Creamy Smoked Salmon Pasta with Crème Fraîche: Your 15-Minute Weeknight Delight
Imagine a dish that’s both elegant and incredibly simple to prepare, bursting with flavor, and ready in just 15 minutes. This Smoked Salmon Pasta with Crème Fraîche is precisely that – a culinary dream come true for busy weeknights or when you crave something special without the fuss. The rich, salty notes of smoked salmon find their perfect counterpart in a luxurious, creamy sauce, beautifully complemented by the sweet, chewy accents of sun-dried tomatoes. It’s a symphony of textures and tastes, designed to delight your palate and become a staple in your home.
Embrace the Creamy Delight of Smoked Salmon Spaghetti
Italian cuisine holds a special place in my heart, and certainly here on the blog. There’s an undeniable comfort and joy in dishes like our delightful homemade lasagna, hearty spaghetti with broccoli and ground beef, and the ever-popular macaroni casserole with mascarpone tomato sauce. Each offers a unique blend of flavors and textures, making them family favorites.
Recently, this creamy spaghetti with smoked salmon has also become a regular star at our dinner table. It’s not just its incredible ease of preparation that makes it so appealing; it’s the wonderfully creamy, full-bodied flavor that truly captures attention. A subtle hint of savory mustard and pungent garlic elevates the sauce, creating a depth that is both comforting and sophisticated. The briny intensity of smoked salmon and the sharp, nutty flavor of Parmesan cheese meld harmoniously with the gentle sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes and the familiar chewiness of perfectly cooked spaghetti.
This dish is more than just a meal; it’s an invitation to a lovely evening at home, where delicious food and good company converge. Enjoy this incredibly tasty and remarkably simple dish, knowing you’ve created something truly special in minutes.
Top Tip for Perfect Pasta
For pasta that truly sings with flavor, remember this golden rule from Italian kitchens: boil your pasta in water with a generous spoonful of salt. As the Italians wisely say, “cook the pasta in seawater.” This isn’t just a quaint tradition; it’s essential for seasoning the pasta from within, giving the spaghetti a much richer, more authentic taste that truly enhances the entire dish. Don’t underestimate the power of properly salted water!
Why This Smoked Salmon Pasta is Your New Go-To Recipe
Beyond its speed and simplicity, this smoked salmon pasta offers a unique flavor profile that sets it apart. The star, smoked salmon, brings a depth of umami and a delicate brininess that is simply irresistible. Unlike fresh salmon, smoked salmon requires no cooking, making it an incredible time-saver and adding a distinct character to the dish. Crème fraîche, with its rich fat content and slightly tangy flavor, provides an unparalleled creaminess that coats every strand of spaghetti beautifully. It’s less prone to curdling than other creams and imparts a sophisticated tang that brightens the entire sauce.
The sun-dried tomatoes are another essential player, offering concentrated sweetness and a wonderful chewy texture that contrasts with the smooth sauce and tender pasta. Minced garlic infuses the olive oil with aromatic warmth, while a touch of mustard adds an unexpected but delightful piquant note, tying all the flavors together without overpowering the delicate salmon. Finally, grated Parmesan cheese provides a salty, savory finish, adding complexity and a touch of indulgence. This combination creates a balanced, satisfying meal that feels gourmet yet demands minimal effort.
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📖 Recipe Card: Smoked Salmon Pasta with Crème Fraîche
RECIPE CARD
Andréa
Pin Recipe
5 minutes
10 minutes
15 minutes
Dinner
Italian
4 persons
620 kcal
Prevent your screen from going dark
Ingredients
- ½ pound smoked salmon
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ½ cup crème fraîche
- 2 tablespoons milk, or more if needed
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 10 sun-dried tomatoes, sliced (oil-packed preferred)
- 2 oz Parmesan cheese, freshly grated, plus more for serving
All my recipes are written both in Metric (gram / ml) and US Customary (cups / pounds). Here you can select which type of amount you would like to see.
US Customary
Instructions
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Begin by placing a large pot of cold water on your stove. Add a generous amount of salt – think seawater salinity – and bring it to a rolling boil. This is crucial for flavorful pasta.
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While the water heats, prepare your smoked salmon. Gently cut the salmon into thin, bite-sized strips or small flakes. Store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to add it to the sauce to maintain its freshness.½ pound smoked salmon
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In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Allow it to get warm but not smoking.2 tablespoons olive oil
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Add the minced garlic to the warm olive oil. Sauté it for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to brown it, which can make it bitter.1 clove garlic
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Stir in the crème fraîche and mustard into the skillet. Heat the sauce slowly over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it is warmed through and smooth. If the sauce becomes too thick for your liking, gradually whisk in two tablespoons of milk until it reaches your desired consistency.½ cup crème fraîche, 2 tablespoons milk, 1 teaspoon mustard
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While your sauce is gently warming, add the spaghetti to the boiling, salted water. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente – firm to the bite. Reserve about half a cup of pasta water before draining.1 pound spaghetti
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Once the sauce is warm, gently fold in the smoked salmon. Heat for just about a minute, allowing the salmon to warm through without cooking it further, then immediately turn off the heat. Overcooking the smoked salmon can make it tough.
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Drain the cooked spaghetti, reserving a little pasta water if the sauce needs thinning later. Transfer the hot pasta directly into the skillet with the salmon sauce. Toss thoroughly, ensuring every strand is coated in the creamy goodness.
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Evenly sprinkle the sliced sun-dried tomatoes over the pasta. Mix well to distribute them throughout the dish, adding pops of color and bursts of sweet flavor.10 sun-dried tomatoes
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Serve immediately, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese to taste. A final grind of black pepper can also enhance the flavors. Enjoy your quick and delicious meal!2 oz Parmesan cheese
Notes
2. Crème Fraîche Alternatives: If crème fraîche isn’t readily available, you can substitute it with sour cream for a similar tangy richness, or use heavy cream or cooking cream for a slightly milder, richer sauce. Keep in mind that heavy cream will result in a less thick sauce and a subtly different flavor profile, but it will still be delicious.
3. Storage Guidelines: Due to the delicate nature of crème fraîche and smoked salmon, this pasta dish is best enjoyed fresh. We recommend preparing and serving it immediately, as storing leftovers may compromise its texture and flavor.
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 79g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 21g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 37mg
Sodium: 653mg
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 6g
Vitamin A: 393IU
Vitamin C: 2mg
Iron: 2mg
Smoked salmon pasta, Creamy pasta, Crème fraîche pasta, Quick salmon dinner, Italian pasta
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More Delicious Pasta Creations for Your Table
If you loved this Smoked Salmon Pasta, you’re in for a treat! Pasta is an incredibly versatile and satisfying meal, perfect for any occasion. From light and fresh to rich and hearty, there’s always a pasta dish to suit your mood. Explore some of our other top pasta recipes that promise to bring flavor and joy to your kitchen:
- Pasta with Sugar Snap Peas, Asparagus, and Shrimp
- 30-Minute Easy Meatball Pasta Bake
- Sausage and Kale Lasagna