Midnight Trout Pasta

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Midnight Trout Pasta is a quick, decadent meal that feels gourmet without being complicated. The smoky trout and tuna provide a hearty, savory flavor, while the lemon and capers brighten the dish with freshness. The creamy sauce and toasted breadcrumbs add layers of texture, and the dish comes together in under 30 minutes. It’s ideal for weeknight dinners, date nights, or impressing guests with minimal effort.

ingredients

12 ounces linguini, spaghetti, or fettuccine
Kosher salt, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for drizzling
1 medium shallot, finely diced
2 cans Smoked Rainbow Fishwife Trout
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons capers, drained
Red chili flakes, to taste
1 (5 ounce) can tuna, drained (preferably packed in oil)
1 lemon, zested and juiced
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Toasted breadcrumbs, for serving
Fresh dill or parsley, for serving

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta to al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.

2. Prepare the sauce: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shallot and sauté until softened, about 3 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

3. Add the fish: Flake smoked trout and tuna into the skillet with shallots and garlic. Add capers and red chili flakes, stir gently, and cook for 2 minutes to warm the fish.

4. Finish the sauce: Add reserved pasta water, lemon zest, lemon juice, and butter to the skillet. Stir until the butter melts and the sauce combines.

5. Combine pasta and sauce: Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss gently to coat. Season with black pepper and salt as needed.

6. Serve: Plate the pasta, drizzle with extra olive oil, top with toasted breadcrumbs, and garnish with fresh dill or parsley.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Substitute smoked salmon for the trout for a slightly different smoky flavor.

• Use gluten-free pasta or whole wheat pasta to suit dietary needs.

• Add cherry tomatoes or spinach for extra color and nutrients.

• Replace tuna with canned salmon for a richer taste.

• Sprinkle parmesan or pecorino cheese on top for a cheesy twist.

storage/reheating

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

• Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of pasta water to restore creaminess.

• Do not freeze the pasta, as the texture of the fish may change.

FAQs

What kind of pasta works best for this dish?

Linguini, spaghetti, or fettuccine all work well because they hold the sauce effectively.

Can I make this dish without tuna?

Yes, you can skip the tuna, but the dish will be slightly lighter in protein and flavor depth.

Is smoked trout necessary?

Smoked trout provides the signature flavor, but smoked salmon or other smoked fish can be substituted.

Can I use fresh trout instead of smoked trout?

You can, but the smoky flavor will be lost. Consider briefly smoking or grilling the fish if using fresh trout.

How spicy is this dish?

The heat comes from red chili flakes. Adjust the amount to suit your taste.

Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce components ahead, but combine with pasta just before serving.

Is this recipe suitable for weeknight dinners?

Absolutely. It comes together in 30 minutes and requires minimal ingredients.

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh lemon?

Fresh lemon is best for brightness, but bottled juice can be used in a pinch.

How do I get the pasta perfectly al dente?

Cook according to package instructions and taste test 1-2 minutes before the recommended time.

Can I add vegetables to this pasta?

Yes, sautéed spinach, cherry tomatoes, or peas work well to add color and nutrition.

Conclusion

Midnight Trout Pasta is a quick, elegant, and flavorful meal that combines the smoky richness of trout with a bright, tangy lemon-caper sauce. Its simple preparation, balanced flavors, and satisfying textures make it a perfect choice for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or impressing guests. With its combination of protein, healthy fats, and carbs, this dish is as nutritious as it is delicious, and it’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

Midnight Trout Pasta

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• Author: Amy
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Seafood, Italian-inspired

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Description

Midnight Trout Pasta is a flavorful and smoky pasta dish that combines tender linguini with smoked trout, tuna, and a zesty lemon-caper sauce. The creamy sauce, toasted breadcrumbs, and fresh herbs create a perfect balance of textures and flavors, ideal for a cozy dinner or a special occasion at home.

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Ingredients

12 ounces linguini, spaghetti, or fettuccine

Kosher salt, to taste

2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for drizzling

1 medium shallot, finely diced

2 cans Smoked Rainbow Fishwife Trout

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons capers, drained

Red chili flakes, to taste

1 (5 ounce) can tuna, drained (preferably packed in oil)

1 lemon, zested and juiced

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Toasted breadcrumbs, for serving

Fresh dill or parsley, for serving

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Instructions

1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta to al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
2. Prepare the sauce: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add shallot and sauté until softened, about 3 minutes. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add the fish: Flake smoked trout and tuna into the skillet with shallots and garlic. Add capers and red chili flakes, stir gently, and cook for 2 minutes to warm the fish.
4. Finish the sauce: Add reserved pasta water, lemon zest, lemon juice, and butter to the skillet. Stir until the butter melts and the sauce combines.
5. Combine pasta and sauce: Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss gently to coat. Season with black pepper and salt as needed.
6. Serve: Plate the pasta, drizzle with extra olive oil, top with toasted breadcrumbs, and garnish with fresh dill or parsley.

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Notes

Substitute smoked salmon for trout for a slightly different smoky flavor.

Use gluten-free pasta or whole wheat pasta to suit dietary needs.

Add cherry tomatoes or spinach for extra color and nutrients.

Replace tuna with canned salmon for a richer taste.

Sprinkle parmesan or pecorino cheese on top for a cheesy twist.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 650mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 45mg