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Home » Pasta Types » Farfalle (butterflies and bow ties) » Farfalle pasta with smoked salmon & zucchini

May 4, 2022

Farfalle pasta with smoked salmon & zucchini

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Creamy bow-tie pasta with smoked salmon & zucchini.

This creamy flavourful farfalle pasta with smoked salmon and zucchini is a super easy to make yet elegant Italian dish. It’s perfect for special occasions like Mother’s Day or even just for a light lunch or dinner.

farfalle (bow-tie) pasta with smoked salmon and zucchini

I love the combination of farfalle pasta with smoked salmon, don’t you? Here in Italy, although there are many other recipes for farfalle, when it comes to using salmon, (smoked or fresh) this is one of the most commonly used pasta shapes. Penne is another.

farfalle pasta with smoked salmon and zucchini

A little farfalle pasta history.

Also known outside of Italy as bow-tie pasta, farfalle is actually one of the oldest types of egg pasta. According to food historians, this pretty butterfly shaped pasta was invented during the 16th century in Lombardy and Emilia-Romagna. In the latter region they also call it ‘strichetti’. It seems that in Emilia, housewives invented strichetti (today’s farfalle) as a way to use up the pasta dough they had left over after making filled cappelletti.

ingredients for farfalle pasta with smoked salmon and zucchini on white plate
Step 1 Gather your ingredients

Apparently, once the filling for the cappelletti had finished, the women of the region used the remaining dough to make farfalle. This pasta became so popular that they would actually make sure they had extra dough so there would be enough to make farfalle too!

cut zucchini on bread board and in white bowl, cut salmon in white bowl and cream in white bowl
Step 2 Prepare the ingredients

We have also made farfalle (bow-tie) pasta alongside other types of homemade fresh egg pasta with the same dough. I have used the dough from lasagne sheets or fazzoletti or even ravioli, although I usually end up with extra filling instead of dough.

orange zest, groung black pepper and grated ginger on top of heavy cream in white bowl
Step 3 Add some orange zest, black pepper and grated ginger to heavy cream

Smoked salmon in Italy

Smoked salmon is not a traditional Italian product. But, it has grown in popularity, particularly since the 80s. In fact, nowadays, there are quite a number of companies smoking salmon here in Italy. However, the salmon itself usually comes from Scotland or Norway. 

zucchini pieces and garlic cloves cooking in skillet
Step 4 Sauté the zucchini and garlic together in olive oil.

Italians don’t often serve or eat smoked salmon on bread as is popular in other countries. They prefer to eat it as an antipasto (starter) , in salads, in frittata or in savoury tarts or quiches. However, the most popular way is with pasta like in this farfalle with smoked salmon recipe.

pieces of smoked salmon in skillet with zucchini pieces
Step 5 Remove the garlic and add the cut smoked salmon to the skillet and cook for a few minutes.

The other thing Italians don’t traditionally do is combine cream and fish. But, this recipe, like many others, originated in the 80s when cream was fashionable on everything. In fact, pasta recipes such as pasta alla vodka and penne al baffo are from the same era when cream and tomatoes was also in vogue.

heavy cream added to salmon and zucchini in skillet
Step 6 Add the cream mixture to the salmon and zucchini

This farfalle with smoked salmon recipe.

When researching farfalle pasta with smoked salmon on Italian recipe and cooking sites, I came across many many recipes. Most include cream and some kind of spirit such as vodka or cognac, others were with tomato sauce and many are made with the addition of vegetables, mostly zucchini or peas.

ready creamy smoked salmon and zucchini sauce in skillet
Step 7 Mix the cream and other ingredients together well and cook for a couple of minutes

I decided on this recipe which has zucchini, cream and smoked salmon but with the addition of grated fresh ginger. I also decided at the last minute to add some orange zest which I have to say really made the dish extra special. I’m sure if you try it, you will agree with me.

creamy farfalle pasta with smoked salmon and zucchini
Step 8 Cook your farfalle pasta,and add it to the sauce. Mix together, serve and enjoy!

 If you make this farfalle pasta with smoked salmon recipe, I’d love to hear your opinion of it. So, please do leave a comment below or write something on The Pasta Project Facebook page.

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Buon Appetito!

farfalle pasta with smoked salmon and zucchini

Other farfalle recipes on the Pasta Project.

  1. Farfalle with sausage and radicchio
  2. Shrimp and asparagus farfalle
  3. Pasta with prawns and orange

This recipe was orginally published in 2017 but has been updated with new photos and text.

farfalle pasta with smoked salmon and zucchini

Farfalle pasta with smoked salmon and zucchini

Jacqueline De Bono
This divinely delicious contemporary Italian pasta recipe for farfalle with smoked salmon and zucchini has a delicate creamy flavour enhanced by the addition of a little grated fresh ginger and orange zest. It's easy to make yet elegant enough for special occasions!
5 from 18 votes
Print Recipe Save Recipe Saved!
Prep Time 10 mins
Cook Time 20 mins
Total Time 30 mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian, Mediterranean, Northern Italy
Servings 4
Calories 743 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 400 g farfalle (bow tie) pasta (14oz)
  • 150 g smoked salmon (5.5oz)
  • 1-2 zucchini
  • 2 garlic cloves peeled and crushed
  • 200 ml heavy cream (7floz) Italian panna di cucina or thick double cream
  • 2-3 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp fresh ginger grated
  • 1 tsp orange zest
  • salt for pasta and to taste
  • black pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • Put a large pan of water onto boil for the pasta. When it starts to boil add some salt and bring to the boil again.
  • In the meantime, wash the zucchini, pat dry and cut off the ends. Cut the zucchini lengthwise in 4 parts. Cut each quarter in two and cut into cubes.
  • Put the cream in a bowl and mix in the grated ginger, a little orange zest and some black pepper. Set aside.
  • Heat a little olive oil in a frying pan or skillet and add the crushed garlic cloves. As soon as the garlic begins to soften, add the zucchini and sauté for a couple of minutes.
  • As soon as the zucchini become translucent, add the smoked salmon in pieces. Remove the garlic.
  • Cook the salmon with the zucchini for a couple of minutes then add the cream mixture.
  • Turn down the heat, stir well and allow to cook for 5 minutes. Add salt and pepper to taste.
  • Cook the pasta al dente according to the instructions on the packet. When the pasta is ready, save a cup of the cooking water, drain the pasta and add it to the sauce. Mix well. If it seems dry, add a little of the pasta cooking water.
  • Serve immediately with a sprinkling of orange zest, and pepper if required.

Notes

If you can’t find farfalle pasta you could also use penne or other small pasta tubes.
You can also use other vegetables instead of zucchini such as peas or asparagus
Keyword bow-tie pasta, farfalle, smoked salmon, smoked salmon pasta

Save this recipe for later on Pinterest.

creamy farfalle (bow-tie) pasta with smoked salmon and zucchini

If you are interested in learning how to make homemade pasta and different types of gnocchi, check out my shop page for some great video online courses from my friends in Rome! Nothing beats learning to make pasta from Italians! Plus while you’re there why not order a copy of one of my pasta recipes cookbook!?

Filed Under: Farfalle (butterflies and bow ties), Seafood & Lake Fish Pasta Tagged With: farfalle, seafood, smoked salmon, zucchini

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Mikayla says

    May 20, 2022 at 4:19 am

    We really enjoyed the rich and creamy flavors. We opted to use yellow and green zucchini to add an extra pop of color. The smoked salmon flavor mixed with garlic and ginger was a terrific combination.

    Reply
  2. Leslie says

    May 19, 2022 at 6:31 pm

    I think your addition of the orange zest was a nice touch! This is a great pasta recipe!

    Reply
  3. Raksha Kamat says

    May 19, 2022 at 4:29 pm

    I made this bow tie pasta today. The flavours of salmon and cream were so amazing. This recipe will be made often at home now on.

    Reply
  4. Kathryn says

    May 18, 2022 at 4:49 pm

    This smoked salmon pasta was so delicious especially since we all love smoked salmon! All of the flavors work so well together, so perfect!

    Reply
  5. Nancy says

    May 18, 2022 at 12:17 am

    I made your pasta for my boyfriend and he loved it. He said it was better than anything he’s had a the local restaurants.

    Reply
  6. Marta says

    May 17, 2022 at 7:15 pm

    This has to be the best way to eat farfalle, bar none. I loved the earthiness that the smoked salmon gave this dish. I can’t wait til the zucchini in my garden grows so I can use in this recipe again.

    Reply
  7. Marcie says

    May 17, 2022 at 4:15 pm

    My family (especially my kids) love bow tie pasta AND salmon. What a great way to combine their favorites! Can’t wait to try this.

    Reply
  8. Natalie says

    May 17, 2022 at 10:37 am

    Oh, my kids love bow-tie pasta! Very simple to make, tasty, kid-friendly, and hearty meal! Thanks!

    Reply
  9. Peter says

    May 17, 2022 at 8:05 am

    I was looking for an easy salmon and pasta recipe, and this didn’t disappoint! The little bow tie pastas were fun to eat too!

    Reply
  10. veenaazmanov says

    May 17, 2022 at 6:13 am

    Love the flavors infused to making this pasta recipe. Looks yummy and tempting.

    Reply
  11. David Skulski says

    May 10, 2022 at 7:56 pm

    Made this one a couple of days ago. As always with your recipes, it was sublime. I used creme fraiche which I had on hand; it was perfect.

    Reply
  12. Deborah says

    May 07, 2022 at 2:00 am

    This bow tie pasta recipe with smoked salmon and zucchini looks wonderful! I love the extra addition of ginger and orange zest. I bet lemon zest would be really good, too. Yum! I’m going to try this recipe this next week!

    Reply
  13. Jo Koni says

    April 23, 2020 at 8:58 am

    Even the kids loved this! Great combination of flavors.

    Substituted orange zest with a bit of lemon juice, worked as well. You were right about the acidity, it takes the dish to a whole different level! Also used milk and butter instead of cream, makes it a bit lighter.

    Thank you for a great recipe!

    Reply
    • Jacqui says

      April 23, 2020 at 9:12 am

      Hi Jo, thanks for your comment! I’m happy this recipe was a hit with your family! We love it too! Good idea with the milk and butter instead of cream! I have to remember that!

      Reply
  14. Cookilicious says

    May 23, 2019 at 12:40 am

    I can eat pasta eat all day! It’s a quick fix weeknight dinner for me!

    Reply
  15. Kelly Anthony says

    May 22, 2019 at 7:29 pm

    I love seafood in my pasta so I’m super excited to make this farfalle pasta with smoked salmon and zucchini.

    Reply
  16. Natalie says

    May 22, 2019 at 7:24 pm

    Wow this looks sooo creamy and delicious. Smoked salmon is so flavorful and so good. I have to give this recipe a try soon.

    Reply
  17. Lisa says

    May 22, 2019 at 6:59 pm

    This pasta with smoked salmon looks so delicious! I’ve always been a fan of creamy pastas and I can’t wait to try this one!

    Reply
  18. Michel Bonnet says

    May 01, 2019 at 9:45 am

    Hi Jacqueline,
    How woould you say “Farfalle with Smoked Salmon & zucchini” in Italian?
    Thanks.
    Michel.

    Reply
    • Jacqui says

      May 22, 2019 at 6:34 pm

      It’s very similar Michel ‘farfalle con salmone affumicato e zucchine’!

      Reply
  19. Josette Portelli says

    March 17, 2018 at 11:48 pm

    What a tasteful recipe. Thanks for sharing. I will surely introduce it to my family

    Reply
    • admin says

      March 19, 2018 at 11:06 am

      I am so happy you like this recipe Josette! Yes it’s a divine dish. I hope your family will enjoy it! All the best from Verona! Jacqui

      Reply
  20. Josette Portelli says

    March 17, 2018 at 11:46 pm

    What a tastefyl recipe. Thanks for sharing. I will surely introduce it to my family

    Reply
  21. Laura says

    March 14, 2018 at 8:30 am

    I always use farfalle for my smoked salmon pasta. I couldn’t imagine using another shape. It is not easy to find good smoked salmon in Italy and a very good quality can be very expensive. I like your recipe, a good way to enhance its flavour.

    Reply
    • admin says

      March 14, 2018 at 11:43 am

      Thanks for your comment Laura. I’m happy you like the recipe. Yes farfalle is great with salmon. In fact, here in Italy farfalle are THE favourite pasta for smoked salmon. Actually I find quite good salmon here. certainly good enough for pasta. I buy it either from IKEA or from a couple of shops that have salmon that’s been smoked in Italy. There are companies doing that now. Salute Jacqui

      Reply
  22. Caroline says

    March 13, 2018 at 7:30 pm

    This looks like a tasty meal and nice and easy to make always helps. Interesting the history of farfalle too!

    Reply
    • admin says

      March 14, 2018 at 11:48 am

      Thanks so much Caroline. I’m pleased you like the recipe. Yes it’s easy and quick and yet divinely delish. A lot of Italian food has history. I like doing the research and including food origins/ history/legends etc. Makes it interesting for me and my audience! All thebest from Verona!Jacqui

      Reply
  23. Pam Greer says

    March 13, 2018 at 7:26 pm

    Farfalle is one of my favorite pasta shapes! I also love smoked salmon! This is going on next week’s menu!

    Reply
    • admin says

      March 14, 2018 at 11:49 am

      Grazie Pam! I’m thrilled you want to try out this recipe. I’m sure you will love it! Greetings from Verona! Jacqui

      Reply
  24. Averil Walker says

    October 01, 2017 at 7:24 pm

    This is a fabulous recipe that we enjoyed this evening…love love love the pasta project!!

    Reply
    • admin says

      October 03, 2017 at 9:37 am

      Hi Averil, thanks so much for your comment! I am so happy you liked this recipe and thrilled that you love the Pasta Project! I am currently on holiday in Sicily trying new pasta dishes and collecting recipes to post after my return. I hope you will try some other recipes from my collection. All the best from Sicily! Jacqui

      Reply

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Buon giorno and welcome to my pasta project! My name is Jacqui. I’m originally a Londoner but in 2003 life’s journey brought me to the beautiful Veneto region of Italy where… Read More

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