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Healthier Smoked Salmon Linguine Recipe

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This Healthier Smoked Salmon Linguine is a creamy, flavorful pasta dish featuring tender linguine tossed in a rich garlic cream sauce with fresh lemon juice, smoked salmon, and capers. It's a delightful and satisfying meal perfect for seafood lovers looking for an easy yet elegant dinner option.

Ingredients

For the Pasta:

  • 1 lb linguine

For the Garlic Cream Sauce:

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 4 tbsp salted butter (preferably Kerrygold)
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice
  • 6-8 garlic cloves, finely chopped

For the Final Dish:

  • 1 tbsp chopped parsley
  • 1 lb smoked salmon
  • 3-4 tbsp reserved pasta water
  • 2 tbsp capers, drained

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add linguine pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta water before draining the rest and setting the cooked pasta aside.
  2. Prepare the Cream Sauce: In a large saucepan or skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to let the garlic brown. Then add the heavy cream to the pan and bring it to a gentle boil.
  3. Thicken the Sauce: Stir in the lemon juice and 3-4 tablespoons of the reserved pasta water into the boiling cream mixture. Allow the sauce to come to a boil again, which will help it thicken slightly. Add salt to taste, mix well, and then turn off the heat.
  4. Combine Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked linguine to the sauce in the saucepan. Toss thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy garlic sauce.
  5. Add Smoked Salmon and Capers: Use a fork to break the smoked salmon into smaller pieces. Add the salmon and drained capers to the pasta and sauce. Toss gently but thoroughly to combine all ingredients well.
  6. Garnish and Serve: If desired, garnish the pasta with freshly chopped parsley. Serve the creamy smoked salmon linguine hot for best flavor and enjoy your meal!

Notes

  • Reserve pasta water as it helps to loosen the sauce and improve its texture.
  • Do not brown the garlic; sauté it just until fragrant to avoid bitterness.
  • You can adjust the amount of lemon juice depending on your preference for tartness.
  • If you want a lighter version, substitute half the heavy cream with a light cream or milk, though this will affect richness.
  • Smoked salmon can be replaced with fresh salmon if you prefer; just cook the salmon before adding.