Dinner

Creamy Smoked Salmon Carbonara Recipe

Name: Creamy Smoked Salmon Carbonara Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 200 grams Pasta (Spaghetti or fettuccine work well); 1 teaspoon Salt (for seasoning pasta water); 1 cup Heavy Cream (can substitute with half-and-half for lighter sauce); 2 Eggs (large eggs preferred for creaminess); 50 grams Parmesan Cheese (grated fresh for best flavor); 1 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly cracked for best results, plus extra for garnish); 100 grams Smoked Salmon (the star ingredient providing rich flavor); 2 cups Fresh Spinach (can substitute with arugula); 2 tablespoons Fresh Herbs (dill or parsley for garnish); 1 splash Olive Oil (for cooking spinach)

Byanna orden April 10, 2026April 10, 2026

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Introduction

This Creamy Smoked Salmon Carbonara is a delightful twist on the classic Italian dish, combining silky sauce and tender pasta with the rich flavor of smoked salmon. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s a perfect dinner option when you want something elegant yet easy to prepare.

A bowl of creamy spaghetti pasta with several layers of thick, smooth white sauce coating the noodles, which are pale yellow with a soft texture, arranged in a loose spiral. Scattered on top are medium-sized, pinkish-orange salmon chunks with a lightly seared, slightly crispy outer layer, seasoned with cracked black pepper. Dark green spinach leaves are mixed throughout the pasta, adding a fresh and slightly glossy texture to the dish. The bowl is white with small brown speckles, sitting on a white marbled surface with a soft shadow visible under the bowl. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

200 grams Pasta (Spaghetti or fettuccine work well)
1 teaspoon Salt (For seasoning pasta water)
1 cup Heavy Cream (Can substitute with half-and-half for lighter sauce)
2 Eggs (Large eggs preferred for creaminess)
50 grams Parmesan Cheese (Grated fresh for best flavor)
100 grams Smoked Salmon (The star ingredient providing rich flavor)
2 cups Fresh Spinach (Can substitute with arugula)
1 teaspoon Black Pepper (Freshly cracked for best results)
2 tablespoons Fresh Herbs (Dill or parsley for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add your chosen pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside, reserving a bit of pasta water.
Step 2: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, eggs, and grated Parmesan cheese until smooth. Add a pinch of black pepper, mixing well, and set this creamy mixture aside.
Step 3: In a large skillet over medium heat, add a splash of olive oil. Toss in the fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
Step 4: Gently fold in the smoked salmon into the skillet with the spinach. Then, pour in the creamy sauce, stirring gently to combine over medium-low heat, ensuring the sauce thickens without scrambling the eggs.
Step 5: Add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing it to coat evenly in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water until smooth and velvety.
Step 6: Plate your Smoked Salmon Carbonara immediately, garnishing each serving with freshly cracked black pepper and a sprinkle of fresh herbs.

Tips & Variations

Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce without sacrificing creaminess.
Substitute fresh spinach with arugula for a peppery bite.
Make sure to stir the sauce gently over low heat to avoid curdling the eggs.

Storage

Store leftover Smoked Salmon Carbonara in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream or pasta water to restore creaminess and prevent the eggs from scrambling.

How to Serve

A deep white bowl filled with creamy spaghetti noodles twisted into a loose mound with three layers visible: the first layer is the pale yellow spaghetti coated in a smooth, white creamy sauce, the second layer has dark green spinach leaves scattered unevenly among the noodles, and the top layer features chunks of seared salmon in a pink-orange color with crispy browned edges, all sprinkled with cracked black pepper for texture. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, with a silver fork partially visible on the right side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular cooked salmon instead of smoked salmon?

Yes, but smoked salmon adds a unique, rich flavor that complements the creamy sauce perfectly. If using cooked salmon, consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika to mimic the smoky taste.

Is this dish safe to eat with raw eggs in the sauce?

The eggs are gently cooked with the warm sauce on low heat, which helps thicken the sauce while reducing the risk associated with raw eggs. Using fresh, high-quality eggs and cooking over gentle heat ensures safety.