Salmon and Pistachio Pasta

17/11/2023

Salmon and pistachio pasta is a creamy and flavorful dish where the sweetness of the salmon pairs perfectly with the slightly salty and crunchy note of the pistachios. Here is an Italian recipe to prepare it.

Ingredients

320 g of pasta, penne or fettuccine work well.
200 g of smoked salmon
100 g of unsalted pistachios
200 ml of cooking cream
½ glass of dry white wine
1 shallot or a small onion
Extra virgin olive oil to taste
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste

Preparation

Start by lightly toasting the pistachios in a pan without adding any fat for a few minutes. Then roughly chop them with a knife or a food processor (do not pulverize them, leave some pieces for crunchiness).
Cut the smoked salmon into strips or cubes according to your preference.
Finely chop the shallot and sauté it in a pan with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Add the smoked salmon and let it flavor for a couple of minutes over medium heat.
Deglaze with the white wine and let it evaporate over high heat.
Lower the heat and add the cooking cream. Let the sauce thicken over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add the chopped pistachios, adjust salt and pepper to taste, and keep the sauce warm.
Meanwhile, cook the pasta in plenty of salted water following the cooking times indicated on the package to keep it al dente.
Drain the pasta, reserving a little cooking water, and add it to the pan with the sauce. If necessary, add a little cooking water to make the sauce more fluid and mix everything well.
Serve hot, garnishing with more chopped pistachios if you want an extra crunchy touch.

Trivia

Smoked salmon is a versatile ingredient that lends itself to multiple preparations, from appetizers to first courses. The pairing with pistachios is less common but surprising, as it combines the bold flavor of the fish with the delicate taste and texture of the pistachios. It is a dish often found on the menus of trendy restaurants as an expression of contemporary Italian cuisine.