Smoked Salmon Carbonara is not your average pasta dish. Imagine creamy, dreamy pasta coated with a rich sauce that dances between indulgence and sophistication. The smoky essence of salmon combined with the comforting embrace of al dente spaghetti creates an aroma that can turn any ordinary evening into a gourmet experience.
Every bite feels like a warm hug from grandma, yet it packs a punch of modern flair that will impress even your snobby foodie friends. This dish is perfect for date nights, family gatherings, or just a cozy evening in, promising to elevate your dining experience to new heights.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Smoked Salmon Carbonara is quick and easy to prepare, making weeknight dinners stress-free
- Its smoky flavor profile stands out beautifully against the creamy sauce
- Visually appealing with vibrant colors from the garnishes, it’s sure to impress guests
- Versatile enough for special occasions or casual lunches, this dish never disappoints
I once made Smoked Salmon Carbonara for my best friend’s birthday dinner. The look on her face when she took the first bite was priceless—like I had just handed her a winning lottery ticket! For more inspiration, check out this cooking tips for dinner recipe.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish: For more inspiration, check out this delicious main dishes recipe.
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Spaghetti: Use high-quality pasta; it makes all the difference in texture and flavor.
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Smoked Salmon: Opt for wild-caught salmon if possible; it has richer flavors than farmed varieties.
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Heavy Cream: Choose fresh cream for a luscious sauce that coats the pasta perfectly.
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Parmesan Cheese: Grate your cheese fresh for optimal flavor; pre-grated varieties don’t compare.
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Egg Yolks: Use large eggs; they add richness and help create that velvety carbonara sauce.
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Black Pepper: Freshly cracked pepper enhances the dish’s overall aroma and flavor profile.
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Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley adds a burst of color and freshness to balance the richness.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Cook the Pasta: Start by boiling a large pot of salted water over medium heat. Add spaghetti and cook until al dente according to package instructions while stirring occasionally for even cooking.
Prepare the Sauce Ingredients: While pasta cooks, whisk together egg yolks, heavy cream, and grated Parmesan in a mixing bowl until smooth and well combined.
Add Smoky Goodness: Once the pasta is cooked, reserve some pasta water before draining it. Quickly toss hot spaghetti with smoked salmon in your mixing bowl so the heat slightly cooks the eggs.
Create Creamy Perfection: Pour sauce mixture over pasta while tossing continuously; use reserved pasta water if needed to achieve desired creaminess.
Add Seasoning and Garnish: Sprinkle freshly cracked black pepper over your carbonara and mix in chopped parsley for added freshness before serving.
Serve Immediately!: Plate your Smoked Salmon Carbonara immediately after mixing; garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and parsley as desired for that extra wow factor!
You’ll find yourself falling head over heels with this delectable dish that brings comfort food into gourmet territory!
You Must Know
- Smoked salmon carbonara is a creamy, dreamy dish that brings together the smokiness of salmon with the richness of pasta
- Perfect for impressing guests or indulging yourself, this recipe elevates a classic while being surprisingly simple to prepare
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by boiling the pasta, then sauté garlic and shallots before adding cream. Mix everything together and toss in your smoked salmon just before serving for freshness.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap in other proteins like chicken or shrimp. Adding capers or lemon zest can bring brightness to your dish.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Gently reheat on low heat to avoid curdling the cream.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use high-quality smoked salmon for maximum flavor; it makes all the difference!
- Remember not to overcook your pasta; al dente gives a perfect bite
- Always reserve some pasta water; it’s a secret weapon for creamy sauces!
Making this dish reminds me of that one dinner party where everyone raved about it, I couldn’t stop smiling as I served seconds!
FAQ
Can I use fresh salmon instead of smoked?
Yes, but you will need to cook it thoroughly first.
How do I make it dairy-free?
Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and nutritional yeast for flavor.
What type of pasta works best?
Spaghetti or fettuccine are great choices for this smoky dish.
Smoked Salmon Carbonara
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Smoked Salmon Carbonara is a luxurious twist on traditional pasta, blending creamy sauce with the smoky richness of salmon. Each forkful offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures, making it perfect for date nights or family gatherings. Quick to prepare yet impressively sophisticated, this dish is sure to elevate any meal into a gourmet experience.
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 4 oz smoked salmon, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 large egg yolks
- 1 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook spaghetti in boiling salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining.
- In a bowl, whisk together egg yolks, heavy cream, and grated Parmesan until smooth.
- Combine hot spaghetti with smoked salmon in the mixing bowl to gently cook the eggs.
- Pour the sauce over the pasta while tossing; add reserved pasta water as needed for creaminess.
- Season with black pepper and mix in parsley before serving immediately.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 300g)
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 210mg
Keywords: For added brightness, consider incorporating capers or lemon zest. Substitute chicken or shrimp for a different protein option.
