Creamy Lemon Zucchini Pasta with Smoked Salmon
Indulge in a delightful and creamy pasta dish that perfectly combines the fresh flavors of lemon, zucchini, and rich smoked salmon. This Creamy Lemon Zucchini Pasta with Smoked Salmon is not only quick to prepare—taking less than 30 minutes—but also offers a burst of flavor with each bite. The spreadable cheese melts into a velvety sauce, enriched with zesty lemon and fresh herbs, making it a fantastic weeknight dinner or a special dish for guests. Serve it warm and garnish with chives for a touch of elegance.
N/A
Servings
200
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cavatelli or Orecchiette Pasta
8 ounces (Cooked according to package directions)
Semisoft Spreadable Cheese with Garlic and Herbs
1 (5 ounce) container (No preparation needed)
Milk
1/3 cup (No preparation needed)
Finely Shredded Lemon Peel
1 teaspoon (Shredded from the peel of a lemon)
Lemon Juice
1 tablespoon (Freshly squeezed)
Medium Zucchini or Summer Squash
2 medium (2 cups) (Halved lengthwise and thinly sliced)
Thinly Sliced Smoked Salmon (Lox)
6 ounces (No preparation needed, just slice)
Fresh Chives
2 tablespoons (Snipped)
Instructions
1
Begin by cooking the pasta of your choice (cavatelli or orecchiette) according to the package directions in a large pot of salted boiling water. Once cooked to al dente, drain the pasta and return it to the pot.
2
In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine the spreadable cheese with garlic and herbs and the milk. Stir continuously until the cheese melts completely and forms a smooth sauce.
3
Add the finely shredded lemon peel and lemon juice to the sauce, mixing well. Fold in the thinly sliced zucchini or summer squash along with the smoked salmon. Continue to heat the mixture until warmed through, allowing the flavors to meld together.
4
Pour the creamy sauce over the cooked pasta, tossing gently to ensure all the pasta is well coated. Adjust seasoning as needed.
5
Transfer the pasta to serving plates and sprinkle with freshly snipped chives for added flavor and color. Serve immediately.
Nutrition Information
7.5g
Fat
22.5g
Carbs
10g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Lemon Zucchini Pasta with Smoked Salmon?
It is a quick and indulgent pasta dish featuring cavatelli or orecchiette, a creamy garlic-herb cheese sauce, fresh zucchini, and savory smoked salmon.
How long does it take to prepare this recipe?
The recipe is designed to be a quick meal that takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish.
What type of pasta should I use?
Cavatelli or orecchiette are the recommended pasta shapes for this recipe, though other varieties of your choice can be substituted.
What are the nutritional facts per serving?
Each serving contains 200 calories, 7.5g of fat, 22.5g of carbohydrates, and 10g of protein.
What kind of cheese makes the sauce creamy?
The sauce is made using a 5-ounce container of semisoft spreadable cheese with garlic and herbs.
How much smoked salmon is required?
The recipe calls for 6 ounces of thinly sliced smoked salmon (lox).
Can I use summer squash instead of zucchini?
Yes, you can use either medium zucchini or summer squash, halved lengthwise and thinly sliced.
How do you make the creamy sauce?
Combine the spreadable cheese and milk in a saucepan over low heat, stirring continuously until melted and smooth.
What provides the lemon flavor in this dish?
The flavor comes from 1 teaspoon of finely shredded lemon peel and 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
How should the zucchini be cooked?
The zucchini is folded into the sauce and heated until warmed through, allowing it to soften slightly while melding with the other flavors.
What is the recommended garnish?
The dish is garnished with 2 tablespoons of freshly snipped chives for added color and flavor.
Is the smoked salmon cooked in the sauce?
The smoked salmon is folded into the sauce at the end and heated just until warmed through to maintain its texture.
How much milk is needed for the sauce?
The recipe requires 1/3 cup of milk to help melt the cheese into a smooth consistency.
Should the pasta be cooked al dente?
Yes, it is recommended to cook the pasta according to package directions until it reaches an al dente texture before draining.
Is this dish considered comfort food?
Yes, due to its rich, creamy sauce and pasta base, it is categorized as a comfort food recipe.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 8 main ingredients: pasta, spreadable cheese, milk, lemon peel, lemon juice, zucchini, smoked salmon, and chives.
Is this a good recipe for guests?
Absolutely; the combination of smoked salmon and fresh lemon gives it an elegant touch suitable for serving to guests.
What heat setting should be used for the sauce?
The sauce should be prepared over low heat to ensure the cheese melts smoothly without burning.
How do you prepare the lemon peel?
The lemon peel should be finely shredded to distribute the zest evenly throughout the creamy sauce.
Does the recipe require salt?
The pasta should be cooked in salted boiling water, and you can adjust the final seasoning of the sauce as needed.
What is the preparation for the zucchini?
The zucchini should be halved lengthwise and then thinly sliced into half-moons.
Can I use different herbs?
The recipe uses chives and the herbs already present in the spreadable cheese, but you can experiment with others if desired.
How do I combine the pasta and sauce?
Once the pasta is drained and the sauce is warmed, pour the creamy sauce over the cooked pasta and toss gently to coat.
What size of zucchini is used?
The recipe calls for 2 medium zucchinis, which should equal roughly 2 cups when sliced.
How is the chive garnish prepared?
The fresh chives should be snipped into small pieces before being sprinkled over the finished dish.
Is the lemon juice fresh or bottled?
The recipe specifies using 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
Is this recipe high in fat?
Each serving contains 7.5g of fat, which is relatively moderate for a creamy pasta dish.
Can I make this in under half an hour?
Yes, it is tagged as a 'quick meal' and an 'under 30 minutes' recipe.
What does the spreadable cheese add to the dish?
It provides the base for a velvety, flavorful sauce that incorporates garlic and herbs without extra prep work.
Should the dish be served warm?
Yes, it is recommended to serve the pasta immediately while it is warm and the sauce is at its creamiest.