Creamy Salmon and Herb Penne
Indulge in the delightful flavors of this Creamy Salmon and Herb Penne, a dish that effortlessly marries the richness of smoked salmon with a creamy garlic-infused sauce. Inspired by my days working in an Italian restaurant, this recipe brings a touch of luxury to your lunch or snack time. Each bite offers a savory combination of tender penne pasta enveloped in a velvety sauce, accentuated with optional bursts of tangy capers and fresh spring onions. Feel free to customize the ingredients based on what you have—this dish is both versatile and satisfying. And if you’re a fan of garlic, adding it will enhance the overall flavor profile, but it can be easily omitted if you prefer a milder taste.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
smoked salmon
150 g (diced or in strips)
penne pasta
200 g (cooked according to package instructions)
garlic cloves
2-3 (crushed)
butter
1 tablespoon (melted)
plain flour
1 tablespoon (none)
milk
1/4 cup (combined with cream)
cream
1/4 cup (combined with milk)
capers
2 tablespoons (optional)
spring onions
2 (finely chopped, optional)
salt
to taste (none)
black pepper
to taste (none)
Parmesan cheese
to taste (grated for serving)
Instructions
1
Start by boiling the penne pasta in salted water according to the manufacturer's instructions, then drain and set aside.
2
In a frying pan over medium heat, add a drizzle of olive oil and warm the crushed garlic cloves for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to let them brown.
3
Next, add the diced smoked salmon to the pan, gently tossing to warm it through without fully cooking it, allowing the garlic to infuse its flavor into the salmon.
4
If you're using optional ingredients like capers or spring onions, add them now and mix gently to combine. Set the mixture aside off the heat.
5
In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Once melted, whisk in the plain flour to create a roux, stirring continuously for about one minute until it becomes slightly thick.
6
Gradually mix the milk and cream together in a separate bowl. Then, remove the saucepan from the heat and slowly whisk in the milk-cream mixture, stirring constantly to ensure a smooth sauce without lumps.
7
Return the saucepan to low heat, stirring until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
8
Combine the creamy sauce with the smoked salmon mixture, stirring well to create a uniform blend.
9
Add the cooked pasta to the pan, tossing it gently in the sauce until fully coated. Serve topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of black pepper for added flavor.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Salmon and Herb Penne?
It is a luxurious pasta dish featuring smoked salmon and a garlic-infused cream sauce, inspired by professional Italian restaurant recipes.
What type of pasta should I use for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 200 grams of penne pasta, though the dish is versatile and can be made with other shapes if preferred.
How is the smoked salmon prepared?
The 150 grams of smoked salmon should be diced or cut into strips before being added to the pan.
How do I cook the garlic for the sauce?
Sauté 2-3 crushed garlic cloves in olive oil for about 30 seconds until fragrant, ensuring they do not brown.
Should the smoked salmon be fully cooked?
No, the salmon should only be gently tossed in the pan to warm it through and allow the garlic flavor to infuse.
What are the optional ingredients for this pasta?
You can optionally add 2 tablespoons of capers and 2 finely chopped spring onions for extra tang and freshness.
How do I make the base of the creamy sauce?
The sauce starts with a roux made by melting 1 tablespoon of butter and whisking in 1 tablespoon of plain flour.
What liquid is used for the cream sauce?
A mixture of 1/4 cup of milk and 1/4 cup of cream is used to create the velvety texture.
How do I prevent lumps in the sauce?
Slowly whisk the milk-cream mixture into the roux while off the heat, stirring constantly to ensure a smooth consistency.
How do I thicken the pasta sauce?
Return the sauce to low heat and stir continuously until it reaches your desired thickness.
What garnish is recommended for serving?
Serve the dish topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of black pepper.
Can I omit the garlic?
Yes, if you prefer a milder taste, the garlic can be easily omitted from the recipe.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 12 ingredients in total, including optional items and seasonings.
Is this recipe suitable for a quick lunch?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick meal and easy recipe, making it perfect for lunch or a snack.
What is the inspiration behind this dish?
The recipe was inspired by the creator's time working in an Italian restaurant.
When should I add the capers and spring onions?
Add them to the pan after warming the salmon and garlic, mixing gently before setting the mixture aside.
How do I prepare the penne pasta?
Boil it in salted water according to the manufacturer's instructions, then drain before adding to the sauce.
Is the cream sauce combined with the salmon first?
Yes, you should stir the creamy sauce into the smoked salmon mixture to create a uniform blend before adding the pasta.
What kind of flour is best for the roux?
The recipe specifies 1 tablespoon of plain flour.
Can I use fresh salmon instead of smoked?
The recipe is designed for the specific flavor of smoked salmon, but it is versatile enough for customization.
How much butter is needed?
The recipe requires 1 tablespoon of butter for the sauce.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include salmon, pasta, cream sauce, Italian, quick meal, and seafood pasta.
Is salt added to the sauce?
Salt is added to the pasta water and then added to the final dish to taste.
How much milk and cream is used?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of milk and 1/4 cup of cream.
Is this a heavy meal?
While indulgent and rich due to the cream and salmon, it is described as being suitable for a lunch or even a snack.
What should the consistency of the roux be?
The roux should be stirred for about one minute until it becomes slightly thick.
Can I add more garlic?
Yes, the recipe notes that adding more garlic will enhance the overall flavor profile.
What category does this recipe fall into?
It is categorized as a seafood pasta dish, often served for lunch.
How is the pasta incorporated into the dish?
The cooked pasta is tossed gently in the combined salmon and cream sauce until fully coated.
Is black pepper used in the sauce?
Black pepper is primarily used as a topping at the end for added flavor.