Creamy Smoked Salmon Pasta

Ingredients

• 12 oz Linguini Pasta (dry, about 340 g)
• 8 oz Smoked Salmon (sliced into bite‑size pieces)
• 4 cups Fresh Spinach (packed, roughly 120 g)
• 1 small Red Onion (thinly sliced)
• 2 pieces Garlic Cloves (minced)
• 2 tablespoons Fresh Chives (chopped)
• 1 tablespoon Capers (rinsed)
• 1 tablespoon Fresh Dill (chopped)
• 1 teaspoon Lemon Zest (from one lemon)
• 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed)
• 2 tablespoons Whiskey (any good bourbon or rye)
• 1 teaspoon Whole Grain Mustard (smooth)
• 1 cup Heavy Whipping Cream (cold)
• ½ cup Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated)
• 1 tablespoon Olive Oil (extra‑virgin)
• 1 tablespoon Unsalted Butter (cut into cubes)
• to taste Salt
• to taste Black Pepper (freshly ground)

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

   Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, add the linguini and cook until al dente according to package directions (about 9‑10 minutes). Reserve ¼ cup of the hot pasta water, then drain the pasta.

   Time: PT10M

   Temperature: 212°F

2. Heat Butter and Oil

   While the pasta cooks, place a large skillet over medium heat and add 1 Tbsp butter and 1 Tbsp olive oil. Let the butter melt and the oil heat up (about 1 minute).

   Time: PT1M

   Temperature: medium heat

3. Sauté Onion

   Add the sliced red onion to the skillet and sauté until softened and translucent, about 3 minutes.

   Time: PT3M

   Temperature: medium heat

4. Add Aromatics

   Stir in the minced garlic, chopped chives, capers, dill, and lemon zest. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

   Time: PT1M

   Temperature: medium heat

5. Heat Smoked Salmon

   Add the smoked salmon pieces and cook for 1‑2 minutes just to warm through; do not over‑cook.

   Time: PT2M

   Temperature: medium heat

6. Deglaze with Whiskey

   Pour in the whiskey, increase heat slightly, and simmer for about 2 minutes until the alcohol evaporates and the liquid reduces slightly.

   Time: PT2M

   Temperature: medium‑high heat

7. Incorporate Mustard

   Stir in the whole grain mustard and cook for another minute to blend the flavors.

   Time: PT1M

   Temperature: medium heat

8. Add Cream and Lemon Juice

   Add the lemon juice followed by the heavy whipping cream. Season with salt and black pepper. Heat gently, stirring, for about 2 minutes until the sauce is warmed through and slightly thickened.

   Time: PT2M

   Temperature: medium heat

9. Combine Pasta

   Add the cooked linguini to the skillet, tossing to coat the noodles in the sauce.

   Time: PT1M

   Temperature: medium heat

10. Wilt the Spinach

    Add the fresh spinach, cover the skillet, and let sit for 2 minutes until the leaves wilt.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: medium heat

11. Adjust Sauce Consistency

    If the sauce looks too thick, stir in the reserved ¼ cup pasta water until the desired creaminess is reached (about 30 seconds).

    Time: PT30S

12. Finish with Parmesan

    Turn off the heat and fold in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and fully incorporated.

    Time: PT1M

13. Plate and Serve

    Transfer the pasta to serving plates or a large bowl, garnish with extra lemon zest or chopped chives if desired, and serve immediately.

    Time: PT1M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

550

Protein

30 g

Carbohydrates

55 g

Fat

20 g

Fiber

3 g