Smoked Salmon Penne with Snow Peas and Chives

Penne with Smoked Salmon and Snow Peas
Category: Main Course (Primi Piatti)
Serves: 4

Ingredients

Instructions

To begin preparing your Penne with Smoked Salmon and Snow Peas, start by cleaning and slicing the spring onion (cipollotto) into thin rings. In a large pan or skillet, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat and add the sliced spring onion. Sauté the onion until it softens and becomes fragrant, which should take about 3-4 minutes.

Once the onion has softened, add the snow peas to the pan. Season them with a pinch of salt and black pepper, and let them cook for 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are tender but still vibrant green.

Next, pour in about 100 ml of water to help create a light sauce, and stir to combine. While the snow peas are cooking, cut the smoked salmon into thin strips or small pieces, depending on your preference.

Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne according to the package instructions, making sure to cook them al dente. Once the pasta is done, reserve a cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.

Add the cooked penne directly into the pan with the snow peas. Toss everything together to coat the pasta with the olive oil and water sauce. Add the smoked salmon strips and the chopped chives. Gently toss again, allowing the salmon to warm through, but not overcook. The residual heat will gently cook the salmon.

Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and black pepper if needed. Serve immediately, garnished with additional chives if desired, and enjoy this flavorful and light pasta dish!

Tips

• For extra creaminess, you can stir in a tablespoon of cream or crème fraîche right before serving.
• If you prefer a stronger salmon flavor, add a bit of salmon roe as a garnish.
• This dish is great served with a fresh green salad or a crisp white wine.