This Smoked Salmon Carbonara is a luxurious twist on the classic Italian favorite, combining the richness of smoked salmon with a creamy, velvety sauce. The smoked flavor of the salmon adds a unique depth, making it an easy yet indulgent weeknight meal. It’s quick, satisfying, and perfect for anyone craving a creamy pasta dish with a bit of smokiness.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 12 oz spaghetti

• ½ cup smoked salmon, chopped

• 2 eggs

• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated

• ¼ cup heavy cream

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

1. Cook pasta: Cook spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water and drain the rest.

2. Prepare the egg mixture: In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, Parmesan cheese, and heavy cream.

3. Cook garlic and salmon: In a skillet, sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Add the smoked salmon and cook for 2-3 minutes, until heated through.

4. Combine with pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing it with the garlic and salmon. Remove the skillet from heat.

5. Add egg mixture: Quickly pour the egg and cream mixture over the pasta, stirring to coat the pasta evenly. Add reserved pasta water to thin out the sauce if needed.

6. Serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve immediately.

Nutrients

• Serving Size: 1 serving

• Calories: 428 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 41 g

• Protein: 12 g

• Fat: 23 g

• Saturated Fat: 5 g

• Polyunsaturated Fat: 11 g

• Monounsaturated Fat: 6 g

• Cholesterol: 39 mg

• Sodium: 1317 mg

• Potassium: 234 mg

• Fiber: 1 g

• Sugar: 6 g

• Vitamin A: 276 IU

• Vitamin C: 6 mg

• Calcium: 28 mg

• Iron: 1 mg

Why Choose Smoked Salmon Carbonara?

Smoked Salmon Carbonara is the perfect option for those who crave the rich, creamy goodness of a traditional carbonara but want a twist that adds complexity and flavor. The switch from pork to smoked salmon provides a light, smoky contrast that enhances the dish without overpowering it. The salmon adds both a savory richness and a subtle smokiness that pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce, making this dish indulgent yet not overwhelmingly heavy.

Not only is it flavorful, but it’s also quick and easy to make, which is why it’s an ideal choice for a busy weeknight meal. The key ingredients—smoked salmon, pasta, eggs, Parmesan, and heavy cream—are all easy to find and work together in harmony to create a dish that’s comforting yet sophisticated. This is a perfect choice for those who want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.

Additionally, this dish offers a balance of carbohydrates, fats, and protein, making it a satisfying meal. While it’s rich, the dish doesn’t skimp on flavor or texture, and the addition of the smoked salmon ensures that there’s a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health.

How to Make Smoked Salmon Carbonara

Making Smoked Salmon Carbonara is incredibly simple and can be done in just a few easy steps. Here’s how you can make this dish in under 30 minutes:

1. Cook the Pasta: Start by cooking the spaghetti according to the package instructions, making sure it’s al dente. Once the pasta is cooked, reserve ½ cup of the pasta water before draining the rest. This reserved water will help thin the sauce later on if needed.

2. Prepare the Egg Mixture: In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, grated Parmesan cheese, and heavy cream. This mixture will form the base of your creamy carbonara sauce.

3. Cook Garlic and Salmon: In a large skillet, sauté the minced garlic until it becomes fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Add the chopped smoked salmon to the pan and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through. The salmon will release its smoky aroma, which will infuse the garlic and create a wonderful base flavor for the sauce.

4. Combine with Pasta: Add the drained, cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing it with the garlic and smoked salmon. Remove the skillet from heat to ensure that the pasta doesn’t overcook when you add the egg mixture.

5. Add the Egg Mixture: Quickly pour the egg and cream mixture over the pasta, stirring to evenly coat the spaghetti. The residual heat from the pasta will cook the egg mixture, creating a creamy sauce. If the sauce appears too thick, you can add some of the reserved pasta water to help thin it out and create a silky smooth texture.

6. Serve: Season the dish with salt and pepper to taste, and serve immediately. You can garnish with additional Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs for added flavor, but the dish is just as delicious on its own.

Flavor Profile of Smoked Salmon Carbonara

Smoked Salmon Carbonara combines creamy, rich flavors with the smoky, salty undertones of the salmon. The creamy sauce, made with eggs, Parmesan cheese, and heavy cream, forms a velvety coating over the pasta, creating a comforting and indulgent base. The garlic and smoked salmon add depth, with the garlic contributing aromatic warmth, while the salmon brings a smoky, savory quality that elevates the entire dish.

The Parmesan cheese lends a sharp, nutty flavor that complements the creaminess of the sauce and balances the richness of the salmon. The combination of these flavors creates a perfect harmony that is both luxurious and satisfying. The slight heat from the garlic and the creamy richness of the sauce work together with the smoky flavor of the salmon to create a well-rounded and delicious dish.

This Smoked Salmon Carbonara is a dish that feels comforting yet sophisticated, with every bite delivering a perfect balance of creamy, smoky, and savory flavors. It’s the perfect option for anyone who loves a good pasta dish but wants something a little different from the usual.

Health Benefits of Smoked Salmon Carbonara

While this dish is indulgent, it does offer some health benefits, especially due to the inclusion of smoked salmon. Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for heart health, brain function, and reducing inflammation. Omega-3s are known to promote cardiovascular health by lowering bad cholesterol and improving circulation. The protein from both the salmon and the eggs helps with muscle maintenance and overall body function.

The heavy cream and Parmesan cheese in this dish do contribute saturated fats, but when enjoyed in moderation, they offer a rich source of flavor and calcium, which is essential for bone health. The garlic also offers health benefits, such as supporting the immune system and potentially lowering cholesterol levels.

Overall, Smoked Salmon Carbonara is a satisfying meal that provides both flavor and nutritional value, especially when enjoyed as part of a balanced diet.

Serving Suggestions for Smoked Salmon Carbonara

Smoked Salmon Carbonara can be served on its own as a rich, filling meal, but here are a few ideas to complement the dish:

• With a Fresh Salad: Pair this pasta with a light, refreshing salad, such as a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, to balance the richness of the carbonara. The crispness of the salad provides a nice contrast to the creamy pasta.

• With Garlic Bread: Serve the carbonara with a side of garlic bread for an extra indulgence. The crispy bread with garlic butter will complement the creamy sauce and add an extra crunch to each bite.

• As a Dinner Party Dish: This dish is perfect for entertaining. It’s easy to make in large quantities and will impress your guests with its rich flavors and luxurious ingredients. Serve it alongside some wine, like a light white wine or sparkling rosé, for a complete dining experience.

• For Meal Prep: If you have leftovers, Smoked Salmon Carbonara can be stored in the fridge for a day or two. Just reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or pasta water to restore the sauce’s creamy texture.

Conclusion: A Luxurious Twist on Carbonara

In conclusion, Smoked Salmon Carbonara is an elevated and indulgent version of the classic Italian dish. The smoky, savory flavor of the salmon combined with the creamy, velvety sauce creates a luxurious and satisfying meal. It’s quick, easy to prepare, and perfect for anyone craving a comforting, creamy pasta dish with a bit of smokiness. Whether you’re enjoying it as a weeknight dinner or serving it for a special occasion, Smoked Salmon Carbonara is a dish that will leave everyone satisfied and impressed.