This creamy and flavourful farfalle (bow-tie) pasta with smoked salmon is a super easy to make yet elegant Italian dish. It pairs pretty farfalle pasta with a creamy sauce of zucchini, smoked salmon, ginger and orange zest. Perfect for special occasions like Mother's Day or even just for a light lunch or date night dinner.
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.
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 this pasta ‘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.
Apparently, once the filling for the cappelletti had run out, 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!
Sometimes, we also make 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.
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. However, the salmon itself usually comes from Scotland or Norway.
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 pasta with smoked salmon recipe.
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 with tomatoes was also in vogue.
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.
I decided on this recipe which has zucchini, cream and smoked salmon but with the addition of grated fresh ginger. I also added 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.
Ingredients for pasta with smoked salmon.
Pasta: Farfalle (bow-tie) pasta is a very popular choice for smoked salmon pasta in Italy. I used pasta from Pastificio Liguori, pasta makers from Gragnano, Naples. Of course, you can use other pasta shapes. Penne is a good choice as is fine tagliolini or tagliatelle. You could even make homemade tagliatelle.
Smoked salmon: I used cold-smoked salmon for this recipe. And, that’s what I usually use whether in pasta recipes or other dishes. Most smoked salmon here in Italy is cold smoked salmon. However, you can also use hot smoked salmon.
Zucchini: Choose young, smaller fresh dark green zucchini that have smooth and shiny skins. These are sweeter than older, large zucchini can be bitter. Alternatively fresh asparagus or peas would make a great substitute for the zucchini.
Garlic: Peel and crush the garlic cloves but don't chop them because they are removed before adding cream to the sauce. You want a slight garlicky flavor but not overpowering as the other ingredients are light with a delicate texture and taste.
Heavy cream: Here in Italy we have a long life heavy cream called panna da cucina. I used this because thick fresh cream is difficult to find. The cream is what makes the sauce rich and rather luxurious. However, for a lighter version use half-and-half or single cream, although the cream sauce will be less rich and more liquid.
Ginger and orange zest: Just a little of each grated into the cream gives this dish a unique flavor. Use fresh ginger not dried and oranges with an edible peel.
Optional ingredients: You could also use lemon zest instead of orange. In addition, for an optional fresh herby flavor use some fresh dill, fresh basil or fresh parsley. However, dried herbs would not work
Step by step instructions.
1) Prepare your ingredients. Wash the zucchini and cut them into small cubes. Peel and crush the garlic. Grate the orange zest and ginger.
2) In a bowl, add the ginger, orange zest and freshly ground black pepper to the cream. Mix well.
3) Sauté the garlic and zucchini in olive oil in a large skillet over a medium heat until the garlic is soft and slightly brown and the zucchini is soft and slightly brown too. The skillet needs to be large enough to hold the cooked pasta too.
4) Remove the garlic and add the cut smoked salmon to the skillet and cook for a few minutes over a medium-low heat.
5) Add the cream mixture to the salmon and zucchini.
6) Mix the cream and other ingredients together well and cook for a couple of minutes.
7) Cook your farfalle pasta al dente according to the instructions on the packet, save a cup of the pasta water, then drain and add the drained pasta to the sauce. Mix everything together carefully. You can add a little pasta water if the sauce seems dry. Serve immediately and enjoy!
What to do with leftovers.
This pasta with smoked salmon is best when you eat it immediately. But, you can keep leftovers sealed in the fridge in an airtight container for a couple of days. Reheat in the microwave with a little added milk or cream.
Let me know what you think.
If you make this creamy smoked salmon pasta recipe, I’d love to hear your opinion of it. I think this is a great dish for any special occasion, if you feel the same, please do leave a comment below or write something on The Pasta Project Facebook page.
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Buon Appetito!
More recipes on the Pasta Project.
- Creamy lemon salmon pasta
- Farfalle with sausage and radicchio
- Shrimp and asparagus farfalle
- Pasta with prawns and orange
- Creamy smoked salmon pasta
This recipe was orginally published in 2017 but has been updated with new photos and text.
Farfalle pasta with smoked salmon and zucchini.
Ingredients
- 14 ounces farfalle (bow tie) pasta
- 5.5 ounces smoked salmon (5.5oz)
- 1-2 zucchini washed and cut into cubes
- 2 garlic cloves peeled and crushed
- 7 fluid ounces heavy cream Italian panna di cucina or thick double cream.
- 2-3 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon fresh ginger grated
- 1 teaspoon 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
Nutrition
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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!?
Nancy says
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.
Marta says
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.
Marcie says
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.
Natalie says
Oh, my kids love bow-tie pasta! Very simple to make, tasty, kid-friendly, and hearty meal! Thanks!
Peter says
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!
veenaazmanov says
Love the flavors infused to making this pasta recipe. Looks yummy and tempting.
David Skulski says
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.
Deborah says
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!
Jo Koni says
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!
Jacqui says
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!
Cookilicious says
I can eat pasta eat all day! It's a quick fix weeknight dinner for me!
Kelly Anthony says
I love seafood in my pasta so I'm super excited to make this farfalle pasta with smoked salmon and zucchini.
Natalie says
Wow this looks sooo creamy and delicious. Smoked salmon is so flavorful and so good. I have to give this recipe a try soon.
Lisa says
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!
Michel Bonnet says
Hi Jacqueline,
How woould you say "Farfalle with Smoked Salmon & zucchini" in Italian?
Thanks.
Michel.
Jacqui says
It's very similar Michel 'farfalle con salmone affumicato e zucchine'!
Josette Portelli says
What a tasteful recipe. Thanks for sharing. I will surely introduce it to my family
admin says
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
Josette Portelli says
What a tastefyl recipe. Thanks for sharing. I will surely introduce it to my family
Laura says
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.
admin says
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
Caroline says
This looks like a tasty meal and nice and easy to make always helps. Interesting the history of farfalle too!
admin says
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
Pam Greer says
Farfalle is one of my favorite pasta shapes! I also love smoked salmon! This is going on next week's menu!
admin says
Grazie Pam! I'm thrilled you want to try out this recipe. I'm sure you will love it! Greetings from Verona! Jacqui
Averil Walker says
This is a fabulous recipe that we enjoyed this evening...love love love the pasta project!!
admin says
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