Tagliatelle Pasta with Melting Leeks and Salmon
This Tagliatelle Pasta with Melting Leeks and Salmon is a deliciously rich yet light meal, perfect for a cozy dinner. The leeks become soft and sweet as they cook, blending beautifully with tender, flaky salmon and a creamy sauce that coats the tagliatelle. It’s an elegant yet easy-to-make dish that comes together in under 30 minutes.
Time Required:
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
(Serves 2-3)
For the Pasta:
200g (7 oz) tagliatelle pasta
1 teaspoon salt (for boiling water)
For the Sauce:
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 large leek, white and light green parts, finely sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
150g (5 oz) fresh salmon fillet, skin removed and cut into small chunks
½ cup (120ml) heavy cream or creme fraiche
½ cup (120ml) vegetable or fish stock
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 tablespoon lemon juice
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon fresh parsley or dill, chopped (for garnish)
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan (optional, for serving)
Instructions:
1️⃣ Cook the Pasta
1.Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2.Add the tagliatelle and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
3.Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
2️⃣ Cook the Leeks:
1.Heat olive oil or butter in a large pan over medium heat.
2.Add the sliced leeks and a pinch of salt. Cook gently for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and slightly golden.
3️⃣ Add Garlic & Salmon:
1.Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
2.Add the salmon pieces, season with salt and black pepper, and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring gently, until just opaque.
4️⃣ Make the Sauce:
1.Pour in the vegetable or fish stock and let it simmer for 2 minutes.
2.Stir in the heavy cream (or creme fraiche), lemon zest, and lemon juice.
3.Simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
5️⃣ Combine with Pasta
1.Add the drained tagliatelle to the pan and toss gently to coat in the sauce.
2.If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
6️⃣ Garnish & Serve
1.Sprinkle with fresh parsley or dill and grated Parmesan (if using).
2.Serve immediately and enjoy!
Nutritional Information
(Per Serving – Approx. 1.5 cups)
Calories: ~480
Protein: ~28g
Carbohydrates: ~55g
Fat: ~18g
Fiber: ~4g
Sugar: ~5g
Notes & Tips:
Salmon Options: Fresh or leftover cooked salmon works well. You can also use smoked salmon for a stronger flavor.
Leek Prep Tip: Slice the leeks and rinse them well under running water to remove any dirt trapped between layers.
Cream Alternatives: Use a mix of milk and a teaspoon of cornstarch for a lighter sauce.
Extra Flavor: Add a splash of white wine when cooking the leeks for depth of flavor.
Make It Spicier: A pinch of red pepper flakes or cracked black pepper adds a nice kick.
This dish is creamy, comforting, and full of delicate flavors.