Two Italian Flavours: Smoked Salmon and Cream

 

Salmon pasta is probably the tastiest pasta. There, I said it. I will claim that creamy smoked salmon pasta will win over any hardened hearts, and if it doesn’t then there’s not much hope to enjoying any other delicious traditional Italian pasta.

When I was backpacking around Europe after my study abroad in Italy, I was generally marking my next destination based on if I knew someone in the next city. Being on a backpacking budget, I would stay with friends whenever I could, so that I could extend my trip as long as possible, until the cash ran out. My mother taught me well, and as a polite guest that meant that I would always cook a nice dinner (and fold my sheets in the morning!). I would whip up some smoked salmon pasta because it’s so simple, requires few ingredients and tastes like a dream. And I was always invited back any time I would be back in Europe :)

In my version, I try to throw in something green to add some colour. Although I use zucchini, you can use whatever you have on hand such as spinach, kale, broccoli, capsicum, even green beans! Whatever works.

Smoked Salmon Pasta Recipe

ingredients – serves 4

450 grams pasta (penne, bowtie or orecchiette work best)
½ teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium zucchini, chopped
200 grams smoked salmon
300 ml cream
Pepper

Method

1. Boil a large pot of water and add a pinch of salt. Cook the pasta until al dente and drain.

2. Heat a large pan and drizzle in the olive oil. Add the zucchini and cook until just tender, about 5 minutes. Add the smoked salmon and cream and reduce to a low heat until the cream is thoroughly heated which should another 5 minutes.

3. Add the pasta and stir to coat evenly. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately. It’s that easy!