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!
Mine tasted bland. I think my dill was old? Also I might’ve overcooked the cream because it split slightly. Not terrible, just needed more seasoning.
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.
This is restaurant-level good. The dill cream sauce is so silky, and the smoked salmon really pops. I added extra pepper and it made it even better.
Absolutely delicious! The dill really adds a fresh flavor. Will definitely make again! 😍
5 stars! It’s like a gourmet meal right at home!
This is one of those meals that makes you feel like you own a restaurant. The parmesan + dill combo is money. 10/10 comfort pasta.
Eh, it was okay. Smoke salmon tastes weird. I thought it would be better. 🤷♂️
This was insanely creamy and the dill actually tastes fresh, not weird. I added a squeeze of lemon at the end and it made the smoked salmon pop even more. Would make again for sure.
Too much cream, not enough flavor. I could barely taste the dill. Disappointing!
good pasta
This was amazing! The dill cream sauce is so rich and tasty! Definitely a keeper!
This was quick and comforting. The sauce came together smoothly and the parmesan/dill combo is a winner. I used bottled dill once (oops) and it wasn’t the same, so fresh dill matters.
Recipe seems too rich for my taste. Used half the cream but still felt heavy.
I get that! Creamy dishes can be heavy, maybe try a lighter sauce next time?
The sauce is rich rich rich. I had to use a bit more parmesan because mine looked too thin after the 5 minute simmer (maybe my cream was bigger? idk). Tasted good though and the family liked it.
Mine didn’t taste like what I expected. Could be I had the wrong type of salmon???
Absolutely loved this—creamy without being too heavy, and the dill really brightens up the smoked salmon. I added a tiny squeeze of lemon at the end and it tasted restaurant-level.
This recipe was super easy and quick! The combination of dill and smoked salmon is just divine. Will definitely make it again!
I tried this recipe too and it turned out great! I love how simple it is.
Really? Smoked salmon? I don’t get why people like fish in pasta. Sounds weird to me.
This was amazing! So creamy and delicious. I can’t believe how easy it was to make.
Made this tonight and it was super cozy. The dill cream sauce tasted restaurant-level, and the smoked salmon folded in perfectly without getting rubbery. I added a little extra black pepper and it really popped.
Love this! The dill cream sauce sounds so dreamy—restaurant-level is exactly what I’m chasing 😂 Also good tip on extra black pepper.
Omg yasss! This is now my favorite dish! So creamy!
So easy to make! My kids loved it, especially the salmon 😋
Not a fan of dill but tried this anyway. It was okay, but I had to add a lot of spice to make it more enjoyable.
Dill is the best! But I guess not everyone has to like it. Glad you gave it a shot tho!
I understand the struggle! Dill can be overpowering. Adding spices is a good move! Maybe try capers next time?
It was ok, a bit too creamy for my taste. I might try it again with less cream.
Tastes great but you might want to find fresh salmon, not that canned stuff.
My family loved this dish! It was easy to make and savory. Will make again for sure! 😊
Sounds fancy but was super easy to make! My guests were impressed!
Really good comfort food. The sauce came together fast, and the parmesan/dill combo is excellent. Only thing: I salted very lightly because the smoked salmon is already salty.
Totally agree—this is such comforting food. I also started with light salt since smoked salmon can be plenty salty. The dill + parmesan really makes the sauce pop!
Way too much cream for my taste. Might try half next time.
Mine turned out a bit thick, like pasty—maybe I didn’t stir enough or my parmesan clumped. Next time I’ll loosen it with a splash of pasta water. Still tasty though!
Could use clearer timing—like when the cream should simmer vs just steam. I simmered hard and it reduced too much, but adjusting the heat next time will fix it.
Totally agree—“simmer vs steam” is a big difference with cream. I try to keep it at a gentle simmer (little bubbles, not rolling) for that 5 minutes so it stays silky and doesn’t get too thick.
Good point, but I think your timing might be off more than the heat. Like, the recipe says bring to a simmer and cook 5 minutes—if your pan runs hot, yeah it’ll reduce fast. Next time maybe start checking around 3-4 min and stop when it coats the back of a spoon.
This is such a fancy recipe for just pasta! But I loved it. 🙌