Spaghetti with Salmon Cream Sauce

Name: Spaghetti with Salmon Cream Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients: 300g spaghetti; 200g smoked salmon, sliced; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup white wine; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; Salt and pepper to taste; Juice of 1 lemon; Fresh dill for garnish

Highlighted under: Bachelor Cooking

I can hardly contain my excitement for this Spaghetti with Salmon Cream Sauce recipe! It’s one of my go-to meals when I'm looking for something quick yet luxurious. The creamy sauce perfectly complements the tender salmon, and it comes together in just about 30 minutes. I often serve it with a sprinkle of fresh dill and a squeeze of lemon for an extra burst of flavor. Believe me, this dish elevates your dinner experience without a ton of effort!

Created by

The Chefbenbakes Team

Last updated on 2026-02-17T15:22:18.439Z

I remember the first time I made this Spaghetti with Salmon Cream Sauce; I was so pleased with how quickly it came together. I always keep a stash of smoked salmon in my fridge, which makes this dish not just a lifesaver for busy nights but also a gourmet experience at home. The cream sauce is rich yet light, thanks to a touch of white wine that adds depth without being overpowering.

What I’ve found is that using fresh herbs like dill or parsley at the end makes all the difference in taste. It brightens the dish and adds a personal touch. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become a staple in your household for its flavor and simplicity!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Rich creaminess from the sauce that coats each strand of spaghetti
Nutty flavor from the salmon that pairs beautifully with lemon
Quick preparation time, perfect for weeknight dinners

Understanding the Ingredients

The star of this dish is the smoked salmon, which not only adds a rich, nutty flavor but also contributes healthy omega-3 fatty acids. When selecting your salmon, look for quality options from a reputable source to avoid overly salty varieties. While this recipe calls for smoked salmon, you can also use poached or grilled salmon as alternatives for a different flavor profile—just ensure they are cooked and flaked before adding them to the sauce.

Heavy cream is essential for achieving the desired richness of the sauce, creating a luxurious mouthfeel. If you're looking for a lighter version, you could swap half of the heavy cream with half-and-half or a combination of low-fat cream cheese and milk. Keep in mind that altering the cream may change the sauce's consistency, so adjust cooking times accordingly, ensuring the sauce still coats the spaghetti without being too runny.

Techniques for Success

When cooking the spaghetti, aim for al dente, which means the pasta will have a slight chewiness. Overcooking the pasta can result in a mushy texture, which won’t hold up well when combined with the sauce. Make sure to taste it a minute or two before the suggested cooking time on the package—this helps prevent overcooking and allows you to get the perfect bite.

It's crucial to control the heat when preparing the sauce. A medium heat is ideal for sautéing the garlic and simmering the wine. If the heat is too high, you risk burning the garlic, which will impart a bitter taste to the sauce. Conversely, if it’s too low, the sauce won’t reach the right consistency. Watch closely for a slight thickening and a glossy appearance, which indicates it's ready for the salmon.

Ingredients

Gather all your ingredients before you start cooking to streamline the process.

Ingredients

300g spaghetti
200g smoked salmon, sliced
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup white wine
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
Juice of 1 lemon
Fresh dill for garnish

Make sure to adjust the seasoning according to your taste preference.

Instructions

Start by boiling water for the spaghetti, and gather your ingredients.

Cook the Pasta

In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about a cup of the pasta water.

Prepare the Sauce

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the white wine and let it simmer for about 3 minutes.

Combine the Ingredients

Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream, lemon juice, and season with salt and pepper. Allow the sauce to cook briefly until it thickens slightly, about 5 minutes.

Add the Salmon

Fold in the smoked salmon and let it warm for a minute. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.

Mix with Spaghetti

Add the cooked spaghetti to the sauce and toss everything together until well coated. Adjust seasoning if necessary.

Serve

Serve immediately, garnished with fresh dill and additional lemon juice if desired.

Don’t forget to enjoy your meal while it’s hot!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, consider incorporating capers or a splash of Worcestershire sauce into the cream mixture. It's a great way to personalize the dish further!

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare some elements ahead of time. For instance, you can cook the spaghetti and toss it in a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. The sauce can be made in advance and reheated gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of reserved pasta water to restore its creamy texture.

If you find yourself with leftovers, store the combined spaghetti and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove, and as mentioned, adding a bit of pasta water can help rejuvenate the sauce. Be aware that the texture may not be as perfect as when first made, but it will still be delicious.

Serving Suggestions

This Spaghetti with Salmon Cream Sauce can serve as an impressive entrée for dinner parties or a comforting weeknight meal. To elevate the presentation, consider serving it in shallow bowls with a sprinkle of fresh dill on top and a wedge of lemon on the side for a bright pop of color and flavor. The acidity from the lemon complements the richness of the cream beautifully.

Pair this dish with a side of lightly dressed arugula or spinach salad to balance the richness. A crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc, makes an excellent accompaniment, enhancing the meal's flavors while providing a refreshing contrast to the creamy sauce. I also love to serve crusty bread on the side for mopping up any leftover sauce!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use fresh salmon instead of smoked?

Yes, you can use fresh salmon. Just pan-sear it first and then flake it into the sauce.

→ Is there a way to make this recipe lighter?

Absolutely! You can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the amount of pasta.

→ Can I make this dish vegetarian?

You can replace the salmon with sautéed mushrooms or spinach for a vegetarian version.

→ What can I serve with this dish?

A simple side salad or garlic bread complements the flavors of the spaghetti well.