Description
A rich and flavorful Healthier Smoked Salmon Linguine featuring a creamy garlic lemon sauce, tender linguine pasta, and delicate smoked salmon tossed with capers and fresh parsley. This dish offers a balanced and satisfying meal perfect for seafood lovers seeking a comforting yet light pasta dinner.
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
- 1 lb linguine
For the Garlic Cream Sauce:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tsp salt
- 4 tbsp salted butter (preferably Kerrygold)
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 6-8 garlic cloves, finely chopped
For the Final Dish:
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley
- 1 lb smoked salmon
- 3-4 tbsp reserved pasta water
- 2 tbsp capers, drained
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add linguine pasta and cook according to the package instructions. Once cooked, reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta water, drain the rest, and set the pasta aside.
- Prepare the Cream Sauce: In a large saucepan or skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to brown the garlic. Then add the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle boil.
- Thicken the Sauce: Add the lemon juice and 3-4 tablespoons of reserved pasta water to the boiling cream. Allow the mixture to boil again until the sauce slightly thickens. Season with salt to taste, stir well, and then turn off the heat.
- Combine Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked linguine into the cream sauce and toss thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
- Add Smoked Salmon and Capers: Use a fork to break apart the smoked salmon into smaller pieces. Add the salmon and drained capers to the pasta in the pan and toss gently to combine all ingredients.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the finished pasta with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve the creamy smoked salmon linguine hot and enjoy your delicious meal.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water to help in thickening and loosening the sauce for the perfect consistency.
- Do not brown the garlic to avoid bitterness; sauté until just fragrant.
- Adjust salt based on the saltiness of smoked salmon and butter used.
- Fresh parsley adds brightness but can be omitted if unavailable.
- Use high-quality smoked salmon for the best flavor impact.
