Penne with Vodka Cream and Smoked Salmon

Indulge in the creamy, smoky decadence of Penne with Vodka Cream and Smoked Salmon, a delectable pasta dish that’s perfect for any occasion. This recipe combines tender penne pasta tossed in a luscious vodka-tomato cream sauce made with sautéed shallots, garlic, and a hint of Parmesan cheese. The highlight is the addition of delicate smoked salmon, which brings a rich, savory edge to every bite. Finished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and brightness, this dish is as elegant as it is comforting. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a gourmet meal that’s easy enough for weeknights yet impressive enough for dinner parties. Perfect for lovers of creamy pasta recipes, this dish is a must-try for fans of smoked salmon and Italian cuisine.

Nutriscore Rating: 57/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 oz Penne pasta
• 2 tbsp Olive oil
• 1 tbsp Unsalted butter
• 1 medium Shallot, finely chopped
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp Tomato paste
• 0.25 cup Vodka
• 1 cup Heavy cream
• 0.5 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
• 6 oz Smoked salmon, cut into small pieces
• 2 tbsp Fresh parsley, chopped
• 0 to taste Salt
• 0 to taste Black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, drain the pasta, and set aside.

Step 2

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat until the butter melts. Add the chopped shallot and cook until softened, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the tomato paste and cook, stirring often, for 2 minutes to develop its flavor.

Step 4

Carefully pour in the vodka and cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing the alcohol to evaporate.

Step 5

Reduce the heat to low and slowly stir in the heavy cream. Simmer the sauce for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.

Step 6

Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and incorporated. Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 7

Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet with the sauce, tossing to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach the desired consistency.

Step 8

Gently fold in the smoked salmon pieces, allowing them to warm through without overcooking.

Step 9

Sprinkle the finished dish with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor. Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(992.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2942.4

Total Fat 145.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 69.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 350.1mg	0%
Sodium 4295.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 266.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 15.9g	0%
Total Sugars 7.8g
Protein 93.0g	0%

Vitamin D 1165.2IU	0%
Calcium 521.1mg	0%
Iron 15.9mg	0%
Potassium 1577.3mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 47.7%

Protein: 13.5%

Carbs: 38.8%