Smoked Salmon in Creamy Whiskey Sauce Over Pasta
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!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Calories |
2582 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 145.9 g | 187% | |
| Saturated Fat | 80.9 g | 404% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 382 mg | 127% | |
| Sodium | 3829 mg | 166% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 116.1 g | 42% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 8.1 g | 29% | |
| Total Sugars | 7.4 g | ||
| Protein | 53.7 g | 107% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 963 mg | 74% | |
| Iron | 5.4 mg | 30% | |
| Potassium | 381 mg | 8% | |
*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.
