Penne al Salmone is a delicious and easy Italian pasta dish. It's perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or a date night at home!
Recipe Inspiration
Penne al salmone is an Italian dish consisting of salmon, cream, and either wine or vodka. Some versions use smoked salmon, but this version uses fresh salmon in the recipe.
This pasta is creamy and saucy - it's perfect for salmon and pasta lovers. It takes very little time to cook, so this is a good option for an easy weeknight dinner.
Serve this with some vino Bianco and fresh bread. Buon appetito!
If you're looking for other pasta recipes, check out our Pasta Alla Vodka, Pesto di Zucchini, and Pesto Rosso.
Ingredients
Here are the ingredients you will need for this recipe:
- Olive Oil - use regular olive oil, not extra virgin
- Shallot - a small shallot will do, otherwise use ½ a white onion
- Garlic
- Salmon - this recipe calls for fresh, but you can also use smoked salmon
- Salt
- Black pepper
- White wine - any dry white wine is perfect
- Heavy cream - or half and half
- Penne pasta - or any tubular shape
- Fresh basil - for a touch of freshness
- Parmesan cheese - we recommend freshly grated
Directions
Let's make this recipe together!
Step 1
Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add shallot and sauté for three minutes. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Step 2
Add salmon, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to the pan. Sear the salmon for 3 minutes, then add the white wine to the pan. Simmer until the wine is reduced by half. Add cream and simmer.
Step 3
Cook penne in a pot of boiling salted water until al dente according to package instructions. When pasta is done, transfer to the the pan, reserving 1 cup of pasta water. Mix well, breaking the salmon in small pieces. Add in more pasta water 1 tablespoon at a time to achieve a 'saucy' texture.
Step 4
Top pasta with fresh basil and parmesan cheese and serve.
Kitchen Equipment
Here is some kitchen equipment you will need for this recipe. You can find all of these products on Amazon.
Pasta Pot - This pasta pot is great for any pasta lover! I use mine multiple times a week and it never fails me.
Cheese Grater - Every home cook needs a cheese grater for a variety of recipes. I love this one because there are different sizes of grates.
Penne Pasta - I love this brand for quality pasta that's delicious every time. I love that I can order it online and always have some on hand in my kitchen.
Recipe Substitutions/Variations
Here are some common recipe substitutions and variations for this easy recipe.
White Wine Substitution - You may substitute white wine with vodka, or if you want to remove alcohol, you may use vegetable broth.
Pasta Variation - And short, tubular pasta shape would be great in this recipe. Other options are rigatoni, cannelloni and ziti.
Heavy Cream Substitution - To make this recipe dairy free, use creamy oat milk in place of heavy cream.
Frequently Asked Questions
Penne al Salmone is an Italian pasta dish made with penne, salmon (fresh or smoked), and vodka or wine. It's easy to make and filled with flavor.
Penne all salmone involves poaching salmon in wine or vodka, then adding fresh al dente pasta, cream, and pasta water to finish the dish.
Rigatoni, cannelloni and ziti are all great substitutions for penne pasta. Since they are all tubular pasta shapes, they will hold the sauce in a similar manner and give the final dish the correct texture.
Recipe Storage and Reheating
Here are storage and reheating instructions for this recipe.
Refrigerator Storage: Store in an airtight continuer and eat leftovers within 4-5 days.
Freezer Storage: Freeze in a freezer-safe, airtight container and keep for up to 3 months. When you're ready to use, thaw in the refrigerator and reheat as instructed below.
Reheating Instructions: The best way to reheat this recipe is to heat in a skillet with a little olive oil over low heat until warm.
Other Recipes to Try
Penne al Salmone
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small shallot sliced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ½ lb salmon skin removed
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 cup white wine
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 1 lb penne pasta
- Fresh basil for serving
- Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add shallot and sauté for 3 minutes, until softened and fragrant. Add garlic and sauté for an additional minute.
- Add salmon, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to the pan. Sear salmon for 3 minutes, then add white wine. Simmer until the wine is reduced by half. Reduce heat to low. Add cream and simmer.
- Cook penne in a pot of boiling salted water until al dente. When pasta is done, reserve 1 cup pasta water, then strain and transfer directly to the sauce. Mix the pasta into the sauce, breaking up the salmon in small pieces. Add pasta water to achieve desired consistency.
- Top pasta with fresh basil and freshly grated parmesan cheese and serve.
Did You Make This Recipe?
Leave a comment below or tag us @tasting.with.tina on Instagram!
Jennifer says
Beautiful pictures - can't wait to make this.
Christina Musgrave says
You'll love it!
Nick says
Wow. This was so incredible!
Christina Musgrave says
Thank you!
Jess says
I’m always looking for quick yet delicious ways to switch up my weeknight dinners and this did just that! Loved the white wine with the salmon!
Christina Musgrave says
So happy you loved the recipe!
Joe says
Already can’t wait to make this again! I am usually too nervous to make fish meals but this is a such a quick and easy recipe. My whole family loved it
Christina Musgrave says
Thank you, so happy you enjoyed the recipe!
Lizzie says
We love salmon, so it's no surprise our family loved this!
Christina Musgrave says
So happy your family enjoyed the recipe!