Description
This Creamy Smoked Salmon Fusilli Pasta is a delightful and luscious dish that combines smoky salmon with a rich, creamy sauce made without cheese. Perfect for a quick yet elegant meal, it features tender fusilli pasta tossed in a smooth blend of smoked salmon, shallots, white wine, and double cream, finished with fresh parsley and black pepper for a balanced flavor.
Ingredients
Smoked Salmon Mixture
- 200 g Smoked Salmon, roughly chopped
- 1 Small Shallot or Onion, grated
- 2 tbsp White Wine (optional)
- 250 ml Double Cream
- 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley, chopped
- Black Pepper, to taste
Pasta
- 500 g Dried Fusilli Pasta
- Salt, for pasta water
- Olive Oil, for cooking shallots
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fusilli pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare Shallots and Salmon: Peel and grate the shallot. Roughly slice the smoked salmon into smaller pieces and carefully check for any fine bones, removing them if present.
- Sauté Shallots: Heat a large pan over medium heat with a little olive oil. Add the grated shallot and cook for 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Simmer with White Wine: If using, pour in the white wine and let it simmer for about 1 minute to evaporate alcohol and meld flavors.
- Cook Smoked Salmon: Add the smoked salmon pieces to the pan and cook through gently for a couple of minutes.
- Separate and Blend: Remove one-third of the shallot and salmon mixture and set aside. Transfer the remaining mixture into a blender and blend until smooth to create a creamy paste.
- Create Sauce: Return the blended mixture to the pan and add the double cream. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Season with black pepper to taste.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked fusilli pasta to the pan and toss thoroughly to coat with the creamy sauce. Stir in the reserved one-third mixture and chopped fresh parsley.
- Serve: Serve the pasta immediately, garnished with extra parsley if desired for added freshness and color.
Notes
- You can omit the white wine or substitute with vegetable broth for a non-alcoholic version.
- Check the smoked salmon carefully to avoid any bones for a pleasant eating experience.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer the cream a little longer before combining with the pasta.
- This dish pairs well with a light green salad or crusty bread.
- The recipe is naturally free from cheese, making it suitable for those avoiding dairy-based cheeses.
