Pappardelle with Smoked Salmon is a luxurious and flavorful pasta dish that combines the silky texture of wide pappardelle noodles with the smoky richness of salmon. This dish is light yet indulgent, with the creamy sauce perfectly complementing the tender pasta and delicate flavor of the smoked salmon. It’s an elegant meal that’s ideal for a dinner party or a special night in.
The pappardelle is the perfect pasta choice for this dish, its wide, flat shape provides an ideal base for the creamy sauce, allowing the rich flavors to cling to every bite. The pasta is cooked al dente and tossed in a creamy sauce made with butter, cream, and a touch of lemon juice for brightness. The creaminess of the sauce complements the smoky salmon beautifully, while the lemon adds a refreshing contrast.
The smoked salmon is gently flaked into bite-sized pieces and folded into the pasta. The smokiness of the salmon infuses the sauce, adding depth and richness without being overpowering. The combination of the delicate, savory salmon and the creamy sauce creates a luxurious mouthfeel that’s both comforting and indulgent.
For added flavor, fresh dill or chives can be sprinkled over the top, giving the dish a fresh, herbal note that brightens the richness of the sauce. A sprinkle of cracked black pepper or a zest of lemon can also be added to enhance the flavors and give the dish a little extra zing.
Pappardelle with Smoked Salmon is best served immediately, allowing the pasta to absorb the creamy sauce while still retaining its perfect texture. It’s an ideal dish for a sophisticated dinner, whether you’re entertaining guests or enjoying a special meal with loved ones.
In summary, Pappardelle with Smoked Salmon is a creamy, rich, and indulgent pasta dish that combines the silky texture of pappardelle with the smoky, delicate flavor of salmon. The creamy sauce and fresh herbs enhance the dish’s elegance, making it a perfect choice for a flavorful, memorable meal.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pappardelle pasta
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 shallot finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese grated
- 1/4 cup dill chopped fresh
- 4 ounces smoked salmon cut into thin strips
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pappardelle pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the shallot and garlic and cook until softened, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the heavy cream to the skillet and bring to a simmer. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped dill until melted and well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the cooked pappardelle pasta to the skillet and toss to coat the pasta in the dill cream sauce.
- Gently fold in the smoked salmon strips. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until heated through.
- Serve the pappardelle with smoked salmon and dill cream sauce immediately, garnished with additional fresh dill if desired.
This looks fancy but I think is just overcooked pasta with fish n sauce?? IDK.
I had high hopes, but the salmon was too strong for me. Maybe I added too much? Still, it looks pretty.
Looks good, but i dont like salmon that much. maybe ill try just with butter and cream.🤔
I totally get what you mean! Smoked salmon can be strong if you’re not used to it. Maybe next time try less or more cream to balance it out!
Ewww, the dill ruins it. Smoked salmon is good but not in this sauce. Way overrated!
I totally disagree! The dill adds such a fresh flavor. You probably just don’t like dill. This recipe is awesome!
But smoked salmon and dill is like classic combination! Maybe try it without the cream sauce next time?
Made this for dinner tonight and wow—creamy but not heavy. The dill is the perfect touch with the smoked salmon. I used a little extra parmesan and it turned out amazing.
Not sure if my dill was too strong or I overdid the garlic—mine tasted kinda harsh. Also I forgot to add pepper until the end and it needed more seasoning.
That harsh taste sounds like either the garlic really did overpower it or the dill was on the heavy side. Next time I’d try 1 clove (or even 1/2) and add the dill a touch at the end instead of all at once.
Super tasty! My family loved it. I will definitely make this again. Thanks for sharing!
Ehh… not for me. I think I prefer classic alfredo. Didn’t like the smokey taste.
Pasta? what’s that? I really don’t eat. Just here for my friend who invited me.
Dill is kinda weird for pasta, imo. Like smoked salmon already has flavor—why bury it in cream? Ended up tossing half. Maybe I did somethin wrong.
This was a train wreck for me. The sauce curdled and I think I did everything right!
Yum! Just what I needed for dinner. No leftovers though, my kids ate it all!
I don’t get it, how can kids like salmon? Haha, mine just eat plain pasta. Not gonna try it.
That sounds amazing! My kids love smoked salmon too. I think I’ll try this recipe next week!
Good flavor combo, but my sauce got a bit too thick after adding the parmesan. I had to splash in extra cream/water to loosen it. Still tasted great though.
Really tasty, but I felt the sauce needed a tiny splash of pasta water to loosen it. Also, 4 oz smoked salmon felt a bit low for me.
4 oz smoked salmon low?? 😅 I’d go more like 6-8 oz for sure. Still decent though—dill cream sounds legit. I think I’d add extra parmesan too.
Glad you liked it! Pasta water really is a cheat code—starchy splash helps emulsify the cream. Next time I’d also do it if the sauce feels too thick.
Awesome!!! 🤤 So delicious and easy to make!I didn’t have enough dill tho.
Thanks for sharing! Maybe try some parsley next time if you’re out of dill. 😄
Not a fan. The dill was too strong for my taste. I prefer simpler sauces.
I don’t usually cook with cream sauces, so I was nervous. Surprisingly easy—didn’t even split for me. The smoked salmon tasted fancy lol.
Yum! So easy to make. My kitchen smell so good right now. Kids ate it all!
That sounds amazing! I love when kids enjoy the food we make. Will definitely try this recipe soon!
I dunno… Seems a bit too fancy for my taste. Pasta and salmon? Not sure about that combo. 😕
Uhhh I think I did something wrong lol. My pasta was fine but the sauce didnt taste “smokey” at all, just creamy. Maybe I needed more smoked salmon? Or different brand?
I tried this recipe, but I don’t think I did it right. The salmon was too fishy. 🤢
Yum, I made this twice already! The flavors are just fantastic together! Thumbs up!
My shallot was still crunchy after 2-3 minutes, so I cooked it longer. After that the base tasted sweeter and smoother. Great recipe overall!
Made this for dinner tonight and it was *so* good. The dill cream sauce tastes fancy but is actually easy. I added a little lemon zest at the end and it really brightened everything.
Love this—lemon zest is such a good idea with dill and salmon. I’ve always thought the dill cream sauce sounds “fancy” too, but it really is straightforward. Gonna try it next time!
Made this tonight and wow—so creamy and the dill is perfect with the smoked salmon. I added a little lemon zest at the end and it really brightened it up. Super restaurant-y for being easy.
Nice! I love that lemon zest move—cream sauces can be a little heavy otherwise. Glad it came out super creamy for you.
I’m skeptical that 4 oz smoked salmon is enough for 8 oz pasta, but I tried it and it was actually balanced. Next time I’ll add a splash more cream for more sauce.
Pretty solid recipe. The smoked salmon warms through nicely without getting rubbery. I used half-and-half because that’s what I had, and it still worked, just not as thick.
Too much cream! I love pappardelle, but this recipe is swimming in sauce. I’ll try less next time.
This was delicious! The dill really makes it shine. Will make again!
I’m glad you loved it! The dill and salmon combo is just perfect. I can’t wait to try this myself!
Best pasta!!
Totally agree! This recipe is a game changer. The dill sauce is divine!
Not bad, but it felt kinda heavy. Also I accidentally forgot the salt until the end, so I had to season more. Smoked salmon is pricey where I live, so maybe I’ll stretch it next time with extra pasta.
Easy and fancy enough for guests! My family liked it more than regular pasta with cream. I added extra dill because I love dill, and it didn’t ruin anything.