Creamy Salmon Tagliatelle Pasta Recipe

This creamy salmon tagliatelle pasta recipe looks like it would be difficult to make, but it isn’t at all. Salmon is one of my favorite dishes. I love it in all forms, and I am always looking for ways to make pasta dishes with it. This dish is almost like an alfredo sauce, but with a mixture of cream cheese and heavy whipping cream instead of the crème fraîche (or double cream). Herbs like dill and parsley enhance the overall flavor profile, giving the dish a sophisticated touch.

Why I Love This Creamy Salmon Tagliatelle Pasta Recipe

I’ve recently started loving creamy pasta recipes, especially with pesto. (See my creamy pesto pasta.) I also started shopping in the fresh pasta aisle. This recipe combines fresh pasta, cooked salmon, and a creamy sauce. But of course, you can use any type of noodle in your pantry, including egg noodles or spaghetti.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Large pot
• Baking tray (if roasting salmon) or steamer (if steaming salmon)
• Wide frying pan
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Colander

So What Is Crème Fraîche, Anyway?

Crème fraîche is a cultured cream that originated in France and has become a staple in many cuisines worldwide. It is made by adding a bacterial culture to heavy cream, which thickens the cream and gives it a slightly tangy, nutty flavor. Unlike sour cream, crème fraîche has a higher fat content, typically around 30-40%, which makes it richer and less likely to curdle when cooked at high temperatures.

This quality makes it an excellent choice for sauces, soups, and as a topping for desserts and fresh fruits. Its smooth texture and luxurious mouthfeel enhance dishes, adding a depth of flavor that is both subtle and sophisticated. Crème fraîche can be used as a direct substitute for sour cream or heavy cream in recipes, offering a more refined taste profile that can elevate the dish to new heights.

FAQs

1. Can I store leftovers, and how? Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and can be kept for up to 2 days. For reheating, do so gently on the stove with a little added water or in the microwave to prevent the sauce from splitting.
2. What can I serve with creamy salmon tagliatelle? This dish goes well with a simple green salad, steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus, or a slice of garlic bread to complete the meal.
3. What if I don’t have fresh herbs? If fresh herbs are not available, you can use dried herbs instead. A general guideline is 1 teaspoon of dried herbs for each tablespoon of fresh herbs called for in the recipe.
4. Can I use frozen salmon? Frozen salmon is suitable for this recipe; just ensure it’s fully thawed in the refrigerator before use to guarantee even cooking.
5. Is it possible to use a different type of pasta? Any pasta type can be used with this sauce, though tagliatelle, fettuccine, or penne are recommended for their ability to hold the sauce well.
6. How can I adjust the sauce’s thickness? Adjust the sauce’s thickness by adding a little more pasta water to thin it if too thick or allowing it to simmer for a few minutes to reduce if too thin.
7. Can I add vegetables to this dish? Incorporating vegetables like spinach, peas, or asparagus into this dish is a great way to add color and nutrition. Add them to the sauce towards the end of cooking.
8. What wine pairs well with creamy salmon tagliatelle? A light, crisp white wine such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc pairs well with the creamy sauce and salmon, enhancing the flavors of the dish.
9. How do I prevent the pasta from sticking together? To prevent the pasta from sticking, stir it occasionally while cooking in a large pot of boiling water. Adding oil to the water is another method to prevent sticking.
10. Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Cooking the pasta and preparing the salmon ahead of time is possible, but it’s best to make the sauce and combine everything just before serving to ensure the best texture and flavor.
11. Any tips for cooking the perfect pasta? To cook the perfect pasta, use a large pot of boiling salted water and cook until al dente, meaning fully cooked yet still firm to the bite, according to the package’s instructions.
12. Can you use egg noodles instead of tagliatelle? Yes, egg noodles can be used as a substitute for tagliatelle. They provide a similar texture and are a good alternative if tagliatelle is not available.
13. Do I need crème fraîche? No, crème fraîche is not required for this recipe. The creamy texture is achieved with cream cheese and heavy whipping cream, which provide richness and depth to the sauce.

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Yield: 4 servings

Creamy Salmon Tagliatelle Pasta

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Enjoy a delightful dish that combines the rich flavors of salmon with creamy sauce and tender pasta for a meal that's sure to impress.

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 40 minutes

Ingredients

• 16 ounces egg tagliatelle
• 5 ounces cooked salmon
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley or 2 fresh parsley sprigs, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup dill, finely chopped
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1/3 cup vegetable broth or white wine
• 8 ounces cream cheese
• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
• salt, to taste
• pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit if roasting the salmon. Place salmon on a baking tray, lightly drizzle with olive oil, and roast for 12 minutes until the flesh is opaque and starts to flake. Alternatively, for steaming, place salmon fillets skin-side down in a steamer over simmering water and steam for 8-10 minutes until cooked through.
2. Fill a large pot with water, add a pinch of salt, and bring to a boil. Add the egg tagliatelle or egg noodles and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 10 minutes, until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water. Drain the pasta and set aside.
3. In a wide frying pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 6 minutes until softened but not browned. Add the minced garlic and continue to sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Pour in the vegetable broth or white wine, letting it simmer for a few minutes until reduced by half. Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the cream cheese and heavy whipping cream until the mixture is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Flake the cooked salmon into large chunks and add it to the sauce along with the cooked pasta, lemon juice, most of the chopped dill, and parsley. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
6. Gently mix to ensure the pasta and salmon are well coated with the sauce, taking care not to break the salmon chunks. Adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed.
7. Serve immediately, garnished with the remaining dill and additional parsley if desired. Accompany with a green salad for a complete meal.

Notes

• For a lighter version, you can substitute half of the cream cheese with Greek yogurt.
• Feel free to adjust the amount of lemon juice according to your taste for a more or less tangy flavor.
• This recipe can easily be adapted for other types of pasta if tagliatelle or egg noodles are not available.

Nutrition Information

Yield

4

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 704Total Fat 50gSaturated Fat 23gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 22gCholesterol 557mgSodium 579mgCarbohydrates 27gFiber 1gSugar 5gProtein 30g

Nutrition automatically generated.

The Final: Creamy Salmon Tagliatelle Pasta Recipe