Pasta with Smoked Salmon and Herbs

featured image pasta topped with smoked salmon

Pasta with Smoked Salmon and Herbs

Slurp up thick noodles with Creamy Smoked Salmon Sauce made with cream cheese, fresh dill, lemon, and bite-sized pieces of smoked salmon for a rich, flavorful 30-minute dinner that's perfect for weeknights or guests.

Course Dinner, Main Course, Main Dish

Cuisine Italian

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Servings

Calories 522kcal

Author Diana Reis

Equipment

1 Large Skillet
1 Large Pot for boiling pasta

Ingredients

4 Tablespoons Salted butter
1 Tablespoon Dijon Mustard
4 Ounces Cream Cheese cut into cubes
½ Cup Heavy Cream
1 Lemon zest + juice
1 teaspoon White Pepper
6 Ounces Smoked Salmon cut into 1 inch pieces
2 Tablespoons Fresh Dill chopped
2 Tablespoons Chive chopped
1 Pound Pasta long noodles thick spaghetti, fettucine, or bucatini
½ Cup Salted Pasta Water Reserved

Instructions

Pasta Instructions

Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente according to the package directions.
Before draining, reserve ½ cup of the pasta water. Drain the pasta and set aside.

Creamy Smoked Salmon Sauce

Start by melting the butter in a large skillet on medium-low heat.
Then, add dijon mustard and the zest of 1 lemon and let warm until the pan becomes aromatic.
Next, lower the heat and add cream cheese and heavy cream. Whisk together until fully melted and integrated into the butter.
Add the cooked pasta directly to the skillet along with the reserved pasta water.
Using tongs, toss the pasta until every strand is coated in the creamy sauce.
Gently fold in the smoked salmon just before serving. Since the salmon is already cooked, it only needs to warm through.
Finish with extra dill, chives, and a little lemon zest if desired.
Pasta Instructions

Notes

Diana's Tips for Success

Don't overheat the sauce after adding the smoked salmon. Gentle heat keeps the salmon tender.
Reserve your pasta water before draining. The starch helps create an incredibly silky sauce.
Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the brightest flavor.
Let the cream cheese soften before cooking so it melts smoothly.
Taste the sauce before adding salt. Smoked salmon naturally adds plenty of saltiness.

What Pasta Works Best?

Long noodles work beautifully with this creamy sauce. Some favorites include:

Bucatini
Fettuccine
Thick spaghetti
Linguine
Tagliatelle

Each one holds onto the rich sauce for the perfect bite.

Variations

Add Vegetables

Fresh spinach, asparagus, or peas all pair wonderfully with smoked salmon.

Make it Spicy

A pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or Calabrian chili adds just enough heat to balance the richness.

Swap the Herbs

Fresh parsley or tarragon can be substituted for the dill if preferred.

What to Serve with Creamy Smoked Salmon Pasta

This rich pasta pairs well with lighter side dishes, including:

Mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette
Roasted asparagus
Garlic bread
Steamed green beans
Roasted broccoli

A crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio also complements the smoky salmon beautifully.

Nutrition