Creamy Smoked Salmon Bow-Tie Pasta
Indulge in this delightful Creamy Smoked Salmon Bow-Tie Pasta, a fabulous and quick dish that guaranteed to impress your family and guests alike. The rich flavors of smoked salmon, complemented by a luscious cream sauce, are perfectly balanced with the aromatic notes of garlic and basil. This dish is not only a feast for the palate but also a visual treat that will have everyone coming back for seconds (just like my husband!). Serve it with warm garlic bread for a comforting meal that feels gourmet, yet is ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect for weeknights or special occasions, this recipe serves four – though true pasta lovers may find it hard to resist more!
N/A
Servings
600
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
bow tie pasta (farfalle)
1 lb (uncooked)
butter
3 tablespoons (unsalted)
purple onions
3 tablespoons (diced)
garlic
2 teaspoons (minced)
smoked salmon
8 ounces (flaked into chunks)
vodka
4-6 ounces (to taste)
heavy cream
3 cups (fresh)
tomato sauce
3/4 cup (premium quality)
dried basil
1 teaspoon (or more to taste)
salt
to taste
black pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bow tie pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Avoid adding oil to the water, as this can prevent the sauce from adhering to the pasta.
2
While the pasta is cooking, melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, add the diced purple onions and minced garlic. Sauté until the onions become translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
3
Gently fold in the flaked smoked salmon and let it cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Carefully pour in the vodka and ignite to flame off the alcohol. (Alternatively, you can simmer for a few minutes if preferred.)
4
Stir in the heavy cream, tomato sauce, dried basil, and season with salt and black pepper. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for about 8 minutes, or until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
5
Once the pasta is cooked, drain and return it to the pot. Pour the creamy salmon sauce over the pasta, tossing gently to combine and evenly coat the pasta.
6
Serve immediately, garnished with freshly grated cheese if desired. Enjoy the rich flavors along with a side of warm garlic bread!
Nutrition Information
36g
Fat
51g
Carbs
18g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Smoked Salmon Bow-Tie Pasta?
It is a rich and flavorful pasta dish featuring farfalle, flaked smoked salmon, and a luscious cream sauce seasoned with garlic and basil.
How long does it take to make this recipe?
This recipe is quick and convenient, taking less than 30 minutes to prepare from start to finish.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
The recipe is designed to serve four people.
What type of pasta is best for this dish?
Bow-tie pasta, also known as farfalle, is the recommended choice for this recipe.
Why should I avoid adding oil to the pasta water?
Adding oil to the water can create a coating on the pasta that prevents the creamy sauce from adhering properly.
What type of onions are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of diced purple onions for a mild and aromatic flavor.
How much garlic is required?
You will need 2 teaspoons of minced garlic.
How should the smoked salmon be prepared?
The 8 ounces of smoked salmon should be flaked into chunks before being added to the sauce.
What is the purpose of the vodka in the sauce?
The vodka helps to meld the flavors of the cream and tomato together; the alcohol is typically flamed off or simmered away.
Can I substitute the vodka?
If you prefer not to use alcohol, you can omit it or simmer the sauce a bit longer, though the flavor profile may vary slightly.
What kind of cream is used for the sauce base?
The recipe uses 3 cups of fresh heavy cream to create a rich and thick consistency.
What kind of tomato sauce is recommended?
A premium quality tomato sauce is suggested to ensure the best flavor for the pink sauce.
Is fresh or dried basil used?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of dried basil, or more depending on your taste preference.
How do I thicken the creamy salmon sauce?
Bring the mixture to a boil and then let it simmer for about 8 minutes until it reaches your desired thickness.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 600 calories.
How much fat is in one serving?
There are 36 grams of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate content?
One serving of this pasta contains 51 grams of carbohydrates.
How much protein does this dish provide?
Each serving provides 18 grams of protein.
What is a good side dish to serve with this pasta?
Warm garlic bread is a perfect accompaniment for this meal.
Can I use salted butter?
The recipe specifies unsalted butter, but you can use salted if you adjust the additional salt accordingly.
What does 'al dente' mean for the pasta?
Al dente means cooking the pasta so that it is still firm to the bite, which is the ideal texture for this dish.
How long should the salmon cook in the pan?
The flaked salmon should cook with the onions and garlic for about 2-3 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Can I garnish the dish with cheese?
Yes, serving the pasta with freshly grated cheese is highly recommended.
Is this recipe suitable for special occasions?
Yes, its gourmet feel and impressive visual presentation make it perfect for both weeknights and special events.
Can I use a different pasta shape?
While bow-tie is preferred, other short pastas like penne or rotini would work well as substitutes.
How do I flake the smoked salmon?
You can easily flake the salmon by pulling it apart into bite-sized chunks using a fork or your fingers.
Should the salmon be cooked before adding it to the sauce?
Since it is smoked salmon, it is already cured/cooked; you are simply heating it and integrating it into the sauce.
Do I need to season the sauce with salt and pepper?
Yes, you should season with salt and black pepper to your personal preference during the simmering process.
Is this a heavy or light meal?
This is a rich and comforting meal due to the heavy cream and butter components.
Can the alcohol be simmered instead of flamed?
Yes, if you prefer not to ignite the vodka, you can simply simmer the sauce for a few minutes to reduce the alcohol.