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Lemony Smoked Salmon Pasta with Peas

A delightful and easy dish combining smoked salmon, fresh peas, and a zing of lemon, ready in under 30 minutes.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

Pasta Ingredients
  • 8 ounces pasta (bow-tie, penne, or fettuccine) Cook 1 minute less than package directions.
  • 6 ounces smoked salmon Flaked into bite-sized pieces.
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen peas Adds a nutritious and sweet burst of flavor.
Sauce Ingredients
  • 1 large lemon (zest and juice) Provides a tartness that brightens the dish.
  • 1.5 cups half and half or cream Use whatever you have on hand.
  • 0.5 teaspoon cornstarch If using milk, increase to 1 teaspoon for thickening.
  • 0.5 teaspoon fresh or dried dill Adjust to taste for herbal notes.
  • to taste salt and freshly ground pepper Vital for balancing the flavors.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a small container, mix the cornstarch with a bit of water to ensure it blends smoothly.
Cooking the Base
  1. In a large skillet, pour in the half-and-half or cream mixture along with the cornstarch blend and heat over medium until it thickens slightly.
Combining Ingredients
  1. Toss in the cooked pasta and peas, stirring gently for about 2-3 minutes to allow the pasta to absorb the creamy sauce.
  2. Fold in the flaked smoked salmon and add lemon juice, cooking until heated through.
  3. Taste the pasta and season with salt and fresh pepper as needed.
  4. Stir in the dill and mix gently. If the sauce is too dry, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
Serving
  1. Serve the pasta in warm bowls garnished with extra dill or lemon zest if desired.

Notes

You can swap pasta types, add a tablespoon of butter for extra creaminess, and use fresh herbs for a refined touch. Adjust lemon for a brighter flavor.