Smoked Salmon Carbonara Recipe

Introduction

Smoked Salmon Carbonara is a delightful twist on the classic Italian dish, combining the rich flavors of smoked salmon with a creamy, cheesy sauce. It’s quick to prepare and perfect for a comforting yet elegant meal any night of the week.

Ingredients

• 12 oz spaghetti
• 1/2 cup smoked salmon, chopped
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cook the spaghetti in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the rest.
2. Step 2: In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, Parmesan cheese, and heavy cream until smooth.
3. Step 3: Heat a skillet over medium heat and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
4. Step 4: Add the cooked spaghetti and chopped smoked salmon to the skillet, tossing to combine.
5. Step 5: Remove the skillet from heat. Quickly pour in the egg mixture and toss vigorously to coat the pasta, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to achieve a creamy sauce.
6. Step 6: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh Parmesan for a richer flavor and creamier sauce.
• If you prefer, substitute smoked salmon with regular cooked salmon or pancetta for a traditional carbonara taste.
• To keep the sauce from scrambling, make sure to remove the pan from heat before adding the egg mixture and stir quickly.
• Add a handful of fresh parsley or chives for a burst of color and freshness.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or pasta water to revive the sauce. Avoid microwaving to prevent the eggs from curdling.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any long pasta like fettuccine or linguine works well with this recipe, but be sure to adjust cooking times accordingly.

Is it safe to use raw eggs in carbonara?

Yes, the heat from the freshly cooked pasta gently cooks the eggs, creating a creamy sauce. Using fresh, high-quality eggs reduces any risk.

Smoked Salmon Carbonara Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 92 reviews

This Smoked Salmon Carbonara is a luxurious twist on the classic Italian pasta dish, combining creamy egg and Parmesan sauce with the rich, smoky flavor of salmon. Ready in under 30 minutes, it offers a quick yet elegant meal perfect for seafood lovers seeking comfort food with a gourmet touch.

• Author: Jeannette
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 22 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 12 oz spaghetti

Sauce and Flavorings

• 1/2 cup smoked salmon, chopped
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water before draining the pasta thoroughly.
2. Prepare Sauce Mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, grated Parmesan cheese, and heavy cream until smooth and well combined. Set aside.
3. Sauté Garlic and Salmon: Heat a skillet over medium heat and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the chopped smoked salmon and gently warm through without cooking too long to maintain its delicate texture.
4. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet with garlic and smoked salmon. Remove the skillet from heat to avoid scrambling the eggs. Quickly pour in the egg mixture, stirring vigorously to coat the pasta evenly and create a creamy sauce. Use the reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce to your desired consistency.
5. Season and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve immediately while warm for the best flavors and texture.

Notes

• Be careful not to overcook the egg sauce to prevent scrambling; always remove the skillet from heat when adding the egg mixture.
• Using reserved pasta water helps to thin the sauce and make it silky smooth.
• Smoked salmon adds a rich, smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with the creamy carbonara base.
• Freshly grated Parmesan provides the best flavor and texture.
• This dish is best served immediately for optimal creaminess and temperature.

Keywords: Smoked Salmon Carbonara, creamy pasta, quick Italian recipe, smoked salmon recipe, carbonara with salmon