Creamy Lawson Smoked Salmon Pasta Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Crafting a delightful lawson smoked salmon pasta sparks pure culinary excitement in my kitchen.

Salmon transforms ordinary weeknight dinners into something spectacular.

Every ingredient brings its own magical touch to this simple yet elegant dish.

Weekends call for comfort meals that feel both luxurious and effortless.

Italian traditions merge beautifully with modern cooking techniques in this recipe.

Home chefs can easily master these flavor combinations with just a few smart techniques.

You’ll feel like a professional chef after creating this stunning plate that impresses everyone at the table.

Ways To Add A Twist To Nigella Lawson Smoked Salmon Pasta

• Quick Vegetarian Swap: Replace salmon with pan-seared tofu cubes, maintaining similar cooking technique and seasoning for a protein-rich alternative.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta like chickpea or rice pasta to accommodate wheat-sensitive diets while keeping the core recipe intact.
• Spicy Mediterranean Remix: Incorporate red pepper flakes, swap pesto with sundried tomato sauce, and add kalamata olives for a bolder Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Version: Substitute pasta with cauliflower rice or spiralized vegetables, using the same salmon and garlic preparation method to create a lighter, nutrient-dense meal.

What Goes Well With Nigella Lawson Smoked Salmon Pasta

• Pair Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc perfectly complements the smoky salmon and creamy pesto, cutting through the richness with its bright, zesty notes.
• Create Fresh Salad Side: Arugula and fennel salad with light lemon vinaigrette balances the pasta's richness, adding a peppery and fresh counterpoint to the dish.
• Enhance with Crusty Bread: Toasted sourdough or rustic ciabatta helps soak up the delicious pesto and salmon sauce, providing a delightful textural contrast.
• Match with Sparkling Water: Chilled sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon cleanses the palate between bites, refreshing the mouth and highlighting the salmon's delicate flavor.

How To Store Nigella Lawson Smoked Salmon Pasta Right

• Store leftover pasta in a sealed container for up to 2-3 days, preventing moisture and preserving flavor.
• Warm pasta on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to distribute heat evenly and prevent drying.
• Gently reheat in a pan with a splash of water or olive oil, stirring constantly to maintain pasta's texture and prevent sticking.
• Skip freezing this dish, as salmon and pasta can become soggy and lose their delicate texture when thawed.

Nigella Lawson Smoked Salmon Pasta FAQs

• What is the key ingredient that makes this pasta unique?

Salmon is the star ingredient, providing a rich, smoky flavor and healthy protein to the dish.

• Can I use a different type of fish for this recipe?

While salmon works best, you could substitute with other fatty fish like trout or mackerel for a similar taste profile.

• How do I know when the salmon is perfectly cooked?

The salmon should be opaque and easily flake with a fork, which typically takes about 3-4 minutes per side on medium heat.

• Is this recipe suitable for beginners?

Yes, this recipe is straightforward and requires basic cooking skills, making it perfect for home cooks with minimal experience.

Why Nigella Lawson Smoked Salmon Pasta Is So Elegant

• Savor Quick Gourmet Flavors: This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy dish with minimal cooking skills required, making it perfect for home chefs wanting to impress.
• Customize with Ease: Versatile ingredients allow personal tweaks like adding extra herbs, changing protein, or adjusting spice levels to match individual taste preferences.
• Streamline Weeknight Cooking: Minimal prep and cooking steps mean you can enjoy a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen, ideal for busy professionals and families seeking tasty, fast dinners.
• Elevate Simple Ingredients: Combining salmon, pasta, pesto, and parmesan creates a luxurious meal that feels sophisticated yet surprisingly uncomplicated to prepare.

Ingredients Needed For Nigella Lawson Smoked Salmon Pasta

• Pasta: A classic Italian staple that serves as the base of this delicious dish.
• Salmon: Fresh fish that provides rich, smoky flavor and protein to the recipe.
• Pesto: A flavorful green sauce that adds herbal and nutty notes to the pasta.

• Olive Oil: Helps to cook the salmon and create a smooth, even cooking surface.
• Garlic: Adds a robust and aromatic flavor to enhance the overall taste of the dish.
• Butter: Provides a creamy texture and helps bind the ingredients together.

• Lemon Juice, Parmesan Cheese: These garnishes add brightness, tanginess, and a salty, savory element to complete the dish.

How To Cook Nigella Lawson Smoked Salmon Pasta

Step 1: Boil Pasta

Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted water until it reaches al dente perfection. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Step 2: Sizzle Salmon

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place the salmon into the hot pan, then reduce the heat to medium. Cook the salmon until it becomes golden and flakes easily with a fork.

Step 3: Infuse With Garlic

• Fresh garlic
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Black pepper

Sauté until the garlic becomes fragrant and slightly golden, releasing its aromatic flavors into the pan.

Step 4: Combine Pasta Magic

• Pesto sauce
• Butter

Stir until the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy, herbal sauce.

Step 5: Fold In Salmon Goodness

Gently break the cooked salmon into bite-sized pieces. Fold the salmon into the pasta, ensuring an even distribution of flavors.

Step 6: Finish With Flair

• Fresh lemon juice
• Grated parmesan cheese

Serve immediately while warm and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors.

Pro Tips For Nigella Lawson Smoked Salmon Pasta

• Select Perfect Pasta: Choose al dente spaghetti or linguine for best texture and sauce absorption.
• Control Salmon Cooking: Gently cook salmon on medium heat to prevent overcooking and maintain tender, flaky texture.
• Enhance Flavor Boost: Add fresh lemon zest alongside juice for deeper citrus notes and aromatic complexity.
• Adjust Dietary Needs: Swap regular pasta with gluten-free alternatives or use whole wheat for healthier version.
• Balance Seasoning: Taste and adjust salt and pepper carefully, as smoked salmon already provides natural saltiness.

Lawson Smoked Salmon Pasta Recipe

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4.6 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Creamy and luxurious Lawson smoked salmon pasta delivers Italian coastal comfort on your plate. Rich salmon, silky cream, and perfectly al dente pasta combine for a quick, elegant dinner that transports you to Mediterranean shores.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 200 grams (7 ounces) smoked salmon
• 250 grams (8.8 ounces) fusilli pasta

Cheese and Sauce:

• 1 tub Parmesan cheese (fresh)
• 1 tablespoon pesto

Seasonings and Extras:

• 1 teaspoon garlic puree
• 1 lemon
• 1 tablespoon butter (for frying)

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Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook the pasta for precisely 10 minutes until al dente, ensuring a tender yet firm texture.
2. Meanwhile, warm olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, creating a shimmering surface that indicates optimal cooking temperature.
3. Carefully lower the salmon into the heated pan, immediately reducing the flame to medium to prevent overcooking and maintain a delicate, flaky consistency.
4. Introduce minced garlic to the salmon, gently sautéing until the fish turns opaque and fully cooked, releasing aromatic flavors throughout the pan.
5. Drain the pasta thoroughly, reserving a small amount of cooking water to help emulsify the sauce.
6. Fold in pesto and butter, creating a silky coating that clings to each pasta strand, ensuring even distribution of flavors.
7. Gently incorporate the cooked salmon into the pasta, breaking it into tender morsels that blend seamlessly with the creamy sauce.
8. Finish the dish with a bright squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a generous sprinkle of finely grated parmesan cheese, adding a zesty and savory final touch to the meal.

Notes

• Timing matters when cooking pasta to achieve the perfect al dente texture, so taste-test around 8-9 minutes to avoid overcooking.
• Use fresh salmon for the best flavor and texture, preferably wild-caught for more robust taste and nutritional benefits.
• Control pan heat carefully to prevent salmon from becoming dry or tough, aiming for a gentle medium heat that keeps the fish moist and flaky.
• Consider gluten-free pasta alternatives like zucchini noodles or chickpea pasta for those with dietary restrictions, maintaining the recipe’s delicious essence.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 840 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 920 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 70 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg