This Smoked Salmon Carbonara is a tasty twist on the classic dish, perfect for seafood lovers! Creamy sauce, tender pasta, and savory smoked salmon come together to create a simple yet special meal.
Whipping this up is a breeze! I love how I can impress my friends with just a few steps. And let’s be real—who wouldn’t want to eat pasta with salmon? It’s a flavor party on a plate! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I recommend using spaghetti or linguine as they hold the sauce beautifully. If you’re avoiding gluten, feel free to use gluten-free pasta or even zoodles (zucchini noodles) for a lighter option.
Smoked Salmon: This ingredient is the star! If you can’t find smoked salmon, you can substitute it with cooked shrimp or even sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian twist.
Eggs: They add creaminess to the sauce. For a lighter version, you can use just egg whites or a combination of whole eggs and egg whites.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is best for taste! If you’re out, Pecorino Romano works well too, just keep in mind it’s saltier. Nutritional yeast is a great vegan alternative!
Chives: Fresh chives bring a mild onion flavor. If you don’t have any, regular onion or green onions can do the job in a pinch!
How Do I Get the Creamy Sauce Just Right?
Creating that perfect creamy sauce is a little tricky but totally doable! Here are the steps to perfect it:
- Whisk eggs and cheese together until smooth, ensuring there are no lumps. This gives your sauce its creamy texture.
- When combining everything, remove the skillet from heat before adding the egg mixture. This helps prevent the eggs from scrambling!
- Add the reserved pasta water slowly. Start with a little and increase until you achieve that silky sauce you want. Remember, too much can make it soupy!
And a little tip from me: work quickly! Tossing the pasta while adding the sauce will help coat every strand and create that luscious feel.
Smoked Salmon Carbonara
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz (340g) spaghetti or linguine pasta
- 4 oz (115g) smoked salmon, roughly chopped
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup fresh chives, chopped (or substitute with parsley)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: lemon zest for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and another 15 minutes to cook, totaling about 30 minutes. It’s a quick and satisfying meal, perfect for busy weeknights or even a special weekend dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Remember to reserve about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta, then set it aside while you prepare the sauce.
2. Prepare the Egg Mixture:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs and half of the grated Parmesan cheese until you have a smooth mixture. This will be the creamy base of your carbonara!
3. Sauté Garlic and Salmon:
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, just until it becomes fragrant but not browned. Then, add the chopped smoked salmon. Stir gently, warming it up for 1 to 2 minutes, but don’t overcook—just enough to warm it through.
4. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Once the pasta is cooked and drained, add it to the skillet and toss it with the salmon and garlic. Remove the skillet from the heat, then slowly pour the egg and Parmesan mixture over the pasta, tossing quickly to coat the pasta and make a creamy sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water until you get your desired consistency.
5. Add Finishing Touches:
Stir in the chopped chives, and season the carbonara with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Make sure to adjust to your liking!
6. Serve:
Plate your delicious Smoked Salmon Carbonara and sprinkle with the remaining Parmesan cheese. If you like, add a bit of lemon zest on top for a fresh flavor boost. Enjoy your meal hot!
Now you’re all set to enjoy a scrumptious and creamy Smoked Salmon Carbonara, perfect for a cozy dinner at home!
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While spaghetti and linguine are traditional choices, you can use any pasta shape you like. Penne or fettuccine would also work great! Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Chives?
No worries! If you don’t have fresh chives, you can substitute them with parsley or green onions. They’ll still add that fresh flavor you’re looking for!
How to Store Leftover Carbonara?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove with a splash of water or cream to bring back the creaminess!
Can I Make This Dish Without Eggs?
Yes! For a no-egg version, you can use heavy cream or a dairy-free alternative to achieve a creamy texture. Just add it after the pasta and warm briefly without boiling to prevent separation.
