Best Pasta Recipes with Salmon & Trout Roe for an Italian-Inspired Feast
Italian cuisine is rooted in simplicity and quality. A few good ingredients, treated with care, can deliver something unforgettable. Pasta is the perfect example — a blank canvas that adapts to whatever you pair it with. One ingredient that doesn’t get enough attention, but deserves it, is fish roe. Salmon and trout roe, in particular, can take a dish from good to restaurant-level in minutes.
Used thoughtfully, roe adds more than just a garnish. It brings texture, natural salinity, and depth of flavor. Whether you're aiming for a light summer dish or a rich, creamy bowl of comfort, fish roe fits right in.
Why Salmon & Trout Roe Work in Italian-Inspired Dishes
Salmon roe is bold and briny, with a satisfying burst. It holds up well in buttery or citrus-based sauces, adding richness without heaviness. The bright orange color also gives any dish a touch of visual flair.
Trout roe is softer, more delicate in both texture and flavor. It’s lightly salty with a buttery finish, making it ideal for olive oil or herb-based pastas. Smoked trout roe, with its subtle depth and savory notes, works especially well in creamy dishes or alongside roasted ingredients.
Here are three easy, flavorful pasta recipes that highlight these ingredients at their best.
1. Linguine with Lemon Butter & Salmon Roe
Ingredients:
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Linguine
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Unsalted butter
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1 clove garlic, minced
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Zest and juice of 1 lemon
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Fresh parsley, chopped
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Cracked black pepper
Instructions:
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Cook the linguine in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve a bit of the pasta water before draining.
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In a large pan, melt the butter over low heat. Add the garlic and sauté just until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
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Stir in lemon zest and a small squeeze of juice.
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Add the drained pasta to the pan along with a splash of pasta water. Toss gently to coat.
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Season with black pepper and top with fresh parsley.
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Spoon salmon roe over each serving just before plating.
Tip: Add the roe last and avoid heating it directly. This keeps the texture fresh and the flavor clean.
2. Spaghetti with Smoked Trout Roe & Crème Fraîche
Ingredients:
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Spaghetti
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Crème fraîche
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Zest of 1 lemon
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Fresh chives, minced
Instructions:
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Cook spaghetti until just tender. Drain and set aside.
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In a bowl, mix crème fraîche with lemon zest and chives.
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While the pasta is still warm, toss it with the crème fraîche mixture until evenly coated.
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Plate and finish with smoked trout roe on top.
Tip: Serve immediately for best flavor and texture. This dish doesn’t reheat well.
3. Tagliatelle with Herbed Olive Oil & Trout Roe
Ingredients:
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Tagliatelle
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Fresh basil and dill, chopped
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Cracked black pepper
Instructions:
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Cook tagliatelle until al dente. Drain and set aside.
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In a large bowl, combine olive oil, chopped herbs, and cracked pepper.
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Add the warm pasta and toss to coat evenly.
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Spoon trout roe over the top just before serving.
Tip: This works great as a base. Try adding grilled zucchini or seared scallops for variety.
Bring Italian Flavor to Your Table
With just a handful of ingredients and quality fish roe, you can create pasta dishes that are light, balanced, and full of character. Perfect for dinner parties or a quiet night in, these recipes show how easy it is to cook with intention and flavor.
Explore more Italian gourmet seafood and pantry staples at Tita Italian — and start making simple meals feel a little more special.