Quick and easy, yet super fancy, this smoked salmon fettuccini alfredo is perfect weeknight dinner. Once you have all the ingredients on the counter, dinner will be ready in less than 20 minutes!
No seriously, this delicious pasta will be on your table in your belly in absolutely no time!!
If I can cook this with a newborn, you can totally make it on a weekday night with no problem! When I say you need 20 minutes, I’m actually being pretty generous. That deliciously creamy sauce comes together while pasta is cooking, which takes about what 7 minutes? And then you toss everything together and voila! Onto the plate they go.
I confess, I love alfredo sauce in a jar! It’s a lifesaver on those nights when you crave pasta, but no motivation to cook. You know, what I mean, we all have those nights. Remember, last Wednesday? 🙂 Well, that was until I learned how stupid easy it is to make alfredo sauce from scratch! Milk + heavy cream + cream cheese + your favorite seasoning + parmesan cheese= BOOM, you’ve got yourself homemade alfredo sauce.
My secret ingredient is Philadelphia whipped cream cheese. I’ve been obsessed with it lately. (And no, I’m not paid to say this, I just love it so much!) Compared to the brick version, this one in a tub is lighter, which is perfect for my alfredo sauce. Just make sure to grab original version, not a fruity one.
But the real secret to a fantastic alfredo sauce, in my opinion, is good parmesan cheese! You can’t just use the stuff in a green container (you know what I’m talking about) and expect amazing sauce, ok? Invest in high quality parmesan cheese for this. Personally, I prefer a block of parmigiano-reggiano and grate it myself. So much more flavor!
Quick tip: the sauce might seem runny at the beginning, but rest assured it’ll thicken rather quickly. Just keep a close eye on it once it comes to a boil. And don’t leave the stove to take a phone call, or something! But if it thickens too much, simply add a bit more milk to thin it.
Next, smoked salmon! It’s my weakness! I eat it on its own, on a deviled egg, in a quiche, you name it!! Never boring, and now I toss them into my pasta too.
I’m using cold-smoked salmon here, the velvety smooth kind. But I’m sure the other flaky stuff (hot-smoked version) will work just fine.
Attention chicken-lovers! You can sub leftover rotisserie chicken for smoked salmon. Yes, yes, you can! As much as I love my smoked salmon, truth is I don’t always have it on hand. So leftover rotisserie chicken comes in play! But who am I kidding, smoked salmon is the best!
Please add this smoked salmon pasta recipe to your next week’s menu. I promise, you won’t be disappointed. Thank you for reading!

Smoked Salmon Fettuccini Alfredo
Ingredients
- 8 oz 225gr Fettuccini
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 oz 115gr whipped cream cheese (I used Philadelphia brand in a tub)
- 2 garlic cloves pressed
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup 240ml heavy (whipping) cream
- 1 cup 240ml milk (I use whole milk, but any kind will work)
- ½ cup 2oz grated Parmesan cheese*
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 8 oz 225gr smoked salmon, chopped into small pieces
- 1-2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package directions.
- Meanwhile, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add whipped cream cheese, garlic and garlic powder.
- Whisk until everything is combined and smooth, about 2 minutes.
- In 2-cup measuring cup, combine heavy whipping cream and milk and slowly stir into the cream cheese mixture, whisking constantly.
- Bring it to a boil, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese, salt and pepper and continue to cook until desired thickness. Keep in mind the sauce thickens rather quickly. If the sauce thickened too much, add a bit of milk to thin it.
- Add the pasta, smoked salmon, parsley and lemon juice.
- Toss everything until well combined. Serve immediately.
Dave says
I slightly modified. I added shallots. Sautéed the shallots and garlic in butter and oil then added cream cheese. From that point I followed the recipe. Turned out excellent.
Shinee says
I love the addition of shallots, Dave! I use it often for this recipe too, I should update the recipe. Thank you for your feedback!
Kim says
Quick, delicious and amazing to look at! A perfect dish! I just love Salmon in anything really but it’s extra special in a pasta dish. We host a fun link-party every week with a bit of a twist – the hosts make and feature the recipes linked up! We’d love for you to stop by and link up with us! http://tinyurl.com/h22otpq
Shinee says
Thank you, Kim!
April R - Uncookie Cutter says
I love smoked salmon and I LOVE alfredo. It was my favorite food as a kid. This recipe looks mouth watering-ly yummy! I would love for you to stop by and link up at our new party where we make the features! Thanks for sharing and hope to see you at the party!
Shinee says
Thanks, April!
Sarah says
This looks so delicious! Can I please have a bite? 😀
Shinee says
Sure, help yourself! 🙂 Thanks, Sarah!
Medha says
This pasta dish looks super creamy and luxurious!
Shinee says
Thank you, Medha!
heather says
YUM!! quick weeknight meals are a must around here, and who could pass up that alfredo sauce 🙂
Shinee says
Right?? It’s a winner for sure. Thanks, Heather!
Catherine says
This is absolutely to die for! What a gorgeous dish filled with so many wonderful flavors. Nothing beats homemade alfredo! xo, Catherine
Shinee says
Catherine, I agree, homemade alfredo is the best! Thanks for visiting!