Indulge in the luxurious flavors of Italy with our Penne with Cream and Smoked Salmon recipe! In just 25 minutes, you can create a sumptuous dish that combines the richness of heavy cream, the delicate taste of smoked salmon, and the freshness of dill. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends. Ready to elevate your pasta game? Dive into the details below and discover how easy it is to whip up this creamy delight!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 oz smoked salmon, chopped
- 1/2 cup peas
- 1/4 cup dill, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 8 oz of penne pasta, 1 cup of heavy cream, 4 oz of smoked salmon (chopped), 1/2 cup of peas, 1/4 cup of chopped dill, salt and pepper to taste, and 1 tbsp of lemon juice.
- Fill a large pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt, and bring it to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Once the water is boiling, add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 10-12 minutes.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the sauce. In a large skillet, pour in the heavy cream and heat it over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally to prevent it from scorching.
- After about 5 minutes, when the cream is warmed through, add the chopped smoked salmon and peas to the skillet. Stir gently to combine and allow the mixture to simmer for another 3-4 minutes.
- As the sauce simmers, chop the dill and squeeze the lemon juice into a small bowl, setting them aside for later use.
- Once the pasta is cooked, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the penne in a colander.
- Add the drained penne directly to the skillet with the cream and salmon mixture. Toss gently to combine, ensuring that the pasta is well-coated with the sauce.
- If the sauce is too thick, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
- Stir in the chopped dill and lemon juice, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well to incorporate all the flavors.
- Remove the skillet from heat and let it sit for a minute to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve the penne hot, garnished with additional dill if desired. Enjoy your creamy penne with smoked salmon!
Tips
- Choose Quality Ingredients: Since this dish has few ingredients, opt for high-quality smoked salmon and fresh dill for the best flavor.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Aim for al dente pasta to ensure it has the right texture and doesn’t become mushy when mixed with the sauce.
- Reserve Pasta Water: Always save some pasta water before draining. It’s a great way to adjust the sauce’s consistency without compromising flavor.
- Customize Your Greens: If you want to add more color and nutrients, consider tossing in some spinach or asparagus along with the peas.
- Add a Zesty Twist: For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of white wine to the sauce.
- Garnish Creatively: Enhance the presentation by garnishing with additional chopped dill or a sprinkle of lemon zest before serving.
- Make It Ahead: This dish can be prepared ahead of time. Just reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of cream or reserved pasta water to bring it back to life.With these tips, your Penne with Cream and Smoked Salmon will be a hit every time you serve it!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 16g
Cholesterol: 85mg
