Seafood Pasta

Fettuccine With Smoked Salmon

Name: Fettuccine With Smoked Salmon
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) fresh fettuccine; 6 oz (170g) smoked salmon; 2 tbsp (30g) unsalted butter; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tbsp (30g) freshly squeezed lemon juice; 1/4 cup (60g) chopped fresh parsley; 1/2 cup (120g) grated parmesan cheese; 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 tsp (5g) dried thyme; 1/4 tsp (1g) red pepper flakes

By Freya Tremaine · June 19, 2026 · Seafood Pasta

Prep15 min

Cook12 min

Total30 min

Serves4

I still remember the first time I had fettuccine with smoked salmon. It was at a small Italian restaurant in my hometown, and the combination of the creamy sauce, the tender pasta, and the rich smoked salmon was love at first bite. Since then, I've been obsessed with recreating that dish at home. After years of experimentation, I've finally perfected a recipe that's easy, delicious, and sure to impress your family and friends.

The key to this recipe is using high-quality ingredients, including fresh fettuccine, smoked salmon, and real parmesan cheese. I also like to add some garlic, lemon juice, and chopped parsley to give the dish a bright and refreshing flavor. And the best part? It's ready in just 30 minutes, making it the perfect weeknight dinner solution.

In this recipe, I'll show you how to make a classic fettuccine with smoked salmon, with a few tweaks to make it easier and more accessible for home cooks. I'll also share some expert tips and tricks to help you achieve the perfect dish, from cooking the pasta to making the sauce. So let's get started and make some delicious fettuccine with smoked salmon!

One of the things I love about this recipe is its versatility. You can serve it as a main course, or as a side dish for a special occasion. You can also customize it to your taste by adding other ingredients, such as cherry tomatoes or spinach. And the best part? It's a great way to get your daily dose of omega-3s from the smoked salmon.

So if you're looking for a delicious and easy recipe to add to your repertoire, look no further than fettuccine with smoked salmon. With its creamy sauce, tender pasta, and rich smoked salmon, it's sure to become a favorite in your household. And with the tips and tricks I'll share in this recipe, you'll be able to make it like a pro in no time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients.
It's a great way to get your daily dose of omega-3s from the smoked salmon.
The dish is versatile and can be served as a main course or as a side dish.
It's a perfect recipe for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
The creamy sauce and tender pasta make it a comforting and indulgent dish.
The smoked salmon adds a rich and savory flavor to the dish.
It's a great way to impress your family and friends with a delicious and elegant dish.

Why This Recipe Works

The key to this recipe is the combination of the creamy sauce, the tender pasta, and the rich smoked salmon. The sauce is made with heavy cream, parmesan cheese, and a hint of lemon juice, which gives it a bright and refreshing flavor. The pasta is cooked to perfection, with a slight bite in the center and a tender exterior. And the smoked salmon is the star of the show, with its rich and savory flavor.

But what really makes this recipe work is the technique. By cooking the pasta in a large pot of boiling water, we can achieve the perfect texture. And by making the sauce in a separate pan, we can control the amount of cream and cheese that goes into it, which is essential for a creamy and indulgent sauce.

Another important aspect of this recipe is the use of high-quality ingredients. Fresh fettuccine, smoked salmon, and real parmesan cheese are essential for a delicious and authentic dish. And by using a combination of garlic, lemon juice, and chopped parsley, we can add a bright and refreshing flavor to the dish.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this recipe, you'll need a few high-quality ingredients, including fresh fettuccine, smoked salmon, and real parmesan cheese. You'll also need some garlic, lemon juice, and chopped parsley to add a bright and refreshing flavor to the dish. Make sure to choose the best ingredients you can find, as they will make a big difference in the final result.

When shopping for the ingredients, look for fresh fettuccine that's made with high-quality flour and eggs. Choose a smoked salmon that's rich and savory, and has a nice texture. And don't forget to get some real parmesan cheese, which is essential for a creamy and indulgent sauce.

1 lb (450g) fresh fettuccineLook for high-quality fettuccine made with fresh eggs and flour. You can also use dried fettuccine, but fresh is preferred for a more tender texture.
6 oz (170g) smoked salmonChoose a rich and savory smoked salmon with a nice texture. You can also use other types of smoked fish, such as trout or mackerel.
2 tbsp (30g) unsalted butterUse high-quality unsalted butter for a rich and creamy sauce. You can also use other types of fat, such as olive oil or cream.
2 cloves garlic, mincedUse fresh garlic for the best flavor. You can also use garlic powder or garlic salt, but fresh is preferred.
2 tbsp (30g) freshly squeezed lemon juiceUse fresh lemons for the best flavor. You can also use bottled lemon juice, but fresh is preferred.
1/4 cup (60g) chopped fresh parsleyUse fresh parsley for a bright and refreshing flavor. You can also use other herbs, such as basil or dill.
1/2 cup (120g) grated parmesan cheeseUse real parmesan cheese for a creamy and indulgent sauce. You can also use other types of cheese, such as mozzarella or ricotta.
1 cup (240ml) heavy creamUse high-quality heavy cream for a rich and creamy sauce. You can also use other types of cream, such as half-and-half or whole milk.
Salt and pepper to tasteUse high-quality salt and pepper for the best flavor. You can also use other seasonings, such as garlic powder or paprika.
1 tsp (5g) dried thymeUse high-quality dried thyme for a savory and aromatic flavor. You can also use fresh thyme, but dried is preferred for a more intense flavor.
1/4 tsp (1g) red pepper flakesUse high-quality red pepper flakes for a spicy and aromatic flavor. You can also use other types of hot peppers, such as cayenne or jalapeno.

Ingredients for Fettuccine With Smoked Salmon

Equipment You’ll Need

Large pot for boiling pastaColander for draining pastaLarge skillet for making sauceWhisk for mixing sauceInstant-read thermometer for checking temperatureGrater for grating parmesan cheeseGarlic press for mincing garlic

How to Make Fettuccine With Smoked Salmon

1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the fettuccine according to the package instructions until it's al dente.
2
While the pasta is cooking, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3
Add the heavy cream to the skillet and bring it to a simmer. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
4
Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the parmesan cheese until it's melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and thyme.
5
Add the smoked salmon to the skillet and stir it in gently. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the salmon is heated through and reaches 145 F (63 C). Check the temperature with an instant-read thermometer in the thickest part.
6
Drain the cooked fettuccine and add it to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated.
7
Stir in the chopped parsley and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8
Let the dish rest for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
9
Serve the fettuccine hot, garnished with additional parsley and parmesan cheese if desired.
10
To add an extra kick to the dish, sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top of the pasta before serving.
11
Finally, serve the dish immediately and enjoy the combination of creamy sauce, tender pasta, and rich smoked salmon.

Expert Tips

Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor and texture.
Don't overcook the pasta, as it can become mushy and unappetizing.
Add the smoked salmon to the sauce gently, as it can break apart easily.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Use an instant-read thermometer to check the temperature of the salmon.
Don't overheat the sauce, as it can curdle and become unappetizing.
Add the parsley and lemon juice at the end, as they can lose their flavor and aroma if cooked for too long.
Experiment with different types of smoked fish and seasonings to find your favorite combination.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the pasta, which can make it mushy and unappetizing.
Not using high-quality ingredients, which can affect the flavor and texture of the dish.
Adding the smoked salmon to the sauce too aggressively, which can break it apart.
Not letting the dish rest, which can prevent the flavors from melding together.
Overheating the sauce, which can curdle and become unappetizing.
Not checking the temperature of the salmon, which can result in undercooked or overcooked fish.

Variations and Substitutions

Using different types of smoked fish, such as trout or mackerel.
Adding other ingredients to the sauce, such as diced onions or bell peppers.
Using different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or ricotta.
Adding some heat to the dish with red pepper flakes or hot sauce.
Using fresh herbs, such as basil or dill, instead of parsley.
Serving the dish with some garlic bread or toasted almonds for added crunch.

What to Serve With Fettuccine With Smoked Salmon

This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion. You can serve it as a main course, or as a side dish for a party or gathering. It's also a great option for a romantic dinner, as it's elegant and indulgent.

Some ideas for sides or accompaniments include garlic bread, toasted almonds, or a simple green salad. You can also serve it with some roasted vegetables, such as asparagus or Brussels sprouts, for a well-rounded meal.

Garlic breadToasted almondsSimple green saladRoasted vegetablesGrilled chicken or shrimp

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

This dish can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or frozen for up to 2 months. To store it, let it cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate or freeze.

When reheating, make sure to heat it gently, as the sauce can curdle if it's overheated. You can reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop, stirring occasionally, until it's hot and creamy.

It's also a good idea to label the container with the date and contents, so you can easily keep track of how long it's been stored. And if you're freezing it, make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.

Finally, when you're ready to serve it, make sure to check the temperature of the dish to ensure it's hot and safe to eat. You can use an instant-read thermometer to check the temperature, and make sure it reaches 145 F (63 C) before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of smoked fish can I use in this recipe?

You can use any type of smoked fish you like, such as salmon, trout, or mackerel. Just make sure it's fresh and of high quality.

Can I use dried fettuccine instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use dried fettuccine, but fresh is preferred for a more tender texture.

How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?

To prevent the sauce from curdling, make sure to heat it gently and whisk constantly. You can also add a little bit of cream or milk to help stabilize the sauce.

Can I add other ingredients to the sauce?

Yes, you can add other ingredients to the sauce, such as diced onions or bell peppers. Just make sure they're cooked and seasoned before adding them to the sauce.

How do I store and reheat the dish?

You can store the dish in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze it for up to 2 months. To reheat, make sure to heat it gently, and stir occasionally, until it's hot and creamy.

What's the best way to serve the dish?

You can serve the dish as a main course, or as a side dish for a party or gathering. It's also a great option for a romantic dinner, as it's elegant and indulgent.

Can I make the dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the dish ahead of time, but it's best to cook the pasta and make the sauce just before serving. You can prepare the ingredients and store them in the refrigerator until you're ready to cook.

How do I know if the salmon is cooked?

You can check the temperature of the salmon with an instant-read thermometer to ensure it reaches 145 F (63 C). You can also check the texture and color of the fish, which should be opaque and flake easily with a fork.

The Full Recipe

Recipe Card