Smoked Salmon Pasta with Capers and Dill is a light and flavorful dish that combines the richness of smoked salmon with the brightness of fresh dill and the tanginess of capers. This easy recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta (such as fettuccine, linguine, or spaghetti)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 4 oz smoked salmon (sliced into strips)
- 2 tablespoons capers (drained)
- 1/4 cup fresh dill (chopped, plus extra for garnish)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving, optional)
Timing
Making Smoked Salmon Pasta with Capers and Dill takes about 10 minutes for preparation and 10-15 minutes for cooking.
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Boil Water: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil.
- Cook Pasta: Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
- Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add Salmon and Capers: Stir in the smoked salmon and capers, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until heated through.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
- Add Cream and Dill: Pour in the heavy cream and lemon juice, stirring to combine. Add the chopped dill and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer for about 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Mix in Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to reach the desired consistency.
Step 4: Serve
- Plate and Garnish: Serve the pasta in bowls, garnished with additional fresh dill and grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy this delicious dish!

Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content of Smoked Salmon Pasta with Capers and Dill (per serving, based on 4 servings):
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450 |
| Protein | 18g |
| Fat | 25g |
| Carbohydrates | 40g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugar | 1g |
Tips for Customization
- Pasta Options: Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for a healthier alternative.
- Add Vegetables: Incorporate spinach, peas, or asparagus for added nutrition and color.
- Herb Variations: Try using fresh parsley or chives in place of dill for a different flavor profile.
Conclusion
Smoked Salmon Pasta with Capers and Dill is a quick and elegant dish that brings together rich flavors and fresh ingredients. Perfect for a weeknight meal or entertaining guests, this pasta dish is sure to impress. Enjoy this delightful recipe!
Smoked Salmon Pasta with Capers and Dill Recipe
Ingredients
- • 8 oz pasta (such as fettuccine, linguine, or spaghetti)
- • 2 tablespoons olive oil
- • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- • 4 oz smoked salmon (sliced into strips)
- • 2 tablespoons capers (drained)
- • 1/4 cup fresh dill (chopped, plus extra for garnish)
- • 1/2 cup heavy cream
- • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- • Salt and pepper (to taste)
- • Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving, optional)
Instructions
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil.
- Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Stir in the smoked salmon and capers, cooking for another 1–2 minutes until heated through.
- Pour in the heavy cream and lemon juice, stirring to combine. Add the chopped dill and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer for about 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to reach the desired consistency.
- Serve the pasta in bowls, garnished with additional fresh dill and grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Step 4: Serve
Did you make this recipe?
Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Facebook