Indulge in a delightful twist on a classic with this irresistible Smoked Salmon Carbonara. This creamy, comforting pasta dish features the delicate, smoky flavor of salmon, perfectly balanced with the richness of eggs, Parmesan cheese, and a hint of fresh parsley. It’s a quick and easy meal that’s sure to impress.
A plate of silky pasta, generously coated in a luscious, savory sauce, and studded with flavorful smoked salmon – every bite is pure bliss.
Recipe Details
- Flavor Profile: Rich, smoky, and savory with a creamy texture.
- Textures: Silky pasta, tender smoked salmon, and a creamy sauce.
- Total Time: About 20 minutes.
- Difficulty: Easy, perfect for a weeknight dinner.
What You’ll Need
This Smoked Salmon Carbonara recipe revolves around a few key components: perfect pasta, gorgeous smoked salmon, a luscious sauce, and some fresh finishing touches. You’ll need quality pasta, of course, along with beautiful smoked salmon to deliver that key smoky flavor. The creamy sauce is created simply with eggs and cheese, and a touch of parsley brightens the finished dish.
Ingredient Notes
- Pasta Choose a pasta shape that will capture the sauce well such as spaghetti, bucatini, or fettuccine.
- Smoked Salmon Opt for high-quality smoked salmon for the best flavor. Look for evenly sliced or flaked pieces.
- Eggs Fresh, good-quality eggs are key for a creamy sauce.
- Parmesan Cheese Freshly grated Parmesan cheese will provide the best flavor and texture.
Add-ins and Substitutions
- Spice it Up Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
- Herbs Chives or dill make a lovely alternative.
- Lemon Zest A touch of lemon zest adds brightness.
How to Make Smoked Salmon Carbonara
Begin by cooking your pasta according to the package directions.
- Cook the Pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, usually around 8–10 minutes, or according to package directions.
- Prep the Sauce. While the pasta cooks, in a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
- Combine. Once the pasta is cooked, reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta. Immediately add the hot pasta to the bowl with the egg and cheese mixture. Toss quickly to coat, adding a little of the reserved pasta water at a time until the sauce coats the pasta and thickens slightly. The heat of the pasta will cook the eggs and create the sauce.
- Add Salmon and Serve. Gently fold in the smoked salmon and the parsley. Serve immediately, topped with extra Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Pro Tip: Be sure to work quickly once the pasta is drained. The heat from the pasta is what cooks the eggs and creates the creamy sauce.
Recipe Tips
- Don’t overcook the pasta, it should be cooked al dente.
- Work quickly when combining the pasta and sauce.
- Use good quality smoked salmon for best flavor.
- Keep extra Parmesan cheese on hand for serving.
- Add pasta water a little at a time to achieve the desired consistency.
FAQs
- Can I use a different type of pasta? Yes, you can use any pasta shape you like. Spaghetti, bucatini, and fettuccine all work well.
- Can I add other ingredients? While this recipe is perfect as is, feel free to experiment with a little heat by adding red pepper flakes.
- How do I prevent the eggs from scrambling? Make sure the pasta is hot when you add it to the egg mixture, and toss quickly and constantly. The heat from the pasta will cook the eggs gently.
Serving Suggestions
- Simple Salad A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a nice contrast to the richness of the pasta.
- Garlic Bread Serve with some garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Wine Pairing A crisp white wine such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc will complement the flavors perfectly.
Make This Recipe in Advance
This dish is best served immediately. You can prepare the ingredients ahead of time and store the sauce ingredients in the fridge to save time.
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Smoked Salmon Carbonara Recipe Delights
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in a delightful twist on a classic with this irresistible Smoked Salmon Carbonara. This creamy, comforting pasta dish features the delicate, smoky flavor of salmon, perfectly balanced with the richness of eggs, Parmesan cheese, and a hint of fresh parsley. It’s a quick and easy meal that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients
14.1 oz linguine pasta, or similar, (400g)
3 eggs
2 tbsp grated parmesan cheese
5.2 oz smoked salmon, (150g)
1 small bunch fresh parsley
Salt and pepper
Instructions
Cook pasta in boiling salted water until al dente.
While pasta cooks, slice smoked salmon and chop parsley.
Whisk eggs, parmesan, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
Drain pasta and return to the pot.
Add salmon, then pour in egg mixture, stirring quickly.
Serve in bowls with parsley and pepper.
Notes
Don’t overcook the pasta, it should be cooked al dente.
Work quickly when combining the pasta and sauce.
Use good quality smoked salmon for best flavor.
Keep extra Parmesan cheese on hand for serving.
Add pasta water a little at a time to achieve the desired consistency.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Pasta
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Calories: 550
- Fat: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Protein: 30g
