Recipe: Gemelli with Cucumber and Smoked Salmon (using prepared Alfredo sauce and white wine)

GEMELLI WITH CUCUMBER AND SMOKED SALMON

"Alfredo sauce mixed with cucumbers, scallions, dill, and smoked salmon create a delightful sauce."

12 ounces gemelli, rotini or other short-shape pasta, uncooked
1 peeled, seeded, and chopped cucumber
1 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 bunch scallions, finely chopped (white parts only)
2 teaspoons finely minced garlic
1 cup dry white wine
1 1/2 cups refrigerated or jarred Alfredo sauce
1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
4 ounces smoked salmon
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Cook the pasta according to the package directions.

Meanwhile, toss the cucumber and teaspoon of the salt in a colander and let sit in the sink for 10 minutes. Rinse the cucumber and press out as much water as possible. Set aside.

Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the scallions and garlic and cook until soft, 2 to 3 minutes,

Add the wine and boil over high heat until the liquid is reduced in volume by about one third, 3 to 4 minutes.

Reduce the heat to medium-low and stir in the Alfredo sauce and dill. Cook for 1 minute Stir in remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt, salmon, pepper, and reserved cucumber.

Drain the pasta and toss with the sauce.

Servings: 4-6
Adapted from source: The Spaghetti Sauce Gourmet: 160 Recipes From Four Kinds of Sauce by David Joachim