SMOKED SALMON PASTA WITH FRESH TOMATOES, BASIL AND GOAT CHEESE RECIPE

Smoked Salmon Pasta with Fresh Tomatoes, Basil and Goat Cheese Recipe image

Provided by á-9182

Number Of Ingredients 14

4 ounces New England smoked salmon*
1 1/2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 slice local smokehouse bacon, chopped into 1/4 - 1/2 inch pieces
1/2 cup sliced leek
1 medium tomato, diced into 1/3 inch cubes
1/2 cup dry white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc
1 1/2 tablespoon capers, rinsed
1 tablespoon butter or butter substitute (we use Earth Balance as a butter replacement)
Zest of 1 lemon
2 teaspoons coarsely ground pepper or to taste
1 cup torn or chopped fresh basil leaves
1/2 cup (approximately 3 - 4 ounces) local soft goat cheese in 1/2 inch pieces
Sea salt or kosher salt to taste
4 ounces thin spaghetti or linguini

Steps:

Heat olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat, add bacon and cook until lightly brown. Add leeks and cook until soft. Add wine, turn to high and boil until most of the wine has evaporated. Add tomatoes and butter and lower heat. Add salmon, lemon zest, crushed pepper and capers and turn off heart when warmed. Cook pasta in 2 quarts rapidly boiling salted water until al dente (usually less time than instructions on the box). Drain the pasta and add to sauté pan. Turn heat to high and mix sauce with pasta; remove pan from heat. Add cheese and basil off heat, toss and serve immediately. Vinaigrette with fresh greens and a dry white wine nicely finish this meal