Rich, creamy pasta with flaked hot-smoked salmon, bright lemon, and fresh herbs for an easy weeknight dinner.
# What you'll need:
→ Pasta
01 - 12 oz dried fettuccine or spaghetti
02 - Salt for pasta water
→ Sauce
03 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 small shallot, finely chopped
06 - 3/4 cup plus 2 tbsp heavy cream
07 - 1 tsp Dijon mustard
08 - Zest and juice of 1 lemon
09 - Scant 1/2 cup reserved pasta cooking water
10 - Freshly ground black pepper to taste
11 - 5 oz hot-smoked salmon, flaked
12 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
13 - 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill or flat-leaf parsley
# How To Make It:
01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve scant 1/2 cup pasta cooking water before draining.
02 - Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and chopped shallot, sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
03 - Pour in heavy cream, Dijon mustard, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Simmer gently for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
04 - Add flaked hot-smoked salmon and half the chopped herbs. Stir gently to distribute evenly and warm through.
05 - Transfer drained pasta to the skillet. Add reserved pasta water as needed to achieve desired consistency. Sprinkle Parmesan over top and toss until pasta is thoroughly coated and sauce is silky.
06 - Season generously with black pepper. Taste and adjust salt if necessary. Serve immediately, garnished with remaining herbs and extra lemon zest if desired.
