Penne al Salmone

Name: Penne al Salmone
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Yield: 2 to 3 servings
Cuisine: Italian Menu
Ingredients: Penne Pasta — 300g; Smoked Salmon — 200g; Cream Cheese — 150g; Extra Virgin Olive Oil — 3 tbsp; Brown Onion — ¼; Fresh Parsley — 15g; Lemon — 1; Capers — 1 tbsp; Salt — To taste; Black Pepper — To taste

A beloved classic of Italian home cooking, this luxurious pasta dish tosses al dente penne tubes with succulent flakes of poached and smoked salmon. Wrapped in a velvety, blush-pink sauce crafted from double cream, sun-ripened tomatoes, and a splash of crisp white wine, every bite delivers a harmonious blend of rich seafood depth, silky comfort, and bright, herbaceous flair.

Cuisines

Cooking Instructions

Preparation: 5 minutes
Cooking: 15 minutes

Servings: 2 to 3

Notes:

Double cream or single cream can be used as a substitute for cream cheese.

Garlic can be used in place of onion for a bolder base flavour.

Fresh dill can be substituted for fresh parsley if preferred.

Capers are optional and can be omitted if a milder sauce is desired.

Sauté the Onion and Herbs
Heat a generous drizzle of extra virgin olive oil in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 7 minutes until golden brown, stirring in a splash of water if needed to prevent burning, then stir in the chopped parsley and parsley stalks.

Flavor the Base
Zest and juice the fresh lemon directly into the skillet with the sautéed onion. Add the rinsed capers, season with a pinch of salt and black pepper, and allow the flavours to infuse over low heat.

Boil the Penne
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook for 11 minutes until al dente, reserving a mug of starchy pasta water before draining.

Emulsify the Sauce
Transfer the drained penne directly into the skillet along with a generous splash of reserved pasta water. Toss over medium heat, then stir in the cream cheese and additional pasta water, tossing continuously until a glossy, creamy sauce coats the pasta.

Combine and Serve
Turn off the heat and fold half of the sliced smoked salmon into the warm pasta until just heated through. Plate the creamy penne, top with the remaining fresh smoked salmon slices and chopped parsley, and serve immediately.