Penne with Salmon and Vodka
- Energy Kcal 644
- Carbohydrates g 82.7
- of which sugars g 6.2
- Protein g 34.3
- Fats g 21.6
- of which saturated fat g 7.4
- Fiber g 3.1
- Cholesterol mg 48
- Sodium mg 1204
- Difficulty: Easy
- Prep time: 10 min
- Cook time: 10 min
- Serving: 4
- Cost: Average
PRESENTATION
Penne with salmon and vodka—now that's a blast from the past. For anyone who remembers Italian food trends from the 70s and 80s, it’s like stepping back in time. Seriously good. Back then, creamy sauces and quick pasta dishes like penne alla vodka with salmon were everywhere. I mean, you couldn't escape it! The creamy vodka sauce—just a bit tangy—gets a real boost from tender salmon, making it a favorite for seafood lovers.
And here's the thing, it takes the regular penne alla vodka and gives it a twist by adding moist salmon that just soaks up all those flavors. Really really tasty. You can go fresh or smoked with the salmon, depending on what you prefer, and it works great because it stays tender even when mixed with hot pasta.
Throughout Italy, this salmon penne alla vodka was everywhere, showing how folks loved blending sauces with new stuff. The creamy texture—along with the pink from tomato and cream—and the hint of vodka, come together for a rich and comforting meal. It feels both retro and modern at the same time.
People sometimes toss in peas or sprinkle some fresh herbs for a pop of color and extra taste, but even the basic version is so so satisfying. Which is great. That's why it’s stuck around for so long. You can find versions of creamy salmon pasta at parties or for weeknight dinners since it’s an easy salmon pasta recipe that's perfect when you're short on time but still want something yummy.
Honestly, even today, penne with salmon and vodka holds onto that spot as a classic—ideal for anyone who likes a dish that’s a little creamy, a little rich, and full of memories from Italy’s kitchen history. Rediscovering this pasta is like a mini time travel, and it tastes just as good now as it did back then. For sure. Making it a beloved choice for modern meals.
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- INGREDIENTS
- Pennette rigate pasta 14.1 oz (400 g)
- Smoked Salmon 7.1 oz (200 g) -
- Shallot 1.2 oz (35 g)
- Vodka 1.5 oz (40 g)
- Tomatoes 0.8 cup (150 g)
- Fresh liquid cream ¾ cup (200 g)
- Chives ½ tsp (2 g)
- Extra virgin olive oil 3 tbsp (40 g)
- Fine salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
How to prepare Penne with Salmon and Vodka
To prepare the penne with salmon and vodka, the first thing to do is wash the cherry tomatoes and then cut them 1, then wash and chop the chives, and after cleaning the shallot, chop it with a knife 3.
Put it in a saucepan and let it flavor in the extra virgin olive oil for a few moments 4. Meanwhile, cut the salmon into strips 5 and toss it in the pan along with the oil and shallot 6.
Deglaze with vodka 7 being very careful of the possible flare-up (if the flame rises, don't worry, as it will extinguish as soon as the alcohol has completely evaporated), add the chopped cherry tomatoes 8 and adjust the salt 9.
Also add pepper if you like 10, and finally add the cream 11 and chopped chives 12.
While the sauce continues to cook 13, move on to the pasta. As soon as the water boils, add the penne 14 and cook them al dente 15.
Then drain them, even roughly if the sauce has thickened too much 16, and pour the penne into the sauce 17, allowing them to cook for a few moments to allow them to absorb the flavor 18. At this point, the penne with salmon and vodka is ready, just serve them immediately while they're still hot.