Healthier Smoked Salmon Linguine Recipe

Introduction

This Healthier Smoked Salmon Linguine offers a creamy, flavorful twist on a classic pasta dish. Combining tender linguine with a light cream sauce, smoked salmon, and capers, it’s both satisfying and easy to prepare. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a special occasion.

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 cooked, reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta water, then drain the rest and set the pasta aside.
2. Step 2: In a large saucepan or skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to brown it. Pour in the cream and bring to a gentle boil.
3. Step 3: Add lemon juice and the reserved pasta water to the boiling cream. Let the mixture boil again until it starts to thicken slightly. Stir in salt to taste, then remove from heat.
4. Step 4: Add the cooked linguini to the cream sauce. Toss thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly.
5. Step 5: Break the smoked salmon into smaller pieces using a fork. Add the salmon and drained capers to the pasta, then toss everything together to combine well.
6. Step 6: Garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve the creamy smoked salmon linguini hot and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• Use low-fat cream or half-and-half for a lighter sauce without sacrificing creaminess.
• Fresh dill can be used instead of parsley for a different herbal note.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic.
• Capers add a tangy flavor, but you can omit them if you prefer a milder taste.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, feel free to substitute linguine with fettuccine, spaghetti, or another pasta shape you prefer. Cooking times may vary slightly.

Is smoked salmon necessary, or can I use fresh salmon?

Smoked salmon provides a distinctive flavor and texture that works well in this dish. Fresh salmon could be cooked and flaked in, but it will change the dish’s character somewhat.

Healthier Smoked Salmon Linguine Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 130 reviews

This Healthier Smoked Salmon Linguine is a creamy, flavorful pasta dish that combines tender linguini with a luscious garlic cream sauce, bright lemon juice, smoky salmon, and briny capers. Perfect for a quick yet elegant meal, it balances richness with freshness and can be garnished with parsley for an extra touch of color and flavor.

• Author: Caleb
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• 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 thick cream
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons salt (adjust to taste)

Toppings

• 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 done, reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water, then drain and set pasta aside.
2. Prepare the Cream Sauce: In a large saucepan or skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to brown it. Add the heavy cream and bring to a gentle boil.
3. Thicken the Sauce: Stir in the lemon juice and 3-4 tablespoons of reserved pasta water into the boiling cream. Allow the mixture to return to a boil, letting the sauce thicken slightly. Add salt to taste, stir well, then turn off the heat.
4. Combine Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked linguini to the cream sauce and toss thoroughly to coat all strands evenly.
5. Add Smoked Salmon and Capers: Break the smoked salmon into smaller pieces using a fork. Add the salmon and drained capers to the pasta in the pan, then toss everything together to combine.
6. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired. Serve the creamy smoked salmon linguine hot and enjoy immediately.

Notes

• Reserve pasta water to help thin or thicken sauce consistency as needed.
• Adjust salt carefully because smoked salmon and capers add saltiness.
• Use fresh parsley to add color and a fresh herbal note, but it’s optional.
• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a creamy plant-based alternative.
• Serve immediately for best texture and flavor; the cream sauce can thicken as it cools.

Keywords: Smoked Salmon, Linguine, Cream Sauce, Garlic, Lemon, Capers, Pasta Dish, Easy Dinner, Italian Cuisine