Description
A delicious twist on the classic Italian carbonara, this Smoked Salmon Carbonara combines creamy Parmesan and egg sauce with the smoky richness of salmon for a satisfying seafood pasta dish that is quick and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz spaghetti or linguine
Sauce
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Other
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 oz smoked salmon, sliced into strips
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti or linguine according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta.
- Prepare the Egg Mixture: In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, grated Parmesan cheese, heavy cream, and black pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Sauté Garlic: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Combine Pasta and Garlic: Add the hot drained pasta to the skillet with the garlic and toss to coat the pasta evenly in the oil and garlic flavor.
- Create the Sauce: Remove the skillet from direct heat to avoid scrambling the eggs. Quickly stir in the egg and cheese mixture, tossing continuously to coat the pasta and create a creamy sauce. Add a splash of the reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce to your desired consistency.
- Add Salmon and Parsley: Fold in the smoked salmon strips and chopped fresh parsley gently, mixing until just combined and heated through.
- Serve: Serve immediately with extra grated Parmesan cheese and lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the pasta for a fresh citrus brightness.
Notes
- Remove the skillet from direct heat before adding the egg mixture to prevent the eggs from scrambling.
- For an extra rich and sharp flavor, substitute Pecorino Romano cheese in place of Parmesan cheese.
- Use fresh parsley for the best flavor and garnish.
- Lemon wedges enhance the dish by adding a fresh, tangy contrast to the creamy sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 640 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 145 mg
