This easy Penne al Salmone combines smoked Norwegian salmon with heavy cream, a touch of nutmeg and fresh parsley for a creamy Italian pasta dinner. With just a few simple ingredients, it’s an easy meal for a busy night that still feels special.
Ingredients
1 lb penne pasta
4 oz Trader Joe’s Norwegian Smoked Salmon (use 8 oz if you like more salmon)
1¼ cups ALDI heavy cream
1 pinch nutmeg
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Salt, for the pasta water and to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped
Reserved pasta water, as needed
Instructions
1. Prepare the Salmon and Cream
Cut the smoked salmon into thin strips, about 2 inches long.
Place the salmon in a bowl with 1¼ cups of heavy cream and a pinch of nutmeg. Gently stir everything together, cover the bowl, and let the mixture stand for at least 30 minutes.
2.Start the Pasta Water
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Once the water is boiling, add a generous amount of salt.
While the water is heating, begin warming your salmon and cream mixture.
3. Warm the Salmon Cream Sauce
Transfer the salmon and cream mixture to a small saucepan. Warm it gently over low heat, keeping the sauce at a light simmer.
Do not let the cream boil.
4. Cook the Penne
Add the penne to the boiling salted water. Cook the pasta for about 2 minutes less than the package directions so it remains al dente and can finish cooking in the sauce.
Before draining the pasta, reserve some of the pasta water.
5. Bring Everything Together
Add the drained penne to the warm salmon and cream sauce.
Season with freshly ground black pepper. Taste before adding any additional salt since the smoked salmon is already salty.
Add 1 ladle of reserved pasta water and cook everything together over low heat for about 1 minute, stirring gently until the creamy sauce coats the penne.
Chop a handful of fresh parsley, add it to the pasta, and give everything one final toss.
Buon appetito!
Busy Parent Tip
Prepare the salmon and cream mixture ahead of time and let it rest while you take care of other things. When you’re ready for dinner, simply warm the sauce while the pasta cooks. Just remember to keep the cream over low heat and don’t let it boil.