Description
A creamy and flavorful pasta dish featuring tender penne tossed in a luscious smoked cream cheese sauce with fresh dill, zesty lemon, and savory smoked salmon. Perfect for a quick yet elegant meal packed with smoky, tangy, and fresh flavors.
Ingredients
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1 pound (450g) penne pasta
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1 cup cream cheese, softened
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1 bunch fresh dill, chopped
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4 green onions, thinly sliced
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Zest and juice of 1 lemon
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1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
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¼ cup capers
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8 ounces smoked salmon, cut into ribbons (add more if desired)
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Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
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Cook pasta:
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
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Cook penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and reserve about ½ cup pasta water.
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Prepare sauce:
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In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, lemon zest and juice, Dijon mustard, and chopped dill. Mix well.
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If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach desired creaminess.
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Combine:
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Add cooked pasta to the cream cheese mixture and toss gently to coat.
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Fold in sliced green onions, capers, and smoked salmon ribbons.
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Season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
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Serve:
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Serve immediately, garnished with extra dill or lemon zest if desired.
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Notes
Use smoked salmon for the signature smoky flavor, but smoked trout or lox can be good substitutes.
Adjust cream cheese and lemon to taste for creaminess and brightness.
This dish is best served fresh but can be stored refrigerated for up to 1 day.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course / Pasta
- Method: Boiling, Mixing
- Cuisine: American / Seafood
Keywords: Smoked Salmon Pasta, Cream Cheese Pasta, Dill Pasta, Quick Dinner, Seafood Pasta