Smoked Salmon Carbonara

Smoked Salmon Carbonara is a delightful twist on the classic Italian dish,

bringing together the rich flavors of smoked salmon and creamy sauce for a comforting and satisfying meal. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an elegant dish to impress guests.

Why Make This Recipe

This recipe combines the luxurious taste of smoked salmon with the creamy richness of traditional carbonara, making it a unique and delicious option for pasta lovers. It’s quick to prepare, requiring minimal ingredients, and it’s packed with flavor!

How To Make Smoked Salmon Carbonara

Ingredients:

• 200g spaghetti
• 150g smoked salmon, sliced
• 2 large eggs
• 100ml heavy cream
• 50g grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

3-Step Directions:

1. Cook Pasta & Prepare Sauce: Cook spaghetti according to package instructions, then drain and set aside. In a bowl, whisk together eggs, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese until smooth.
2. Sauté & Combine: In a pan, sauté minced garlic in olive oil until fragrant. Add the spaghetti, tossing to coat. Remove from heat and quickly stir in the egg mixture, letting the residual heat create a creamy sauce.
3. Finish & Serve: Gently fold in the smoked salmon. Season with salt and pepper, then garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

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 approximately 350 calories, 20g of protein, and 22g of fat, providing a balanced meal that’s satisfying and nutritious.

How To Serve Smoked Salmon Carbonara

Serve this delicious dish immediately while it’s hot, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and additional grated Parmesan cheese if desired. It pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or a light white wine.

How To Store Smoked Salmon Carbonara

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of cream or water to help achieve the desired consistency.

Tips To Make Smoked Salmon Carbonara

• Use high-quality smoked salmon for the best flavor.
• Make sure to add the egg mixture off the heat to avoid scrambling the eggs.
• Feel free to add vegetables, such as peas or spinach, for extra nutrition and flavor.
• Adjust the seasoning to your liking, adding herbs like dill or chives for a fresh twist.

Health And Benefits Of This Recipe

This Smoked Salmon Carbonara is a great source of protein thanks to the eggs and salmon, which help support muscle health and recovery. The heavy cream adds richness, while the Parmesan cheese provides calcium for strong bones. Moreover, smoked salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health. With a simple combination of ingredients, this dish offers a delicious yet nutritious option for pasta lovers.

Variation

You can try this recipe with whole wheat spaghetti for added fiber or swap out smoked salmon for grilled chicken or shrimp if you prefer.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh salmon instead of smoked?
   Yes, fresh salmon can be used; just ensure it’s cooked through before mixing it in.

   
   

2. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
   Absolutely! Use gluten-free pasta as a substitute for spaghetti.

   
   

3. How can I make it lighter?
   You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based cream, and reduce the amount of Parmesan cheese.

   
   

4. Is this recipe suitable for freezing?
   It’s best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, you can freeze it. Note that the texture may change upon reheating.

   
   

5. What can I substitute for Parmesan cheese?
   You can use Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.

   
   

6. How can I incorporate vegetables?
   Add cooked peas, spinach, or asparagus while tossing the spaghetti in the pan for added color and nutrients.

   
   

7. Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
   While the sauce is best made fresh, you can whisk together the cream, eggs, and cheese ahead of time and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.

   
   

Smoked Salmon Carbonara

A delightful twist on the classic carbonara, this dish combines the rich flavors of smoked salmon with a creamy sauce for a quick and elegant meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 350

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Pasta and Sauce Base

• 200 g spaghetti
• 100 ml heavy cream
• 50 g grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 large eggs
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt Salt and pepper to taste

Garnish

• 150 g smoked salmon, sliced Use high-quality smoked salmon for the best flavor.
• Fresh parsley For garnish

Method

 

Cooking the Pasta and Preparing the Sauce

1. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
2. In a bowl, whisk together eggs, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese until smooth.

Sautéing and Combining

1. In a pan, sauté minced garlic in olive oil until fragrant.
2. Add the spaghetti, tossing to coat.
3. Remove from heat and quickly stir in the egg mixture, letting the residual heat create a creamy sauce.

Finishing and Serving

1. Gently fold in the smoked salmon.
2. Season with salt and pepper, then garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of cream or water to help achieve the desired consistency.