May 16, 2022 · Modified: Mar 5, 2024 by Carita · This post may contain affiliate links · 31 Comments

Pasta al Salmone (Salmon Pasta)

Get a taste of Italian flare and prepare Pasta al Salmone (Salmon Pasta). Smoked salmon is tossed with caramelized onions and pasta in a white cream sauce. Ready in under thirty minutes, prepare for this rich dish to be a staple in your home!

If you like this recipe, you will love Lobster Ravioli with Cream Sauce or this Pan Seared Salmon Pasta.

Table of Contents

PASTA AL SALMONE

To explain, some of the recipes shared on my blog stem from an amazing dining experience at a restaurant. With that said, this recipe was inspired from a visit to Sapori di Napoli in Decatur, Georgia. Conversely, I do not prefer salmon in dishes and normally enjoy white fish or shellfish items.

However, I absolutely love smoked salmon. Of course, after reading the entree description and asking the waiter who said it was a top seller, I was sold!

WHAT DOES SMOKED SALMON PASTA TASTE LIKE?

In this case, I could not find a lot of research or history on Pasta al Salmone. With this in mind, I believe this is possibly served in all parts of Italy! The smoked salmon is the star of this dish, and the caramelized onions add a pleasing sweetness flair that cuts the saltiness of the dish.

Adding the light cream sauce really makes the dish rich and just downright decadent. While I do not plan to eat this dish every day (since I'm watching my waistline), this will absolutely be a staple in my home when I'm in the mood to indulge.

FLAVOR PROFILE

The pasta is salted and cooked until al dente leaving behind a pleasing texture. Caramelized onions are sautéed in butter until browned and translucent. A light cream sauce is prepared with traditional white sauce ingredients- butter, cream, cheese and white wine. A bit of tomato paste is added because, well I wanted to keep it close to the dish I had and it for sure had a pink sauce.

Finally, the pasta, white sauce and caramelized onions are tossed carefully with smoked salmon. Topped with fresh parmesan cheese, parsley and lemon juice, prepare to be pleasantly surprised at the depth of flavor from just a few household ingredients!

INGREDIENTS NEEDED

Pasta of your choice. The original recipe had tagliatelle, but I could not find it. In this recipe I used Pappardelle.
Heavy Cream. Don't omit this step, it is the base of the cream sauce.
Yellow Onion. Yellow works best as it is sweet and not as poignant as white or red onions.
Tomato Paste. This ingredient is optional but if you prefer it to be like the restaurant version (or you like pink sauces) keep it in your recipe!
Lemon. This ingredient always works well with seafood recipes.
Parmesan Cheese. Good quality is best. Leave the powdery stuff on the shelf.
Smoked Salmon. Get the good stuff. For this recipe, use the whole fillet and not thinly smoked salmon that is normally used on bagels or toast.

HOW TO PREPARE PASTA AL SALMONE

It is important to note, Pasta al Salmone comes together in minutes. Prep all ingredients before beginning the recipe for quick and easy cooking!

First, in a large pot bring salted water to a boil. While the pasta water is boiling, prepare the cream sauce. Next, add butter to a large sauce pan on medium/high heat. Then, add the thinly sliced onions to the pan, tossing and stirring until brown, caramelized and translucent. This step will take about ten minutes, a little patience is required.

Now, pour the white wine into the pan and begin to deglaze. Allow the wine to cook out (30-60 seconds) and stir until the wine is reduced.

SMOKED SALMON CREAM SAUCE

After the onions are cooked through, pour in the heavy cream. The heat will be on medium/high heat from preparing the caramelized onions. Allow the cream to come to a slow boil and then turn the heat down to a low simmer. Now, add in the parmesan cheese and stir.

Season with salt and pepper if desired. Continue to stir and cook the white sauce for 2-3 minutes. Next, add the tomato paste and continue to stir until well combined. As the sauce thickens, now is a good time to prepare the noodles.

ASSEMBLE THE DISH

As the noodles cook, finish the pasta sauce by adding the smoked salmon fillet in whole (removing the skin if applicable) and carefully toss the smoke salmon and sauce allowing the salmon to break down into bite sized pieces.

Lastly, toss the cooked pasta into the smoked salmon cream sauce, tossing until thoroughly combined.

Finally, top the pasta dish with additional parmesan cheese, parsley and fresh lemon juice. Serve immediately for best results!

TIPS FOR BEST RESULTS!

Serve immediately! This dish is best enjoyed fresh and hot. The cream sauce is best when it's silky and smooth. As it sets, the sauce will not be as enjoyable.
Quality ingredients. If you're wanting "restaurant style" quality experience at home. Always buy premium ingredients at the store. I promise it makes a difference.
White Cream Sauce. The sauce amount will appear to be "extra" but will thicken almost immediately after removing it from the heat. Use the entire amount listed in the recipe.
Prep ingredients. As mentioned, prepping the ingredients first (which is minimal) will aide in an easy and quick cooking experience.