Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Penne with Smoked Salmon and Peas?
It is a delightful one-dish meal that combines penne pasta with rich smoked salmon, sweet fresh peas, lemon, dill, and a light sauce.
What type of pasta should I use for this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for 1 lb of uncooked penne pasta.
How much smoked salmon is needed?
You will need 8 ounces of smoked salmon for this dish.
How should the smoked salmon be prepared?
The smoked salmon should be cut into 1-inch pieces before being added to the skillet.
What kind of peas are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 1/2 lb of frozen green peas that have been thawed.
How much chicken stock is required?
You will need 1 cup of chicken stock to help create the sauce.
What parts of the lemon are used?
The recipe uses the zest of one whole lemon and the juice of half a lemon.
How much butter and oil is used for cooking?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
What is the best way to garnish this dish?
Garnish the pasta with chopped scallions and fresh dill before serving.
How long should the peas be cooked?
Cook the thawed peas in the skillet for about 2-3 minutes until they are warmed and tender.
What does 'al dente' mean for the pasta?
Al dente means the pasta is cooked so it is still firm when bitten.
Should the smoked salmon be cooked thoroughly?
No, you should only allow the salmon pieces to warm through gently to avoid overcooking them.
How many calories are in a serving?
There are approximately 300 calories in a serving of this dish.
What is the fat content of this recipe?
The recipe contains approximately 11.25g of fat.
How many grams of protein does this dish provide?
This recipe provides about 10g of protein per serving.
What is the carbohydrate count for this recipe?
There are approximately 37.5g of carbohydrates per serving.
Can I use fresh dill as a garnish?
Yes, fresh dill is recommended as a garnish to add fragrance and flavor.
Is this dish considered a quick meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick meal and an easy recipe suitable for weeknight dinners.
Should I salt the pasta water?
Yes, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil to cook the penne.
What should I do with the pasta after draining it?
After draining, return the pasta to the warm pot to keep it heated while you prepare the sauce.
What seasonings are added at the end?
Season the dish with fresh ground black pepper and coarse salt to taste.
How long do I simmer the pasta with the sauce?
After combining the pasta and the salmon mixture, let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes.
Can this recipe be served on special occasions?
Yes, its elegance and rich flavors make it perfect for both weeknight meals and special occasions.
What type of salt is recommended?
The recipe recommends using coarse salt for seasoning.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 11 ingredients in total for this recipe.
Is this a one-dish meal?
Yes, it is described as a delightful one-dish meal.
Can I use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock?
While the recipe calls for chicken stock, vegetable stock can be used as a substitute.
How often should I stir the mixture while simmering?
You should stir the mixture frequently during the final 2-3 minutes of simmering.
How do I ensure the pasta is well-coated?
Toss the pasta thoroughly after pouring the salmon and pea mixture over it.
Is the lemon juice added with the zest?
Yes, the lemon zest, lemon juice, and chicken stock are stirred in together.