What if tonight's dinner felt like a little taste of la Dolce Vita? Sometimes, all it takes is a beautiful plate of pasta, a generous sauce, and a few carefully chosen ingredients to turn an ordinary meal into a moment worth sharing. With tender salmon, a delicately vodka-infused cream sauce, and fresh, juicy cherry tomatoes, these farfalle bring together contrasting flavors with effortless Italian elegance.
A delicious, contemporary recipe for anyone who loves hosting without spending hours in the kitchen. Because the pleasure of a dinner party isn't just about what's served at the table, but also about the atmosphere you create around it.
With just a few simple steps, you can prepare a dish that's both refined and generous, original enough to surprise your guests yet approachable enough to let you enjoy the evening. That's part of the Art of Italian-style hosting: paying attention to the details without ever losing sight of what matters most — the pleasure of being together.
"When Mae tasted this salmon and vodka pasta, the table fell silent. Then the smiles said it all. One of those simple moments we love so much — and the kind that stays with you."
— Casa Bandera, from our Famiglia to yours
Salmon and Vodka Farfalle: An Elegant Italian-Inspired Recipe
Vodka pasta holds a special place in contemporary Italian cooking. Its history is the subject of several different accounts, and its exact origins remain a matter of debate, but its popularity has never faded. Born from the meeting of traditional Italian pasta culture and a touch of modern creativity, this dish is loved for its silky, delicately seasoned sauce, which coats the pasta without overpowering its flavors.
In this version, salmon brings a delicate yet generous touch. Its tender texture contrasts beautifully with the freshness of the cherry tomatoes, while the cream brings all the ingredients together. The vodka, meanwhile, gives the sauce its distinctive character, setting this dish apart from an ordinary creamy pasta recipe.
The result is indulgent without being too rich, elegant without being complicated. It's the kind of recipe you'll love preparing for dinner with friends or a family meal when you want to serve something a little different while still having time to enjoy your guests. A beautiful plate of pasta, a good glass of wine, and a welcoming table: sometimes, that's all it takes to make an evening feel special.
And if you'd like to take the experience beyond the plate, discover how to create an unforgettable Italian experience at home. You can also explore our tips for setting a warm and inviting scene with the Art of the Italian table: setting and decorating tips, or plan a complete meal with our guide to what to serve for a complete Italian dinner party.
At Casa Bandera, we love recipes that bring people together just as much as those that delight the taste buds. The kind you prepare with pleasure, place at the center of the table, and enjoy while conversation naturally carries on. Because, ultimately, Italian-style hosting isn't about impressing your guests. It's about making them want to stay just a little longer.
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Information |
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Difficulty 2/5 Cost medium Preparation time 10 minutes Cooking time 15 minutes Gluten |
Portions 4 Calories 550 kcal Utensils pot, frying pan, grater, ladle, tongs Seasons all year round |
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Ingredients |
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Farfalle 400 g Smoked salmon 200 g Cream 20 cl Vodka 5 cl Shallots 2 Chives Cherry tomatoes 150 g Butter Juice of one lemon Zest of one untreated lemon Salt and pepper |
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1 Cut the salmon into slices and halve the cherry tomatoes. Slice the shallots.

2 In a frying pan, melt the butter and add the shallots. Sauté until translucent.

3 Add the salmon slices and cherry tomatoes. Mix for a few seconds.

4 Add the vodka and gently flambé to burn off the alcohol.

5 Add the cream, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer on low heat.

6 Cook the farfalle al dente in a large pot of salted water. Reserve a ladle of the cooking water.

7 Drain the farfalle and toss them with the sauce. Add a ladle of the pasta cooking water to bind, then mix. Finally, add the finely chopped chives and the grated lemon zest just before serving.

Recommended Wine Pairing
A glass of dry white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, pairs perfectly with the creamy and savory flavors of this dish.
Discover my selection of Italian wine pairings.
Buon Appetito !
Also read: The Art of Italian Hosting: The Complete Guide to Creating Unforgettable Dinner Parties
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