This creamy smoked salmon pasta brings gourmet flavors to your table with minimal effort. Perfect for those nights when you want something indulgent, comforting, and quick, it combines the richness of smoked salmon with the freshness of dill and a touch of lemony brightness.
The pressure cooker simplifies the process, turning uncooked pasta into a velvety, flavor-packed dish in just 15 minutes. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or impressing guests with a seafood twist, this recipe delivers elegance and taste without the hassle.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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8 ounces uncooked penne pasta
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2 cups water
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1 cup heavy whipping cream
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon dried dill
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1/4 teaspoon pepper
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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4 ounces smoked salmon, flaked
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1 cup frozen peas
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1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1 tablespoon lemon juice
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Fresh dill sprigs (optional, for garnish)
Directions:
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Place uncooked penne and water into a 6-qt. electric pressure cooker.
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Lock the lid and close the pressure-release valve. Adjust to pressure-cook on high for 6 minutes.
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Quick-release the pressure. Carefully open the lid.
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Stir in the heavy cream, garlic powder, dried dill, pepper, and salt.
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Turn on sauté mode and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
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Add smoked salmon, peas, Parmesan cheese, and lemon juice. Stir until heated through and creamy.
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Garnish with fresh dill if desired. Serve immediately.
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 15 minutes
Kcal: 420 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
The Appeal of Smoked Salmon in Everyday Cooking
Smoked salmon has long been a staple in upscale brunch menus, delicatessens, and holiday spreads—but incorporating it into weeknight dinners like this pasta recipe is a game changer. Its intense flavor adds depth to simple dishes without needing a lot of extra seasoning or complex preparation.
What makes smoked salmon so special is its delicate texture and bold, briny taste. The curing and smoking process not only preserve the fish but also infuse it with a savory richness that complements creamy sauces perfectly. In this dish, it flares into something extraordinary when balanced by Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and fragrant dill.
And unlike raw seafood that requires careful handling and longer cooking times, smoked salmon is ready to eat. This means it can be stirred in at the last moment, making it perfect for quick meals where flavor and time both matter.
Why the Pressure Cooker is a Game-Changer
If you haven’t already embraced the electric pressure cooker (like an Instant Pot), this recipe is an excellent reason to start. Pasta dishes in a pressure cooker are not only fast—they’re incredibly efficient and flavorful. The starch from the pasta naturally thickens the sauce as it cooks, giving the finished dish a silky, restaurant-quality texture without needing a separate roux or heavy preparation.
By cooking the pasta and infusing it with cream, garlic powder, and seasoning all at once, the flavors meld in a way that stovetop cooking can’t always replicate. There’s also minimal cleanup—just one pot from start to finish.
Plus, for people who are intimidated by cooking seafood, the pressure cooker removes all the guesswork. Since the smoked salmon is stirred in at the end, there’s no risk of overcooking or drying it out. It stays tender and moist, infusing the sauce with its distinct smoky character.
Flavor Profile: A Symphony of Creamy, Smoky, and Fresh
This dish thrives on balance. The smokiness of the salmon meets the creamy richness of the sauce, creating a luxurious base that doesn’t overwhelm the palate. The Parmesan cheese adds umami and sharpness, while frozen peas introduce sweetness and a pop of texture that breaks through the richness.
Dried dill enhances the herbaceous element of the dish, tying the fish and dairy together with its bright, slightly anise-like flavor. A touch of lemon juice cuts through the heaviness and lifts the entire dish, giving it a fresh and tangy finish. The result is harmonious, layered, and deeply comforting.
What’s especially satisfying about this pasta is that it feels decadent without being overly heavy. It’s rich, yes, but not cloying—each bite remains vibrant, clean, and satisfying.
Customizing the Dish for Dietary Needs
Another advantage of this recipe is its adaptability. Here are a few ways to tailor it to different dietary preferences:
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Low-Carb/Keto Option: Swap the penne with a low-carb pasta substitute or zucchini noodles.
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Dairy-Free: Use a dairy-free cream alternative and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
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Gluten-Free: Substitute gluten-free penne or other pasta shapes that suit your needs.
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Add Veggies: While peas are the standard, you can easily toss in baby spinach, asparagus tips, or mushrooms for additional nutrients and flavor.
This flexibility makes the recipe an excellent foundation for experimentation. Whether you’re serving a crowd with varied dietary needs or simply want to clean out your fridge, the base flavors work with a wide range of ingredients.
Perfect Pairings: What to Serve Alongside
Because the pasta is rich and flavorful on its own, you don’t need much on the side—but a few thoughtful additions can really round out the meal:
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Wine: A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio enhances the dill and lemon, while balancing the richness of the cream and salmon.
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Salad: A fresh green salad with arugula, radishes, and a lemon vinaigrette provides a crunchy, refreshing contrast.
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Bread: A slice of warm, crusty bread or a garlic baguette is perfect for scooping up every last drop of the sauce.
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Dessert: Finish with something light and fruity like lemon sorbet or a berry compote to refresh the palate.
Meal Prep & Leftovers
Although this dish is best served fresh (especially due to the texture of the cream and smoked salmon), leftovers hold up surprisingly well. Store any extras in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of cream or water to revive the sauce.
You can also portion the pasta into individual containers for quick weekday lunches. Just keep in mind that smoked salmon continues to intensify in flavor over time, so eat leftovers sooner rather than later for the best taste.
A Dish That Impresses with Simplicity
At first glance, the idea of combining smoked salmon with cream sauce and penne pasta might seem like a special-occasion recipe. But the brilliance of this dish is how effortless it is to make with everyday ingredients and tools.
It’s the kind of recipe that wows guests but is easy enough to keep in your regular meal rotation. Its speed, flavor, and flexibility make it a go-to for busy professionals, parents, and anyone who appreciates delicious food without the stress.
This pasta also opens the door for culinary creativity. Once you’re comfortable with the base method, you can begin adding your own touches—perhaps a spoonful of capers, a dash of white wine, or a hint of red pepper flakes to introduce heat.
Conclusion: Why You’ll Keep Coming Back to This Recipe
Creamy Pressure Cooker Smoked Salmon Penne is more than just a recipe—it’s a culinary experience that delivers sophistication, comfort, and ease all in one dish. It’s perfect for those who want to enjoy a gourmet meal without the time or cost typically associated with restaurant dining.
Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner or impressing guests, this recipe has everything: speed, simplicity, and bold, luxurious flavor. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s become a go-to in so many kitchens—and why it might just become a staple in yours too.
This dish reminds us that elegance doesn’t require complexity. With a pressure cooker, a few fresh ingredients, and a bit of inspiration, you can turn an ordinary evening into something extraordinary.