Smoked Salmon in Creamy Whiskey Sauce Over Pasta

Nutriscore Rating: 58/100

Indulge in the luxurious flavors of Smoked Salmon in Creamy Whiskey Sauce Over Pasta, a dish that combines elegance and simplicity for a truly unforgettable meal. Tender fettuccine or linguine is enveloped in a rich, velvety sauce infused with the smoky complexity of whiskey, complemented by the creaminess of Parmesan and heavy cream. The savory, buttery shallots and garlic add depth, while fresh dill and a hint of lemon juice brighten the dish with a refreshing finish. Generous flakes of smoked salmon provide bursts of flavor in every bite, perfectly balanced by a touch of heat from optional red pepper flakes. Ready in just 30 minutes, this crowd-pleasing recipe transforms weeknight dinners or intimate gatherings into gourmet experiences. Pair it with a crisp white wine, and don’t forget to garnish with extra dill and Parmesan for a beautiful presentation!

Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 10 min
• Cook Time: 20 min
• Total Time: 30 min
• Servings: 4 servings
• Difficulty: Medium

🥘 Ingredients

14 items

• 12 ounces fettuccine or linguine pasta
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 small shallots, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup whiskey (e.g., bourbon or Irish whiskey)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 8 ounces smoked salmon, roughly chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 0.5 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

📝 Instructions

7 steps

1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and toss it with olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.

2. Sauté aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the finely diced shallots and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

3. Deglaze with whiskey: Carefully pour the whiskey into the skillet. Increase the heat to medium-high and let it simmer for 3-5 minutes, reducing slightly and allowing the alcohol to cook off.

4. Make the creamy sauce: Reduce the heat to medium and stir in the heavy cream. Once the sauce comes to a gentle simmer, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.

5. Add the smoked salmon: Gently fold in the smoked salmon, fresh dill, lemon juice, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Let the sauce cook for 2-3 minutes, ensuring the salmon is warmed through but not overcooked.

6. Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat evenly in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, use the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, to achieve the desired consistency.

7. Serve: Divide the pasta into bowls or plates. Garnish with additional dill, Parmesan, and a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts

1 serving (311.4g)

Calories		712
% Daily Value*
Total Fat		38.9 g	50%
	Saturated Fat	20.9 g	104%
	Polyunsaturated Fat	0.0 g
Cholesterol		122 mg	41%
Sodium		1235 mg	54%
Total Carbohydrate		29.3 g	11%
	Dietary Fiber	2.2 g	8%
	Total Sugars	2.2 g
Protein		24.0 g	48%
Vitamin D		7.6 mcg	38%
Calcium		253 mg	19%
Iron		1.9 mg	10%
Potassium		268 mg	6%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 1397 cal (62.1%%)

Protein: 385 cal (17.1%%)

Carbs: 468 cal (20.8%%)