This elegant yet simple Penne alla Vodka with Smoked Salmon is a comforting Italian-inspired dish that brings restaurant-quality flavor to your weeknight table. The rich, velvety sauce combines tangy tomatoes, creamy whipping cream, and a splash of vodka for depth, while the smoky salmon adds a luxurious finish. Fresh dill and a hint of nutmeg brighten the dish, creating a perfect balance of savory and aromatic notes. Ideal for date nights or family dinners, this recipe comes together quickly with minimal effort. The pasta holds the sauce beautifully, ensuring every bite is coated in flavor. Serve it warm for a satisfying meal that feels indulgent without being overly complicated. It’s a crowd-pleaser that highlights the harmony between classic Italian techniques and high-quality seafood.
Penne Ala Vodka & Smoked Salmon
Description
This elegant yet simple Penne alla Vodka with Smoked Salmon is a comforting Italian-inspired dish that brings restaurant-quality flavor to your weeknight table. The rich, velvety sauce combines tangy tomatoes, creamy whipping cream, and a splash of vodka for depth, while the smoky salmon adds a luxurious finish. Fresh dill and a hint of nutmeg brighten the dish, creating a perfect balance of savory and aromatic notes. Ideal for date nights or family dinners, this recipe comes together quickly with minimal effort. The pasta holds the sauce beautifully, ensuring every bite is coated in flavor. Serve it warm for a satisfying meal that feels indulgent without being overly complicated. It&# 226;ÂÂs a crowd-pleaser that highlights the harmony between classic Italian techniques and high-quality seafood.Ingredients
Directions
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Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain well.
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Heat olive oil in a wide frying pan over medium-low heat.
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Add the thinly sliced shallot and cook, stirring often, until soft but not brown (about 3 minutes).
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Stir in the seeded and chopped Roma tomatoes, cover, and simmer for 5 minutes.
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Add the whipping cream, ground nutmeg, chopped fresh dill, and vodka to the pan.
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Increase heat to high and bring the sauce to a full boil.
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Boil the sauce for 1 minute to reduce slightly.
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Add the drained pasta to the sauce and mix lightly using two spoons until the pasta is well coated.
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Remove the pan from heat.
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Fold in the smoked salmon strips gently to avoid breaking them.
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Season to taste with white pepper.
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Garnish with fresh dill sprigs and serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 459.3kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 10.8g17%
- Saturated Fat 1.7g9%
- Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
- Sodium 3.0mg1%
- Total Carbohydrate 75.0g25%
- Dietary Fiber 5.4g22%
- Sugars 1.5g
- Protein 15.0g30%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
The ingredient list in the source was incomplete. For a complete dish, you will also need: 4 whole Roma tomatoes (seeded and chopped), 2/3 cup whipping cream, 1 pinch ground nutmeg, 2 tablespoons fresh dill (chopped) or 1/2 teaspoon dried dill weed, 1/3 cup vodka, and 6 ounces smoked salmon (cut into strips).
Do not skip the step of boiling the vodka sauce for one minute. This helps to cook off the harsh alcohol flavor while retaining the aromatic depth it adds to the dish.
Add the smoked salmon after removing the pan from heat to prevent it from becoming tough or overcooked.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can simmer the cream and tomato mixture a bit longer before adding the pasta.
For a vegetarian variation, omit the smoked salmon and add grilled mushrooms or roasted vegetables instead.
