Ditch the takeaway menus and try Bozu's Smoked Haddock & Creamed Leek Pasta — a restaurant-quality dish you make at home, perfect for a midweek treat or special occasion.
There's nothing quite like a comforting bowl of pasta to warm your soul after a long day. But if you're craving something a bit more special, this smoked haddock and creamed leek penne pasta is the answer.
It's a simple, yet elegant meal that brings together the best of land and sea. The smoky fish, the creamy sauce, the perfectly cooked pasta — it's a flavour combination that's absolutely delicious.
And the best part? You don't need to be a chef to make this dish. So, let’s cook!
Recipe of Smoked Haddock & Creamed Leek Penne Pasta
Before we get cooking, let's gather up the goodies you'll need.
- Smoked Haddock: 2 fillets
- Penne Pasta: 1 cup (uncooked)
- Leeks: 2, sliced
- Spinach: A handful
- Peas: 1/2 cup
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Vegetable Bouillon: 1 cube (or 1 teaspoon powder)
- Cheddar Cheese: 1/4 cup, grated
- Coconut Milk: 1/2 cup
- Dill
- Chives
- Salt
- Black Pepper
Instructions
Here's your step-by-step guide to making Bozu's Smoked Haddock & Creamed Leek Penne Pasta.
Cook Pasta
- Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil.
- Add a generous pinch of salt to the water (it should taste like the sea!).
- Add the penne pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until al dente (still firm to the bite).
Leeks and Garlic
- While the pasta is cooking, grab another pan and heat a drizzle of oil over medium heat.
- Add the sliced leeks and cook them gently for about 5 minutes until they're soft and translucent.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Make it Creamy
- Now, crumble in that veggie bouillon cube (or sprinkle in the powder) and pour in the coconut milk.
- Give it a good stir and let it simmer gently for a few minutes until the bouillon dissolves and the sauce thickens slightly.
Flaky Fish Time
- Gently fold the smoked haddock fillets into the creamy sauce.
- Let them cook for about 5 minutes, or until they flake easily with a fork.
- Don't worry if they break up a little, it'll all come together in the end.
Add the Greens
- Throw in the spinach and peas, give everything a good stir, and let it cook for another couple of minutes until the spinach wilts and the peas are heated through.
Cheese Time
- Take the pan off the heat and stir in most of the grated cheddar cheese.
- It'll melt into the sauce and make it extra creamy and delicious.
- Keep a little bit of cheese back for sprinkling on top later.
Perfect Pasta
- Drain the pasta well, but don't rinse it.
- Add it straight to the pan with the sauce and toss everything together until the pasta is coated in that creamy goodness.
Tuck In
- Divide the pasta between your plates and sprinkle over the remaining cheese, chopped dill, and chives.
- Season with a bit of black pepper if you like.
And there you have it — a simple, yet satisfying smoked haddock and leek pasta dish that's perfect for a midweek meal or a special occasion.
Serving Your Smoked Haddock Pasta
This pasta dish is already perfect, but a few tweaks make you lick the plate.
Garnish It
Don't be afraid to use those fresh herbs! A sprinkle of dill and chives adds some nice colour and flavour — making your dish look and taste even better.
A little drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of black pepper are also great additions.
Side Dishes
A crisp green salad with a light dressing is a way to add freshness. Some crusty bread or garlic bread is perfect for soaking up all that yummy sauce.
And if you want to make things a bit fancier, some roasted veggies like asparagus or broccoli go great with the smoked haddock.
Drinks to Go With It
A chilled glass of white wine, like a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, is the perfect partner for this dish. It cuts through the creamy sauce and brings out the smokiness of the haddock.
Not a wine drinker?
A sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon or lime is refreshing and light.
Leftovers
Got some leftover pasta? Perfect! This dish tastes even better the next day. Just warm it up gently in a pan on the stove — adding a splash of milk or cream if the sauce needs loosening up.
Garlic Bread Crumbs
Sprinkle crunchy garlic bread crumbs over your pasta for an extra layer of flavour and texture. Just fry them up in butter with garlic powder and dried herbs until they're golden brown. Simple & delicious!
A Drizzle of Lemon-Dill Sauce
Make a quick sauce by whisking together some lemon juice, chopped dill, olive oil, and a pinch of salt. Drizzle it over your pasta just before serving for a bright, zesty kick.
Lemon-Garlic Roasted Broccoli
Roasted broccoli is a simple and tasty side that complements the smoky fish perfectly. Toss broccoli florets with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, then roast in the oven until tender and slightly charred. It's a nutritious way to add some greens to your plate.
Extra Flavours
A pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favourite hot sauce will give your pasta a fiery kick. If you're after something a bit more luxurious, stir in a dollop of crème fraîche or mascarpone cheese just before serving.
It'll add a rich, velvety texture that complements the smoky fish beautifully.
And if you're not a fan of haddock, no worries! This recipe works just as well with other fish like salmon, cod, or even prawns. Feel free to experiment and make it your own.
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