Smoked Salmon Carbonara

Why Make This Recipe

Smoked Salmon Carbonara is a delicious twist on the classic Italian dish. The smoky flavor of the salmon adds a unique touch that makes this recipe stand out.

Smoked salmon carbonara pasta with creamy sauce, lemon wedges, and fresh parsley on a rustic wooden surface.

It’s quick to prepare, perfect for a weeknight dinner, and full of rich flavors. Plus, it combines simple ingredients to create a creamy, satisfying meal that everyone will love.

How To Make Smoked Salmon Carbonara

Ingredients:

  • Spaghetti or fettuccine pasta
  • Smoked salmon, sliced
  • Egg yolks
  • Heavy cream
  • Parmesan cheese, grated
  • Garlic, minced
  • Black pepper
  • Salt
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions:

  1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, heavy cream, and grated parmesan cheese.
  3. In a large skillet, sauté minced garlic over medium heat until fragrant.
  4. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to combine with the garlic.
  5. Remove from heat and stir in the smoked salmon.
  6. Pour the egg and cream mixture over the pasta and quickly toss to combine. The residual heat will cook the eggs and create a creamy sauce.
  7. Season with black pepper and salt to taste.
  8. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley.
Creamy smoked salmon carbonara with spaghetti, fresh parsley, and lemon wedge on a rustic wooden table.

Prep Time And Nutrition Facts

This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 20 minutes to cook, making a total of 30 minutes. It serves 4 people, and each serving has about 350 calories, with 20 grams of protein and 15 grams of fat. It’s a filling dish that doesn’t take much time to make!

How To Serve Smoked Salmon Carbonara

Serve Smoked Salmon Carbonara hot, right after making it. You can present it in bowls or on plates, making sure to sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for color. This dish pairs well with a light salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal.

How To Store Smoked Salmon Carbonara

If you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay good for up to 2 days. When ready to eat, reheat slowly in a skillet over low heat to avoid overheating the eggs and losing creaminess.

Tips To Make Smoked Salmon Carbonara

  • Make sure not to overcook the pasta; it should be al dente for the best texture.
  • Use very fresh smoked salmon for the best flavor.
  • Experiment by adding peas or spinach for extra color and nutrients.
  • If you like it spicy, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Health And Benefits Of This Recipe

Smoked Salmon Carbonara offers several health benefits. The salmon is high in protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which are good for your heart and brain. The egg yolks and heavy cream provide essential vitamins and healthy fats. Overall, this dish is balanced and filling, making it a great choice for a nutritious meal.

Variation

You can change this recipe by using different types of pasta, like whole grain or gluten-free options. You could also substitute cream with a lighter alternative, like Greek yogurt, for a healthier twist.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh salmon instead of smoked?
Yes, you can use fresh salmon. Just cook it in the skillet until it’s fully cooked before adding it to the pasta.

2. Is this dish suitable for freezing?
It’s not recommended to freeze this dish because the cream and eggs may separate when thawed, affecting the texture.

3. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can use dairy-free cream and nutritional yeast instead of parmesan to make it dairy-free. Just be sure to check the ingredients for any allergies.