Smoked Salmon Carbonara

In a world where busy schedules often dictate our mealtime choices, the allure of creating a gourmet dish at home can feel like a distant dream. With this Smoked Salmon Carbonara, however, you can bring the comfort of Italian cuisine into your kitchen without spending hours slaving over a hot stove. This recipe strikes a perfect balance between indulgence and simplicity, making it the ideal choice for a cozy weeknight dinner or an impressive dish for entertaining guests.

What Makes This Recipe Special

Imagine a dish that combines the luxurious flavors of smoked salmon with the creamy richness of carbonara—a classic pasta beloved by many. This Smoked Salmon Carbonara not only satisfies those cravings but does so in under 30 minutes! It’s quick enough for a busy weeknight yet elegant enough to grace your holiday table. Plus, it uses ingredients you might already have on hand, making it budget-friendly and accessible.

“This dish is my go-to for dinner parties—everyone is always impressed, and I love how easy it is to prepare!” – Sarah J., a happy home cook.

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking It

Crafting this delicious meal is straightforward and requires just a few simple steps. You’ll start by cooking your pasta to al dente perfection, followed by a quick blending of fresh ingredients into a creamy sauce. Finally, everything comes together beautifully for a satisfying meal that looks as good as it tastes!

What You’ll Need

• 200g spaghetti or fettuccine
• 150g smoked salmon, cut into pieces
• 2 large eggs
• 100ml heavy cream
• 50g grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Feel free to substitute fettuccine with any pasta shape you prefer, and if you want a healthier twist, you could use whole grain or gluten-free pasta.

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Cook the Pasta: Start by boiling water in a large pot. Add the spaghetti or fettuccine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Once done, drain and set aside.

   

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2. Whisk the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, and grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to your taste.

3. Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet, heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, but don’t let it brown.

4. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with garlic. Remove the skillet from heat.

5. Create the Creamy Sauce: Quickly pour the egg and cream mixture into the pasta, stirring continuously. The residual heat from the pasta will cook the eggs, creating a luxurious sauce.

6. Add Smoked Salmon: Gently fold in the pieces of smoked salmon, ensuring they are well combined.

7. Serve and Garnish: Plate your pasta and garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese if desired.

Best Way to Serve

To truly elevate your dining experience, consider serving the Smoked Salmon Carbonara with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad. A light and crisp Sauvignon Blanc pairs beautifully with this dish, enhancing the flavors of the salmon and cream.

Storage Tips

If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream to help bring back the dish’s creamy texture. Always prioritize safe food handling by ensuring that the dish is reheated thoroughly to 165°F.

Pro Chef Tips

• Temperature Matters: Ensure your pasta is hot when combining with the sauce. The residual heat is essential for cooking the eggs without scrambling them.
• Quality Ingredients: Since this dish has few components, using high-quality smoked salmon and fresh ingredients will significantly enhance the overall flavor.
• Quick Serve: This dish is best served immediately after preparation to keep the creamy texture.

Flavor Variations

• Add Spinach: Stir in fresh spinach for a nutrient boost and a pop of color.
• Herbs and Zest: Experiment with fresh herbs like dill or a splash of lemon zest for added brightness.
• Cheese Swap: Try using goat cheese or ricotta instead of Parmesan for a different flavor profile.

Your Questions Answered

1. How long does it take to make Smoked Salmon Carbonara?
   This dish takes about 25-30 minutes from start to finish, perfect for a quick weeknight meal.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
   While best served fresh, you can prepare the sauce in advance and combine with the pasta just before serving.

3. Is it safe to freeze Smoked Salmon Carbonara?
   Freezing is not recommended due to the cream and eggs; they tend to separate upon thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh!

With this Smoked Salmon Carbonara, you’ll offer your taste buds a delightful experience — a dish that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate and guaranteed to impress everyone at your table. Enjoy!

Smoked Salmon Carbonara

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• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Pescatarian

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Description

A luxurious yet simple dish combining smoked salmon and creamy carbonara, perfect for weeknights or entertaining.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 200g spaghetti or fettuccine
• 150g smoked salmon, cut into pieces
• 2 large eggs
• 100ml heavy cream
• 50g grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Boil water in a large pot, add the spaghetti or fettuccine, and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Whisk the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, and Parmesan. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Sauté Garlic: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sauté garlic until fragrant.
4. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add cooked pasta to the skillet with garlic. Remove from heat.
5. Create the Creamy Sauce: Pour egg and cream mixture into the pasta, stirring quickly.
6. Add Smoked Salmon: Fold in smoked salmon pieces gently.
7. Serve and Garnish: Plate the pasta and garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan.

Notes

Serve immediately for the best creamy texture. Pair with garlic bread or a fresh salad.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 180mg

Keywords: Pasta, Smoked Salmon, Carbonara, Quick Dinner, Italian Cuisine