cold-smoked salmon and 2 tablespoons of capers into the linguine, mixing until well distributed. The residual heat from the pasta will warm the salmon through without cooking it further, preserving its delicate texture in your Smoked Salmon Linguine. Step 7: Garnish and Serve To finish, sprinkle fresh parsley over the top if desired for a pop of color and flavor. Serve your Smoked Salmon Linguine warm, allowing everyone to revel in the inviting aroma and creamy richness of this delightful dish. Enjoy the light yet indulgent experience of homemade pasta in no time! Smoked Salmon Linguine Variations You’ll Love Feel free to personalize your dish with these exciting twists that will elevate the flavors and textures of your Smoked Salmon Linguine! Shrimp Swap: Replace smoked salmon with cooked shrimp for a delightful seafood twist that adds a touch of sweetness. Zucchini Noodles: Use spiralized zucchini for a lighter, gluten-free option that keeps the dish fresh during warmer months. It’s like a garden on your plate! Creamy Spinach: Fold in fresh spinach during the sauce-making process for a boost of color and nutrients. The wilted greens blend perfectly with the creamy essence. Herb Infusion: Switch out parsley for fresh dill or tarragon to introduce an aromatic flair that pairs beautifully with the richness of the salmon. Extra Veggies: Incorporate peas or cherry tomatoes to add a pop of color and sweetness, balancing the richness in every bite. Spicy Kick: Toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes for those who crave a touch of heat; it’s an easy way to spice things up without overwhelming the flavor. Whole Grain Pasta: Opt for whole grain linguine to increase fiber content and give a nutty flavor that complements the creaminess. Lemon Zest Finish: Add a sprinkle of lemon zest before serving to enhance the citrus notes, bringing everything together with a fresh zing. Feel inspired? You might also enjoy serving this tangy dish alongside a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast, or even explore my creamy salmon spinach pasta for more delicious seafood options! What to Serve with Healthier Smoked Salmon Linguine Elevate your dining experience by pairing this creamy pasta dish with delightful sides and drinks that will leave your guests raving. Arugula Salad: A peppery, fresh side that cuts through the richness of the dish with a light lemon vinaigrette. It offers a wonderful contrast. Garlic Bread: Warm, buttery garlic bread can soak up every drop of creamy sauce, making each bite more satisfying. It’s an easy, well-loved addition. Steamed Broccoli: Tender, lightly steamed broccoli adds a pop of color and nutrition, balancing out the dish’s richness while providing a touch of crunch. Roasted Asparagus: Earthy asparagus roasted to perfection enhances the meal with a subtle, nutty flavor. The slight char pairs beautifully with the salmon. Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc: A glass of crisp Chardonnay complements the creaminess of the linguine, while a zesty Sauvignon Blanc refreshes your palate with every sip. Lemon Sorbet: End your meal on a refreshing note with a light lemon sorbet. It cleanses the palate and provides a perfect sweet-tart contrast. Crafting the perfect dinner is just as important as enjoying the meal itself. Let these pairings bring your Smoked Salmon Linguine to life! Expert Tips for Smoked Salmon Linguine Perfect Pasta Texture: Aim for al dente linguine to avoid a mushy outcome; it should have a slight bite to complement the creamy sauce. Salmon Timing: Add the smoked salmon at the very end to keep its delicate texture intact; the residual heat will warm it without cooking it further. Utilize Pasta Water: Always reserve pasta water before draining; it’s your secret weapon for achieving that silky, creamy sauce in your Smoked Salmon Linguine. Gentle Heat Control: Remove the skillet from heat before adding the cream and lemon juice to prevent splitting, ensuring a smooth sauce every time. Adjusting Consistency: If the sauce feels too thick, gradually stir in a bit more reserved pasta water until you reach your desired creaminess. How to Store and Freeze Smoked Salmon Linguine Fridge: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the lid tightly sealed to maintain flavor. Freezer: For freezing, portion your smoked salmon linguine into individual servings and place them in freezer-safe containers. It can be stored for up to 2 months. Reheating: To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight, then warm gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to revive the sauce. Save Sauce Consistency: Always reserve a bit of pasta water before draining for reheating; it helps restore the sauce’s creamy texture. Make Ahead Options These Quick & Creamy Smoked Salmon Linguine are perfect for busy weeknights when you need to save time! You can prepare the pasta and the sauce separately up to 24 hours in advance. Simply cook the linguine and let it cool, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For the sauce, sauté the garlic, then add the cream and lemon juice; refrigerate it as well. When you’re ready to serve, gently reheat the sauce over low heat, adding a splash of cream if needed, and toss in the linguine along with the smoked salmon and capers. This method ensures your dish remains just as delicious while freeing up your evening for more quality time! Smoked Salmon Linguine Recipe FAQs What type of salmon should I use for this recipe? Absolutely go for cold-smoked salmon! It’s rich in flavor and gives the perfect smoky essence to the dish. Avoid canned salmon, as it lacks the delightful texture of fresh or vacuum-sealed options. If you don’t have cold-smoked salmon at hand, consider using cooked shrimp or grilled chicken as protein alternatives for your smoked salmon linguine. How should I store leftovers? For any leftovers, simply place them in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure the lid fits tightly to keep the flavors vibrant. If you’d like to prep it ahead of time, you can cook the pasta and sauce separately, refrigerating them for up to 24 hours before mealtime. Can I freeze smoked salmon linguine? Yes, you definitely can! To freeze, portion out your smoked salmon linguine into individual servings and transfer them to freezer-safe containers. Just remember, it will be best enjoyed within 2 months. When you’re ready to indulge again, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on the stove with a splash of cream or pasta water to revive the sauce’s original creaminess. What should I do if the sauce seems too thick? If you find that your sauce has thickened too much, don’t fret! Just add a small amount of the reserved pasta water, stirring gently until you reach the desired consistency. Start with 1-2 tablespoons and adjust from there; this magical pasta water is your key to achieving that silky finish in your smoked salmon linguine. Can I make this dish gluten-free? Definitely! To make your smoked salmon linguine gluten-free, simply swap out traditional linguine for gluten-free pasta alternatives. Nowadays, there are fantastic options made from brown rice, quinoa, or even chickpeas that will hold up beautifully in this creamy sauce. Is this dish suitable for kids? Very much so! This dish is family-friendly and tends to be a hit with kids due to its creamy texture and delicious flavors. However, if your little ones are sensitive to capers or salmon, you can either omit them or replace them with milder veggies like peas or spinach to keep it appealing for young palates. Creamy Smoked Salmon Linguine Ready in Just 30 Minutes This quick and creamy smoked salmon linguine combines comfort and convenience in a delicious dinner. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 10 minutes minsCook Time 20 minutes minsTotal Time 30 minutes mins Servings: 4 servingsCourse: DinnerCuisine: ItalianCalories: 560 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Pasta12 oz linguine Any long pasta variety works well.For the Sauce8 oz cold-smoked salmon Avoid canned options for the best taste.2 tbsp butter Infuses the sauce with depth.3 cloves garlic Freshly minced for best flavor.1 cup heavy cream Can substitute with half-and-half.2 tbsp lemon juice Adds bright acidity.2 tbsp capers Optional, can be omitted.For Garnishing2 tbsp fresh parsley Optional, can swap with chives.For Cooking1/4 cup reserved pasta water Essential for adjusting sauce consistency. Equipment large potSkilletmeasuring cupsmeasuring spoonsColander Method Step-by-Step InstructionsBegin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the linguine and cook according to package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta water, then drain the linguine and set aside while preparing the creamy sauce.In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once the butter is foamy, add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly until fragrant and lightly golden.Next, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream, stirring gently to combine with the garlic. Increase the heat slightly and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, allowing it to thicken for approximately 2-3 minutes.Then, add 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice along with the reserved pasta water, creating a luscious sauce that beautifully coats your linguine.Taste the sauce and add salt as needed, stirring to incorporate the seasoning fully. Remove the skillet from heat.Add the drained linguine into the skillet, tossing gently to ensure each strand is generously coated in the creamy sauce.Carefully fold in 4 ounces of chopped cold-smoked salmon and 2 tablespoons of capers into the linguine, mixing until well distributed.To finish, sprinkle fresh parsley over the top if desired. Serve your Smoked Salmon Linguine warm. Nutrition Serving: 1servingCalories: 560kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 30gFat: 24gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 650mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 80mgIron: 2mg NotesStore any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For freezing, portion into individual servings for up to 2 months. Always reserve a bit of pasta water before draining for reheating. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
