Name: Smoked Salmon Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lbs linguini pasta; 3-4 tbsp reserved pasta water (more if needed); 4 tbsp salted butter; 6-8 cloves garlic, chopped; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/4 cup lemon juice; 2 tsp salt, or to taste; 1 lbs smoked salmon; 2 tbsp capers, drained; 1 tbsp parsley, chopped (optional)

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 7 reviews

If you’re looking for a dish that combines elegance with comforting flavors, this Smoked Salmon Pasta Recipe is an absolute winner. Creamy, garlicky sauce meets tender linguini, topped with luxurious smoked salmon and a hint of tangy lemon that brightens every bite. It’s quick to whip up yet feels like a special treat, perfect for impressing guests or simply treating yourself after a busy day. The balance of buttery richness and fresh, smoky seafood makes this pasta a standout, easy-to-love meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up image shows light yellow spaghetti noodles being lifted from a pot of boiling water with a black pasta server that has prongs. The spaghetti strands look soft and slippery, hanging down from the pasta server into the pot. The pot is silver with a shiny, slightly worn surface, sitting on a stove burner. The background is blurred, focusing entirely on the steaming pasta being lifted. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting the ingredients right is key to nailing the flavors and textures in this Smoked Salmon Pasta Recipe. Every component plays a crucial role, from the silky heavy cream that creates a luscious sauce to the salty capers and fresh garlic that add bursts of brightness and depth.

Linguini pasta: Its flat shape holds the creamy sauce beautifully, creating perfect bites every time.
Salted butter: Adds richness and a subtle savory base for the sauce to build on.
Garlic cloves, chopped: Provides aromatic warmth without overpowering the salmon.
Heavy cream: The heart of the sauce, offering a silky texture that coats the pasta elegantly.
Lemon juice: Brightens the dish, cutting through the creaminess for a balanced flavor.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors, adjusting to taste for perfect seasoning.
Smoked salmon: The star ingredient, bringing a rich, smoky, and slightly sweet seafood flavor.
Capers: Little bursts of briny tang that complement the salmon beautifully.
Parsley (optional): Adds a fresh, herbal note and a pop of green color as garnish.
Pasta water: Essential for loosening the sauce and helping it cling to the pasta perfectly.

How to Make Smoked Salmon Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start with a large pot of boiling water, generously salted to season the pasta from within. Add the linguini and cook according to the package instructions until al dente—firm to the bite but tender. Saving a bit of that starchy pasta water before draining is a little trick that will help your sauce come together beautifully.

Step 2: Prepare the Cream Sauce

In a large skillet or saucepan, melt the salted butter over medium heat. Toss in the chopped garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until it immediately releases its fragrance—be careful not to let it brown as that can make it bitter. Then pour in the heavy cream and let it come to a gentle boil.

Step 3: Add Flavor with Lemon and Pasta Water

Once the cream is bubbling gently, stir in fresh lemon juice and a few tablespoons of the reserved pasta water. This not only adds zing but also loosens the sauce so it can coat the pasta without becoming too thick or heavy. Let it cook until the sauce slightly thickens, then season with salt to suit your taste. Turn off the heat to prevent overcooking.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Transfer the drained linguini into the cream sauce and toss to coat every strand beautifully. The sauce should cling to the pasta, enveloping it in creamy goodness.

Step 5: Add Smoked Salmon and Capers

Use a fork to tear the smoked salmon into bite-sized pieces, then fold them gently into the pasta along with the drained capers. These ingredients add complex flavors and a lovely texture contrast that make this dish truly special.

How to Serve Smoked Salmon Pasta Recipe

A white bowl filled with creamy spaghetti noodles as the base layer, topped with small flakes of light pink cooked salmon scattered throughout. A layer of chopped green herbs and small dark green capers is spread over the salmon flakes. Two slices of bright yellow lemon rest against the side inside the bowl. In the blurred background, a white bowl with more spaghetti and salmon is visible on a white marbled surface, next to a grey cloth and a golden fork. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds a splash of freshness and color, brightening the creamy, smoky tones of the dish. A few extra capers on top can provide a delightful briny pop if you love that contrast.

Side Dishes

This pasta stands well on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, try serving it alongside a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette, or roasted asparagus to complement the richness without overpowering. A slice of crusty bread is also perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a more elegant presentation, twirl the pasta into nests on each plate, then delicately lay smoked salmon ribbons across the top. Garnishing with edible flowers or microgreens can add a restaurant-worthy finish that impresses at dinner parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Smoked Salmon Pasta Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to two days, although the fresh flavor of the salmon and parsley is best enjoyed soon after cooking.

Freezing

Because this pasta includes cream and delicate smoked salmon, freezing is not ideal. The cream sauce can separate, and the texture of the salmon may suffer. It’s best to prepare only as much as you plan to eat within a couple of days.

Reheating

Warm leftover pasta gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or reserved pasta water if needed to revive the sauce’s silkiness. Avoid overheating to keep the smoked salmon tender rather than rubbery.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While linguini works beautifully, you can swap it for fettuccine, spaghetti, or even penne. Just pick a pasta shape that holds sauce well to ensure a balanced bite.

Is smoked salmon cooked, or do I need to cook it?

Smoked salmon is fully cured and safe to eat without cooking, which is why we add it at the end to preserve its delicate texture and flavor.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free cream alternative, and use a plant-based butter to maintain the rich, creamy texture while keeping it allergy-friendly.

How can I make the sauce thicker or thinner?

For a thicker sauce, reduce the cream slightly or cook it a bit longer before adding pasta. To thin it out, add more reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach the desired consistency.

Can I add other seafood to this pasta?

Definitely. Adding cooked shrimp or scallops complements the smoked salmon nicely and adds extra protein. Just be sure to cook these other seafood options thoroughly before mixing them in.

Final Thoughts

Trust me, once you make this Smoked Salmon Pasta Recipe, it’ll quickly become one of your go-to dishes for both casual dinners and special occasions. It’s effortless, delicious, and has that perfect balance of creamy, smoky, and fresh flavors that keep you coming back for more. So grab your ingredients and dive into a comforting plate that feels luxurious without any fuss!