Smoked Salmon Carbonara

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Smoked Salmon Carbonara is a creamy, dreamy twist on the Italian classic. Instead of pancetta or bacon, this recipe features ribbons of smoked salmon folded into a silky Parmesan and egg sauce, coating every strand of pasta with rich, savory flavor. It’s the kind of dish that feels luxurious yet comes together with minimal effort—perfect for weeknights when you crave something a little special without too much work.

The natural smokiness of the salmon pairs beautifully with the nutty cheese and smooth sauce, and there’s just enough garlic and black pepper to give it a kick. It’s an elegant meal that will make you feel like you’re dining in a cozy coastal trattoria, right in your own kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Smoked Salmon Carbonara

If you enjoy simple comfort food with a gourmet twist, this dish will hit all the right notes. It brings the creamy indulgence of traditional carbonara but swaps in a lighter protein with smoked salmon, making it feel fresher and slightly more refined.

There’s no cream needed here—just egg yolks, Parmesan, and a little pasta water to create that velvety finish. It’s also a fantastic way to use up leftover smoked salmon from brunch or a party platter. And best of all? It comes together in under 30 minutes.

What Kind of Pasta Works Best for Carbonara?

Traditionally, spaghetti is the go-to pasta for carbonara, and it works beautifully here as well. The long strands carry the sauce and flakes of salmon nicely. But don’t be afraid to try fettuccine or linguine for an even creamier bite. Short pasta like rigatoni or penne will do the trick too, though the silky sauce clings best to the longer shapes.

Ingredients for the Smoked Salmon Carbonara

You only need a handful of ingredients to bring this dish together, and each one has its purpose in making the sauce shine.

Spaghetti
This is the base of the dish, providing structure and texture. You want it al dente so it holds up to the creamy sauce.

Smoked Salmon
Adds a rich, salty, smoky depth and replaces the traditional pancetta with a lighter protein. Use cold-smoked salmon for best results.

Egg Yolks
They are the foundation of the sauce, creating that creamy, silky texture when mixed with hot pasta.

Parmesan Cheese
Adds a salty, umami-packed richness that binds the sauce and elevates the flavor.

Garlic
Just one clove brings warmth and a hint of sharpness to balance the richness.

Black Pepper
Adds that essential carbonara bite and keeps things from getting too mellow.

Pasta Water
Reserved from the pot, this helps emulsify the sauce and brings everything together smoothly.

How To Make the Smoked Salmon Carbonara

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti until just al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.

Step 2: Make the Sauce Base

While the pasta cooks, whisk the egg yolks and grated Parmesan together in a bowl until smooth. Set aside.

Step 3: Cook Garlic and Warm the Salmon

In a large pan, heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Add the smoked salmon and warm through for another minute.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Add the hot, drained pasta to the skillet with the salmon. Remove from heat. Quickly pour in the egg and cheese mixture and toss vigorously to coat. Add a splash of reserved pasta water and keep stirring until the sauce becomes glossy and creamy.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Season with plenty of freshly ground black pepper. Serve immediately, topped with a bit more Parmesan and a few flakes of smoked salmon for presentation.

Serving and Storing Smoked Salmon Carbonara

This dish is best served right away while the sauce is still warm and luscious. It feeds 4 people generously and makes a wonderful centerpiece for a cozy dinner. Because the sauce is egg-based, reheating can be tricky without scrambling, so it’s not the ideal make-ahead meal. However, leftovers can be gently warmed on the stove with a splash of water to revive the texture.

What to Serve With Smoked Salmon Carbonara?

Garlic Bread

A golden, buttery slice of garlic bread helps soak up every last bit of sauce.

Arugula Salad

Peppery greens dressed with lemon vinaigrette add brightness and cut through the richness.

Roasted Asparagus

Lightly charred asparagus brings a touch of green and a wonderful texture contrast.

White Wine

A crisp white like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio pairs perfectly with the smoky salmon and creamy sauce.

Lemon Green Beans

A light side dish that adds color and a citrusy edge.

Caprese Skewers

Mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and basil on skewers are a fun, fresh starter.

Chilled Pea Soup

A smooth, cool soup is a unique way to start a carbonara dinner with elegance.

Want More Pasta Ideas with a Twist?

If you loved this smoked salmon carbonara, you might want to try these flavor-packed pasta creations too:

• Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe for something ultra comforting.
• Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta that comes together fast.
• Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce for hearty, cheesy indulgence.
• Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta when you crave classic alfredo with a twist.
• One Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta for quick and satisfying smoky flavor.

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Have you made this with fresh dill or maybe added a squeeze of lemon? I’d love to hear your spin on it. Feel free to drop your comments, suggestions, or variations below.

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