Penne Al Salmone is a creamy and tasty penne pasta dish made of smoked and fresh salmon, cream sauce, and dill.
This Italian pasta dish is the favorite pasta that my family has made for years. My 14-year-old son chose this dish to cook for his teachers because he finds it tasty and easy to make, even though he’s not an experienced cook.
This creamy penne pasta dish, Penne Alla Salmone, is inspired by salmon penne alla vodka, known in Italian as penne al salmone e vodka. It is a popular salmon pasta recipe that is often featured on the menus of Italian restaurants.
Although this classic Italian pasta dish called penne al vodka might include vodka, I’ve chosen white wine for its delicate profile.
Why you’ll love Penne al Salmone
- This pasta is creamy and perfect for salmon and pasta lovers.
- It requires very little cooking time, making it a great option for an easy weeknight dinner.
- It looks fancy, but it is simple to cook.
What you need for this pasta dish
Use Fresh salmon
fresh salmon from Atlantic farm or wild salmon are a great choices or good quality MOWI from sustainable sources
Use smoked salmon
You can use just fresh salmon, but I prefer using both, adding the smoked salmon towards the end of the cooking process to maintain its texture and flavor
regular penne pasta
make this recipe with any short pasta shapes that will hold the tasty cream sauce well.
Olive Oil
You can use extra virgin olive oil, but it is not necessary. Alternatively, butter works too.
dry white wine
Choose a dry white wine with bright acidity, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. The wine should complement the dish without overpowering it.
wholegrain mustard
Pick a wholegrain mustard with visible seeds for added texture. Dijon mustard is also a good option for a smoother consistency.
I didn’t have wholegrain; I used mustard and mustard seeds and added a spoonful of Dijon mustard.
Double cream
double cream or heavy cream as an alternative if double cream is not available.
Chopped fresh dill
I used fresh dill, but you can also alter it to dry. You can also use other fresh herbs if you have them, like fresh basil or parsley.
Here are herbs that look like dill if you are confused.
To garnish
fresh dill sprigs and roasted pine nuts or sunflower seeds.
How to make Penne al Salmone
First Step: Prepare Ingredients
Cut the fresh salmon into small cubes and smoked salmon into strips. Peel and chop the onion.
Second Step: Make a pasta sauce
In a large frying pan, melt the butter, add the onion, and sauté over medium heat until soft and golden, about 7 minutes. Add mustard, stir in the wine, and simmer until the wine is reduced by half. Stir in the cream and simmer for one minute.
Third step: Cook the Salmon
Then lower the heat and add fresh salmon to the pan. Cook gently for 2-3 minutes until the fish is firm. Stir in the dill and season with salt and pepper. Remove from the heat.
Fourth Step: Cook the Pasta
Meanwhile, fill a large pasta pot with salted water and bring water to a boil. Add pasta to the pot, stir, and cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water. Drain the pasta and transfer to a serving dish.
Fifth step: Serve
coat the pasta with the sauce. If you need to adjust the consistency, drizzle in ¼ cup of pasta water. Add smoked salmon strips and toss lightly to mix. Garnish with fresh dill and toasted pine nuts.
Pasta al Salmone Tips & Tricks
- Buy salmon with the skin already removed for faster preparation.
- Use kitchen scissors to snip the smoked salmon into strips
- If using white wine, pick a dry white wine with good acidity. Pour a wine you’d enjoy drinking, as the quality of the wine affects the dish.
Equipment and Tools
if you cook pasta often, you will appreciate this Pasta pot
Stainless Steel Kitchen Scissors that will help you cut salmon with ease
Storage & Reheating Tips
Store in an airtight container and eat leftovers within 4-5 days. You can also freeze it in a freezer-safe, airtight container for up to 3 months.
The best way o reheat is in the skillet over medium heat until warm.
Variations to this salmon pasta recipe
- Substitute wholegrain mustard with horseradish aioli for a spicy kick.
- For a hint of heat, add chili flakes or finely chopped fresh chili to the sauce.
- While tubular pasta shapes are great for this recipe, experiment with different pasta shapes like rigatoni or fusilli.
- Adding fresh parsley or basil for an even more summery dish.
- Add Toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds for a delightful crunch to the pasta. Sprinkle them over the dish just before serving.
How to serve this delicious pasta
Plate the pasta individually or on a large serving platter and sprinkle freshly chopped dill.
If you enjoy cheese, offer freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino on the side. Guests can add it according to their preference.
Serve this delicious pasta with lemon wedges on the side. This lets diners squeeze some fresh lemon juice over their pasta, enhancing the flavors.
Accompany the pasta with slices of crusty bread or garlic bread. It’s perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
Consider serving a light side salad with a simple vinaigrette to balance the richness of the pasta.
Other Pasta Recipes
Penne Al Salmone {with fresh and smoked salmon}
Equipment
- Japanese Kitchen Shears/Scissors
- Cuisinart Cookware-Collection
Ingredients
- 300 g salmon 10 z fresh fillet skinned
- 125 g smoked salmon 4 oz
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion
- 250 ml dry white wine
- 2 tbsp mustard wholegrain
- 3 tbsp dill chopped fresh
- 120 ml double cream 1 /2cup
- 300 g dried penne pasta 12 oz
- Salt and pepper to taste
- pine nuts roasted, to garnish
Instructions
- [mv_schema_meta name="Prepare Ingredients"]Cut the fresh salmon into small cubes and smoked salmon into strips. Peel and chop the onion.
- [mv_schema_meta name="Make a pasta sauce"]In a large frying pan, melt the butter, add the onion, and sauté over medium heat until soft and golden, about 7 minutes. Add mustard, stir in the wine, and simmer until the wine is reduced by half. Stir in the cream and simmer for one minute.
- [mv_schema_meta name="Cook the Salmon"]Then lower the heat and add fresh salmon to the pan. Cook gently for 2-3 minutes until the fish is firm. Stir in the dill and season with salt and pepper. Remove from the heat.
- [mv_schema_meta name="Cook the Pasta"]Meanwhile, fill a large pasta pot with salted water and bring water to a boil. Add pasta to the pot, stir, and cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water. Drain the pasta and transfer to a serving dish.
- [mv_schema_meta name="Serve"]Coat the pasta with the sauce. If you need to adjust the consistency, drizzle in ¼ cup of pasta water. Add smoked salmon strips and toss lightly to mix. Garnish with fresh dill and toasted pine nuts.
