Name: Creamy Salmon and Leek Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 2
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 8 oz spaghetti; 1 tbsp butter; 1 large leek; salt; ½ cup White Wine; ½ lemon; 1 cup Crème fraiche; 1 tsp tarragon Dijon mustard; 1 pinch Cayenne pepper; 6 oz salmon; ½ cup cilantro

This creamy salmon and leek pasta recipe combines the delicate flavors of salmon and leeks with a rich, luxurious crème fraiche sauce. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this dish is both comforting and elegant, making it ideal for a special occasion or a weeknight treat.

Photos of Creamy Salmon and Leek Pasta Recipe

Some ingredients in this recipe might not be commonly found in your pantry. Crème fraiche is a rich, tangy cream that can often be found in the dairy section of larger supermarkets. Leeks are long, green vegetables with a mild onion-like flavor, typically found in the produce section. Tarragon Dijon mustard adds a unique herbaceous note and might require a visit to the specialty mustard section.

Ingredients for Creamy Salmon and Leek Pasta

Spaghetti: A type of pasta that serves as the base for this dish.

Butter: Adds richness to the sauce and helps cook the leeks.

Leek: Provides a mild onion flavor, adding depth to the sauce.

Salt: Enhances the flavors of the dish.

White wine: Adds acidity and complexity to the sauce.

Lemon: Brightens the flavors with its citrusy notes.

Crème fraiche: A rich, tangy cream that makes the sauce luxurious.

Tarragon Dijon mustard: Infuses the sauce with a unique herbaceous flavor.

Cayenne pepper: Adds a subtle heat to the dish.

Salmon: The star protein of the dish, providing a delicate, flaky texture.

Cilantro: Adds a fresh, herbal note to the finished pasta.

One reader, Drud Langdon says:

This creamy salmon and leek pasta recipe is a delightful dish. The flavors blend perfectly, with the leeks adding a subtle sweetness and the salmon providing a rich, savory taste. The crème fraiche sauce is divine, making every bite a creamy indulgence. Highly recommend for a comforting meal!

Drud Langdon

Techniques Required

How to cook spaghetti: Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti in boiling water, stirring occasionally for about 12 minutes until cooked through but firm to the bite. Drain and return to the pot.

How to cook leeks: Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook and stir the leek in butter for 6 to 7 minutes until slightly softened, then season with salt.

How to deglaze a pan: Pour the white wine and lemon juice over the leeks, and bring to a boil while scraping any browned bits of food from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon. Simmer for about 5 minutes until most of the liquid evaporates.

How to make a creamy sauce: Stir the crème fraiche, mustard, and 1 pinch of cayenne pepper into the leek mixture. Reduce the heat to low and let cook for about 5 minutes until warmed.

How to cook salmon: Add the salmon to the sauce, then cook and stir for 2 to 3 minutes until the salmon starts to flake and is no longer pink in the center. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the cilantro.

How to combine pasta and sauce: Pour the sauce over the spaghetti, then toss to coat. Garnish with a pinch of cayenne pepper.

How To Make Creamy Salmon and Leek Pasta

Not too heavy and not too light, this creamy salmon and leek pasta hits the right spot. Made with creme fraiche, lemon, and white wine for fresh undertones.

Preparation: 15 minutes

Cooking: 30 minutes

Total: 45 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

8ozspaghetti,(½ package)
1tbspbutter
1large leek,light parts only, rinsed, and chopped
salt,to taste
½cupwhite wine
½lemon,juiced
1cupcrème fraiche
1tsptarragon dijon mustard
1pinchcayenne pepper,or to taste, plus 1 pinch for garnishing
6ozsalmon,skinless boneless, sliced
½cupcilantro,chopped, or to taste

Instructions

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti in boiling water, stirring occasionally for about 12 minutes until cooked through but firm to the bite. Drain and return to the pot.
Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook and stir the leek in butter for 6 to 7 minutes until slightly softened, then season with salt.
Pour the white wine and lemon juice over the leeks, and bring to a boil while scraping any browned bits of food from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon. Simmer for about 5 minutes until most of the liquid evaporates.
Stir the crème fraiche, mustard, and 1 pinch of cayenne pepper into the leek mixture. Reduce the heat to low and let cook for about 5 minutes until warmed.
Add the salmon to the sauce, then cook and stir for 2 to 3 minutes until the salmon starts to flake and is no longer pink in the center. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the cilantro.
Pour the sauce over the spaghetti, then toss to coat. Garnish with a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Serve and enjoy.

Nutrition

Calories: 953.62kcal
Fat: 41.31g
Saturated Fat: 19.48g
Trans Fat: 0.23g
Monounsaturated Fat: 10.64g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 5.23g
Carbohydrates: 98.98g
Fiber: 5.26g
Sugar: 9.42g
Protein: 35.75g
Cholesterol: 120.28mg
Sodium: 1053.50mg
Calcium: 203.15mg
Potassium: 909.05mg
Iron: 3.49mg
Vitamin A: 306.75µg
Vitamin C: 19.81mg

Technique Tip for This Recipe

When cooking the leek, make sure to clean it thoroughly as dirt can often be trapped between its layers. Slice the leek lengthwise and rinse under cold water, fanning out the layers to remove any grit. This ensures a clean and flavorful addition to your dish.

How to Save Time on This Recipe

Prep ingredients in advance: Chop the leek and cilantro ahead of time to streamline the cooking process.

Use pre-cooked salmon: Opt for pre-cooked or smoked salmon to cut down on cooking time.

Quick-cook pasta: Use fresh spaghetti which cooks faster than dried pasta.

One-pot method: Cook the leek and sauce in the same pot as the pasta to save on cleanup.

Simplify seasoning: Use a pre-mixed tarragon dijon mustard to reduce the number of ingredients.

Substitute Ingredients For Creamy Salmon and Leek Pasta Recipe

spaghetti - Substitute with fettuccine: Fettuccine has a similar texture and can hold the creamy sauce well.
butter - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil provides a healthier fat option and adds a different but pleasant flavor.
leek - Substitute with green onions: Green onions offer a similar mild onion flavor and are easier to find.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds a salty flavor along with umami depth.
white wine - Substitute with chicken broth: Chicken broth provides a similar liquid base and depth of flavor without the alcohol.
lemon - Substitute with lime: Lime offers a similar acidic component and fresh citrus flavor.
crème fraiche - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt provides a similar creamy texture and tangy flavor with fewer calories.
tarragon dijon mustard - Substitute with regular dijon mustard: Regular dijon mustard provides a similar tangy and slightly spicy flavor.
cayenne pepper - Substitute with paprika: Paprika offers a milder heat and a sweet, smoky flavor.
salmon - Substitute with trout: Trout has a similar texture and flavor profile to salmon.
cilantro - Substitute with parsley: Parsley provides a fresh, slightly peppery flavor that complements the dish well.

Best Way to Present This Dish

Use a large white plate: A large, pristine white plate provides a clean canvas that allows the colors of the creamy salmon and leek pasta to stand out, enhancing the visual appeal.
Twirl the spaghetti: Use a carving fork to twirl a portion of spaghetti into a neat, elevated nest in the center of the plate, creating height and elegance.
Layer the salmon: Place the salmon pieces delicately on top of the twirled spaghetti, ensuring they are evenly distributed and visible to highlight the protein.
Drizzle the sauce: Spoon the creamy leek sauce over the spaghetti and salmon, allowing some to pool around the base for a luxurious look.
Garnish with cilantro: Sprinkle finely chopped cilantro over the dish for a burst of color and freshness, enhancing the dish's visual and flavor profile.
Add a lemon twist: Place a thin twist of lemon zest on top of the salmon for a touch of brightness and a hint of citrus aroma.
Finish with a pinch of cayenne: Lightly dust a pinch of cayenne pepper over the entire dish to add a subtle pop of color and a hint of spice, completing the presentation.

Best Tools for This Recipe

Large pot: Used for boiling the spaghetti. Make sure it's big enough to accommodate the pasta without sticking together.
Saucepan: Essential for cooking the leeks and preparing the creamy sauce. A medium-sized one should suffice.
Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring the leeks and scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
Colander: Necessary for draining the cooked spaghetti.
Chef's knife: Used for chopping the leek and cilantro. A sharp knife ensures clean cuts and efficient prep work.
Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for chopping the leek and cilantro.
Measuring cups: Important for accurately measuring the white wine, crème fraiche, and other ingredients.
Measuring spoons: Used for measuring smaller quantities like the tarragon dijon mustard and cayenne pepper.
Citrus juicer: Handy for extracting juice from the lemon efficiently.
Tongs: Useful for tossing the spaghetti with the sauce to ensure even coating.
Serving bowl: For presenting the finished creamy salmon and leek pasta.
Grater: Optional, but can be used if you want to add some freshly grated lemon zest as a garnish.

How To Store / Freeze This Dish

Refrigeration:
- Allow the creamy salmon and leek pasta to cool to room temperature.
- Transfer the pasta into an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- When ready to eat, reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of white wine or crème fraiche to maintain the creamy texture.
Freezing:
- Cool the pasta completely before freezing.
- Divide the pasta into individual portions for easier reheating.
- Place each portion into a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag.
- Label with the date and contents.
- Freeze for up to 2 months.
- To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat in a saucepan over low heat, adding a bit of crème fraiche or lemon juice to refresh the flavors.
Reheating Tips:
- For best results, reheat on the stovetop rather than the microwave to preserve the texture of the salmon and leeks.
- Stir frequently to ensure even heating and prevent the sauce from separating.
- If the sauce appears too thick, add a splash of white wine or lemon juice to loosen it up.
Additional Tips:
- Avoid freezing cilantro as it can become mushy. Add fresh cilantro after reheating for a burst of flavor.
- If you find the pasta has absorbed too much sauce during storage, make a quick additional sauce with crème fraiche, lemon juice, and a touch of tarragon dijon mustard to revive the dish.

How To Reheat Leftovers

Begin by transferring your leftover creamy salmon and leek pasta into a microwave-safe dish. Ensure it's spread out evenly to promote even heating.
Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel to retain moisture and prevent the pasta from drying out.
Heat the dish in the microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes. Stir the pasta halfway through to ensure even heating.
If the pasta isn't heated through, continue microwaving in 30-second intervals, stirring each time, until it's hot all the way through.
Alternatively, you can reheat the pasta on the stovetop. Place a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat and add a splash of white wine or chicken broth to the pan.
Add the leftover pasta to the skillet, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Cover the skillet with a lid to help retain moisture.
Heat for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is thoroughly warmed.
If the sauce appears too thick, add a bit more crème fraiche or a splash of milk to loosen it up.
Once heated, serve immediately and enjoy your reheated creamy salmon and leek pasta.

Random Fact About This Recipe

A random fact about this recipe is that leeks belong to the same family as onions and garlic, known as the Allium family. They provide a subtle, sweet flavor that complements the richness of the salmon and the creaminess of the crème fraiche.

Is This Recipe Economical for Home Cooking?

The creamy salmon and leek pasta recipe is moderately cost-effective. The main ingredients like salmon, leek, and crème fraiche can be a bit pricey, but the dish is balanced with affordable staples like spaghetti and butter. For a household of 4, the approximate cost is around $25-$30 USD. Considering the rich flavors and nutritional value, the overall verdict is a solid 7 out of 10.

Healthy or Unhealthy?

This creamy salmon and leek pasta recipe has both healthy and less healthy elements.

Healthy aspects:

Salmon: Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health.
Leeks: Provide vitamins A, C, and K, and are a good source of fiber.
Cilantro: Adds antioxidants and vitamins.

Less healthy aspects:

Crème fraiche: High in saturated fats, which can be detrimental to heart health if consumed in excess.
Butter: Also high in saturated fats.
White wine: Adds empty calories without significant nutritional benefits.
Spaghetti: Refined carbs can spike blood sugar levels.

To make this dish healthier, consider the following adjustments:

Swap crème fraiche: Use Greek yogurt or a plant-based alternative to reduce saturated fat.
Replace butter: Use olive oil for a healthier fat option.
Whole grain pasta: Opt for whole grain spaghetti to increase fiber content.
Add vegetables: Incorporate more veggies like spinach or cherry tomatoes for added nutrients.
Reduce wine: Use a smaller amount or substitute with low-sodium vegetable broth.

These changes will enhance the nutritional profile while maintaining the delicious flavors.

Editor's Thoughts on This Recipe

This creamy salmon and leek pasta recipe is a delightful blend of flavors and textures. The leeks add a subtle sweetness, while the white wine and lemon juice provide a refreshing acidity. The crème fraiche and tarragon Dijon mustard create a rich and tangy sauce that complements the salmon beautifully. The pinch of cayenne pepper adds just the right amount of heat, and the cilantro brings a fresh, herbaceous note. Overall, it's a well-balanced dish that's both comforting and sophisticated, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Enhance Your Creamy Salmon and Leek Pasta Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Roasted Asparagus with Parmesan: Complement the creamy salmon and leek pasta with a delightful side of roasted asparagus sprinkled with parmesan cheese. The slight crunch and savory notes will create a harmonious balance with the rich pasta.

Garlic Bread: Add a touch of garlic bread to your meal. The crispy, buttery slices infused with garlic will provide a perfect contrast to the creamy texture of the pasta, making each bite a delightful experience.

Mixed Green Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette: Brighten up your plate with a mixed green salad drizzled with a citrus vinaigrette. The fresh, tangy flavors will cut through the richness of the pasta, offering a refreshing palate cleanser.

Tomato Basil Soup: Warm up with a bowl of tomato basil soup. The robust, slightly sweet flavor of the tomatoes paired with fragrant basil will complement the creamy pasta beautifully, adding depth to your meal.

Lemon Sorbet: End your meal on a light note with a serving of lemon sorbet. The zesty, refreshing taste of lemon will cleanse your palate and provide a delightful contrast to the rich flavors of the main course.

Other Alternative Recipes

Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta: Dive into a zesty and savory delight with this lemon garlic shrimp pasta. The combination of succulent shrimp, fresh lemon juice, and aromatic garlic creates a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo: Indulge in the creamy goodness of chicken and broccoli alfredo. This classic dish features tender pieces of chicken, crisp broccoli, and a rich alfredo sauce that clings to every strand of pasta. It's a comforting meal that's sure to please the whole family.

Mushroom and Spinach Carbonara: Experience the earthy flavors of mushroom and spinach carbonara. This vegetarian twist on a traditional favorite combines sautéed mushrooms, fresh spinach, and a creamy carbonara sauce made with eggs and parmesan cheese. A delightful and hearty meal.

Pesto Chicken Pasta: Savor the vibrant taste of pesto chicken pasta. This dish features juicy chicken breast pieces tossed with a fragrant basil pesto sauce, cherry tomatoes, and parmesan cheese. It's a fresh and flavorful option that's perfect for any night of the week.

Spaghetti Aglio e Olio with Kale: Enjoy the simplicity and bold flavors of spaghetti aglio e olio with kale. This Italian classic is elevated with the addition of sautéed kale, garlic, and a touch of red pepper flakes. It's a quick and healthy meal that's packed with flavor.

Suggested Appetizers and Desserts

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Delight your guests with these Stuffed Mushrooms. The earthy flavor of mushrooms pairs perfectly with a creamy cheese filling, enhanced by a hint of garlic and herbs. The mushrooms are baked until golden and bubbly, creating a mouthwatering appetizer that is both elegant and satisfying. Serve them warm, garnished with a sprinkle of parsley for a touch of freshness.

Bruschetta: Transport your taste buds to Italy with this classic Bruschetta. Crispy baguette slices are topped with a vibrant mixture of diced tomatoes, basil, and garlic, all drizzled with a rich balsamic glaze. The combination of crunchy bread and juicy, flavorful toppings makes this appetizer a crowd-pleaser. Serve it as a light start to your meal, and watch it disappear in no time.

Desserts:

Lemon Tart: Imagine a Lemon Tart with a buttery, flaky crust that cradles a luscious, tangy lemon curd. The tartness of the lemon is perfectly balanced with just the right amount of sweetness, creating a refreshing and zesty finish to your meal. Top it off with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of lemon zest for an elegant touch. This dessert is a delightful way to cleanse your palate and leave you feeling satisfied.

Chocolate Mousse: Indulge in a rich and velvety Chocolate Mousse that melts in your mouth with every bite. The deep, intense flavor of dark chocolate is complemented by the light and airy texture of the mousse. Serve it in elegant glass cups and garnish with a few fresh berries and a sprig of mint for a sophisticated presentation. This dessert is a perfect balance of decadence and lightness, making it an ideal conclusion to your meal.

Why trust this Creamy Salmon and Leek Pasta Recipe:

This recipe combines the rich flavors of salmon and leeks with the creamy texture of crème fraiche to create a delightful pasta dish. The addition of white wine and lemon juice adds a zesty brightness, while the tarragon dijon mustard and cayenne pepper provide a subtle kick. The use of fresh cilantro at the end brings a fresh, herbaceous note. This well-balanced dish is both comforting and sophisticated, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Discuss this Creamy Salmon and Leek Pasta Recipe with fellow home cooks in the Recipe Sharing forum and swap tips, tricks, and variations.

FAQ:

Can I use a different type of pasta instead of spaghetti?

Absolutely! You can use any pasta you like. Fettuccine, penne, or even linguine would work great with this creamy salmon and leek sauce.

What can I substitute for crème fraiche?

If you don't have crème fraiche, you can use sour cream or heavy cream as a substitute. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture might be slightly different.

Can I use dried tarragon instead of tarragon dijon mustard?

Yes, you can use dried tarragon if you don't have tarragon dijon mustard. Just add about 1/2 teaspoon of dried tarragon to the sauce for a similar flavor.

How do I prepare the leek for this recipe?

To prepare the leek, trim off the dark green tops and the root end. Slice the leek lengthwise, then rinse it thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt or grit. Finally, slice the leek into thin half-moons.

Can I use frozen salmon instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen salmon. Just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. You can thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave.