Smoked Salmon Pasta with Creamy Cognac Sauce

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A sophisticated weeknight pasta with rich flavors in under 30 minutes.

Introduction

When it comes to creating an indulgent yet easy meal, few recipes hit the mark quite like Smoked Salmon Pasta with Creamy Cognac Sauce. This dish elegantly balances the smoky depth of salmon, the brightness of tomatoes, the heat of fresh ginger, and the decadence of heavy cream—all kissed with the subtle warmth of cognac.

What makes this pasta truly special is its ability to transform simple pantry and fridge staples into a dish that feels luxurious. Whether you’re preparing a quiet dinner for two or looking to impress guests, this meal promises restaurant-quality flavor in a home kitchen timeframe.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything: the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, cooking tips, calories, and how to prep like a pro. Let’s get started on this creamy, smoky, dreamy delight!

 Ingredients (US Measuring Cups)

For the Pasta:

  • 8 oz mini farfalle pasta (bowtie pasta or any short pasta like orecchiette or penne)

  • Water + 1 tbsp salt for boiling pasta

  • 1 cup reserved pasta water

For the Sauce:

  • 2 tsp olive oil

  • 2 tsp unsalted butter

  • 1 small onion, finely diced (about ¾ cup)

  • 14 oz canned diced tomatoes, well-drained

  • ½ tsp kosher salt, divided

  • ½ cup heavy cream

  • 1½ tbsp cognac

  • 1½ tsp grated fresh ginger (use a microplane or grater)

  • 3½ oz smoked salmon, finely chopped

  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley for garnish

  • Fresh ground black pepper (optional, to taste)

 Preparation Time & Nutrition Info

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes

  • Cook Time: 25 minutes

  • Total Time: 30 minutes

  • Servings: 4

  • Calories: ~425 kcal per serving

 Step-by-Step Directions

1. Cook the Pasta

  1. Fill a large pot with water, add a generous tablespoon of salt, and bring it to a boil.

  2. Add the mini farfalle pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (firm to the bite).

  3. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta. This starchy water will help thin and bind the sauce later.

  4. Drain the pasta and set aside. Do not rinse, as rinsing removes the starch that helps sauce adhere.

2. Prepare the Sauce Base

  1. In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat 2 tsp olive oil and 2 tsp butter over medium-low heat.

  2. Once melted, add the finely diced onion and ¼ tsp kosher salt. Sauté for about 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally until the onion is soft and translucent. You don’t want any browning here—just gentle sweating.

3. Add Tomatoes

  1. Stir in the well-drained diced tomatoes and the remaining ¼ tsp of salt.

  2. Cook this mixture for 3–5 minutes. The goal is to allow some of the tomato liquid to evaporate and for the sauce to start thickening slightly.

4. Incorporate Cream, Cognac, and Ginger

  1. Add the ½ cup heavy cream, 1½ tbsp cognac, and 1½ tsp grated ginger to the tomato-onion base.

  2. Stir thoroughly to combine. Let this cook for 1–2 minutes until the sauce becomes smooth and slightly glossy.

    Cognac adds warmth and richness—don’t worry, the alcohol cooks off quickly.

5. Stir in the Smoked Salmon

  1. Add the 3½ oz finely chopped smoked salmon to the skillet.

  2. Stir gently and let the salmon warm through for about 1–2 minutes. Be careful not to overcook the salmon; you want it tender and flaky, not rubbery.

6. Combine Pasta with Sauce

  1. Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet.

  2. Toss well to coat all the pasta with the sauce.

  3. If the mixture seems dry or too thick, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water, about ¼ cup at a time, until you achieve the desired consistency. The sauce should lightly cling to the pasta.

7. Final Touches and Serving

  1. Taste the pasta and adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper if desired.

  2. Plate immediately and garnish with chopped fresh parsley.

  3. Serve hot, and enjoy the rich, layered flavors with each creamy bite!

 How to Prepare It Like a Pro

Choosing the Right Pasta

While mini farfalle offers a delightful texture and shape that holds sauce well, other short pastas like orecchiette, rotini, or penne are also great choices. The key is using pasta that has folds or ridges to capture the creamy sauce.

Quality of Salmon

Opt for cold-smoked salmon (like lox) for a silky texture and pronounced flavor. If you prefer a smokier note, hot-smoked salmon can be used, but it will change the texture slightly—leaning more toward flaked fish than melt-in-your-mouth ribbons.

Cognac Substitutes

No cognac on hand? Use brandy, dry sherry, or even a splash of white wine. If you prefer alcohol-free, try a teaspoon of white wine vinegar with a tiny pinch of sugar for acidity and complexity.

Cream Alternatives

For a slightly lighter version, substitute half-and-half or evaporated milk. Coconut cream also works for a dairy-free option, though it introduces a tropical twist.

 Tips & Tricks

  • Ginger Grating: Use a microplane to grate fresh ginger ultra-fine—it blends into the sauce without noticeable bits.

  • Don’t Skip Pasta Water: This starchy water is magic for pasta sauces! It adds silkiness and helps the sauce cling beautifully to the noodles.

  • Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days. When reheating, do it gently over low heat and stir in a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce.

  • Pair It With: A crisp green salad, steamed broccoli, or a glass of white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay.

  • Add Veggies: Want more nutrition? Toss in baby spinach, asparagus tips, or peas in the final minute of cooking.

 Final Thoughts

This Smoked Salmon Pasta with Creamy Cognac Sauce is the kind of dish that’s both comforting and gourmet. It feels indulgent without being heavy and delivers a complexity of flavor that comes from just a few well-chosen ingredients. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or guests, this pasta brings restaurant-quality flair with home-cooked love.

Its quick cooking time, creamy base, and subtle notes of ginger and cognac make it perfect for weeknight elegance or even date night indulgence. The best part? It’s customizable—add herbs, veggies, or swap proteins, and make it your own.

Enjoy each forkful of creamy, smoky, savory bliss—this one’s a keeper.

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