Penne pasta with smoked salmon and capers in a tarragon cream sauce is an elegant and indulgent pasta dish that is delicious, nutritious and very easy to make. As one of the top ten superfoods, salmon is an excellent source of high quality protein, vitamins, minerals, good fats and heart-healthy Omega-3 fatty acids.
Superfoods These multitasking "superfoods" provide multiple disease-fighting nutrients, fill you up so you can enjoy plenty of food without excess calories, and are easy to include in everyday meals. "- WebMD
This recipe uses smoked salmon but you can also make it with poached salmon or baked salmon. I will continue to cook in the sauce (it should be slightly pink in the middle). so you want it to be slightly under done before adding it in order for it to remain moist and flavorful once the dish is complete.
Recipe: Penne Pasta with Smoked Salmon and Capers in a Tarragon Cream Sauce
Serves 4 for dinner, 6 for lunch and 8 as a starter.
Ingredients
· 1 lb. penne pasta (or similar bite-size shape)
· 1 (4 oz.) Package of smoked salmon, sliced into bite size pieces
or 2 medium filets of cooked salmon, gently divided into bite size pieces
· 1 clove of garlic, minced or crushed
· 2 tablespoons butter
· 1 teaspoon of fresh lemon zest
· 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
· 1 (7 oz.) Container of crème fraiche
· 1 tablespoon minced fresh tarragon, with a few sprigs for garnish
· 1/4 cup capers (optional)
· Salt and fresh-ground black pepper
Instructions
- Add a lid to bring it to a boil faster.
- Slice the smoked salmon into even, bite size pieces and set aside
- If using fresh (or fresh frozen) salmon, poach or bake the salmon filets until just barely done (7-10 minutes depending on thickness). Allow to cool lightly and carefully flake into bite size pieces, discarding the skin.
- When the pasta water is at a rolling boil, add a heaping tablespoon of salt and drop in the pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Add the garlic and sauté gently for 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Do not let the garlic brown or it will be bit bitter.
- Add the crème fraiche, minced tarragon, lemon juice and lemon zest to the saucepan and stir to blend. Stir in half of the salmon and heat through. Season carefully with salt and pepper (smoked salmon is quite salty so taste the sauce before adding your salt)
- Turn the heat to low and keep the sauce warm.
- Dirt the pasta and return it to the hot pot, off the heat.
- Add a capability and the reminder of the salmon.
- Stir gently to blend the flavors and heat through.
- Plate into individual bowls and garnish with additional capers and sprigs of fresh tarragon. Serve immediately.
Add a crisp, green salad with fresh seasonal veggies, a hearty, whole grain artisan bread and a dry white or rosé wine for a delicious and delightful dinner in no time at all.
