Bonito Pasta in Creamy Salmon Sauce

Gina Whitley
By
Gina Whitley
Gina Whitley, private chef with 25+ years of experience, creator of "Sabores de mi Cocina", mother and gastronomic entrepreneur. Specialist in traditional and contemporary Mexican cuisine,...
12 Min Read

Recipe for Bonito Pasta in Creamy Salmon Sauce

Hello! Today we are going to prepare a bonito pasta in creamy salmon sauce, a dish full of marine flavor and the smoothness provided by smoked salmon combined with a delicate creamy sauce. This dish recalls the flavors of the ocean and is ideal for those looking for a comforting meal with a sophisticated and homemade touch.

  • Marine Flavor: The main ingredient, salmon, provides an unmistakable and delicious marine profile.
  • Seafood Delights: Mixing with bonito and other seafood can enrich the recipe while preserving its marinated and fresh character.
  • Easy to prepare: With clear steps and common utensils, even beginner cooks will be able to achieve it without problems.

Preparation time

This dish combines quick cooking time with simple preparation processes, ideal for a weeknight dinner.

  • Preparation: 15 minutes
  • Cooking: 15 minutes
  • Total: 30 minutes
  • Servings: 4
  • Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

For the pasta and creamy sauce

  • 1 pound of pasta (farfalle, penne, or any small to medium pasta)
  • 225 grams of smoked salmon
  • 1 and a half cups of heavy cream
  • 2/3 to 1 cup of grated cheese blend (Parmesan, Romano, Asiago)
  • 1 cup of white wine dry
  • 1 tablespoon of butter
  • 6 cloves of fresh garlic, finely chopped
  • The juice of 2 yellow lemons
  • 1 large carrot
  • 1 ½ tablespoon of olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh arugula or spinach (optional)

If you don't have smoked salmon, you can use lightly cooked fresh salmon or quality canned tuna for an equally tasty result. If you don't have heavy cream, you can use light cream or even a little whole milk with a touch of cornstarch to thicken.

Utensils we will use

  • Large pot for pasta
  • Medium skillet for sautéing salmon and preparing the sauce
  • Colander for draining the pasta
  • Cutting board and knife for chopping the carrot and garlic
  • Wooden spoon or spatula for mixing
  • Mixing bowl if you prefer to separate some ingredients
  • Cheese grater
  • Measuring jug for liquids

Preparation

1. Preparation of pasta and vegetables

  1. Wash and peel: Wash the carrot under the tap and peel it with a knife or peeler. Then cut it into thin strips so that they mix well with the pasta and sauce.
  2. Cooking the pasta: Fill the pot with plenty of water and add salt to season. When it boils, add the pasta and cook according to the time indicated on the package, usually between 8 and 12 minutes until it is al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Preparation of salmon and creamy sauce

  1. Cut and season the salmon: If the salmon is not chopped, cut it into small pieces. Season with salt and pepper to taste to enhance the flavors of the sea.
  2. Sauté: Heat olive oil over medium heat in the skillet. Add the salmon and sauté gently until it changes color, approximately 3 to 5 minutes. If the salmon has skin, start with the skin side down so it browns and separates easily.
  3. Reserve: Remove the salmon and, if it has skin, separate it carefully. Flake it into small pieces to better integrate it into the sauce.
  4. Sauté the garlic: In the same skillet, reduce to medium heat, add the butter and chopped garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not burned.
  5. Add the cream and white wine: Pour in the cream and white wine. Cook the mixture for 1.5 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly so that it thickens slightly.
  6. Bathe with cheese: Add the grated cheese mixture and stir until they are integrated and melted, achieving a sauce creamy from the sea homogeneous. Season with a little salt.

3. Final integration and flavor adjustment

  1. Combine the pasta and the sauce: Incorporate the cooked pasta into the pan with the creamy sauce. Mix very well until the pasta is covered.
  2. Add the salmon and lemon juice: Return the flaked salmon to the sauce and pasta. Add the juice of the lemons and mix to achieve a fresh contrast and salmon sauce.
  3. Adjust seasoning: Taste and adjust the salt and add pepper to taste to enhance all the flavors of the ocean.

To finish and serve

To give the final touch, add a handful of fresh arugula or spinach over the pasta. Serve immediately with a little more grated cheese on top. This presentation not only adds texture, but also incorporates a slight bitter contrast that enhances the creaminess and flavor of the salmon. You can accompany this dish with a fresh pasta and chicken salad for a complete and balanced menu.

Nutritional Information per serving

  • Calories: 480 kcal
  • Proteins: 30 g
  • Fats: 22 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 3 g

These values are approximate and may vary depending on the exact ingredients and quantities used.


5 keys to perfect Bonito Pasta in Creamy Salmon Sauce

  • Use al dente pasta: The firm texture helps the sauce adhere well and prevents the pasta from becoming soft.
  • Good quality salmon: The star flavor comes from the salmon; it needs to be fresh or good smoked salmon to enhance the marine flavor.
  • Don't forget the lemon juice: It provides an acidic balance that cuts through the heavy sensation of the cream and enhances the salmon sauce.
  • Correct cheeses: The Parmesan, Romano, and Asiago blend is ideal for a deep flavor and creamy texture, avoiding cheeses that are too mild or strong and would alter the balance.
  • Don't overcook the garlic: Just a brief touch to release aroma and flavor without becoming bitter or burning.

When is it ideal to enjoy it?

This beautiful pasta in creamy salmon sauce is perfect for family dinners where you want to surprise with a refined yet simple flavor. It is also ideal for autumn or winter due to its warm and creamy character. Thanks to its speed and ease, it is excellent for a weekday meal or for entertaining friends with something special without complicating things. For events where you want to pair sea and cream flavors, it's a star dish that you can complement with a light white wine or a fresh salad.


Comparative table with similar pasta recipes with seafood or salmon

RecipeKey ingredientsDifference/advantage
Bonito Paste in Creamy Salmon SauceSmoked salmon, heavy cream, cheese blendCreamy sauce with intense sea flavor combining salmon and small pasta
Pasta with Salmon in Creamy Garlic SauceSalmon, cream, garlic, mozzarella cheeseMore emphasized on garlic and with mozzarella cheese for a meltier texture
Pasta with Arugula Pesto and ShrimpShrimp, arugula pesto, pastaSauce with fresh herbs and shrimp instead of salmon for a more herbal flavor
Carbonara PastaEggs, pancetta, Parmesan cheeseNo seafood, creamy sauce achieved with eggs and pancetta for a smoky flavor
Pasta with Tamarind Chipotle SauceTamarind, chipotle, pastaTart and spicy sauce, less creamy, for a bolder and different profile
Pasta in Cream of Red PepperRed peppers, cream, pastaCreamy sauce but with a vegetable flavor and slightly sweet
Spaghetti with MushroomsMushrooms, garlic, olive oilA vegetarian option without seafood, highlighting the umami flavor of mushrooms

3 tricks that help intensify marine flavors in your creamy pasta

  • Use dry white wine: The tart and fresh touch helps to cleanse the palate and highlight the sea aromas in the salmon sauce.
  • Incorporate fresh lemon juice just before serving: This will prevent the sauce from losing freshness and will enhance the complex flavors of the salmon.
  • Sauté the garlic with butter instead of just oil: Butter provides a creamy and smooth base that enhances the marine flavor and gives body to the creamy seafood sauce.

Share your experience preparing Bonito Pasta in Creamy Salmon Sauce

Cooking is a space for discovery and sharing. Feel free to tell us how this turned out for you salmon pasta, if you added any personal touches like fresh arugula or variations with other seafood. Perhaps you've tried serving it with a fresh salad or a white wine that enhances the flavors of the ocean. Your comments enrich the experience and help others improve this marine delight!


Culinary glossary to master your Creamy Salmon Pasta

  • Al dente: Pasta doneness when it is firm but cooked, neither soft nor raw.
  • Sauté: To cook a food in a small amount of fat over medium-high heat, stirring it to prevent burning.
  • Crumble: To break or cut a food into small pieces, ideal for integrating salmon into the sauce.
  • Three-cheese blend: Combination of Parmesan, Romano, and Asiago cheeses, which provide rich flavor and melting benefits for the sauce.
  • Salmon sauce: Creamy sauce that features salmon as the star ingredient, characterized by its smooth texture and marine flavor.
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Gina Whitley, private chef with 25+ years of experience, creator of "Flavors of my Kitchen", mother and gastronomic entrepreneur. Specialist in traditional and contemporary Mexican cuisine, with international recognition.
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