Creamy Lemon Fettuccini with Smoked Salmon & Asparagus
This recipe is one I’ve been wanting to make for a while now, so a couple of weeks ago, I decided I would create a video for Instagram and headed off to the grocery store.
I don’t ever remember not being able to get a pound of (green) asparagus, even when asparagus isn’t in season, but of course, that day, there was only purple asparagus (with really thick stalks). It was too late to change course, so I got the purple asparagus and proceeded to get the other ingredients for the recipe.
I’m very glad I didn’t let the asparagus snafu stop me from making this dish because the finished pasta was so delicious. Next time I make it, I’ll plan ahead a little and make sure I get green asparagus!
This lemony, creamy pasta is perfect for spring and is lighter than you might expect, even with the cream. It doesn’t contain any cheese, but a little Parmesan would be delicious! It seems like there are a lot of ingredients, but it’s really just a matter of making the breadcrumb topping and then putting the pasta together. Prep your ingredients ahead of time and this will come together quickly.
I’m telling you…do not skip making the breadcrumbs here because they are beyond fabulous! I could sit down with a bowl of them! The chilis that are sauteéd with them, add a little heat and so much flavor. My advice would be to make extra and save them for any leftover pasta the next day!
I purchased my smoked salmon (be sure to buy hot smoked salmon) but you could always smoke it yourself if you’re feeling industrious! Homemade smoked salmon is really delicious, and actually doesn’t take that much time. Either way, you’ll love this dish! It’s easy enough to make for a weeknight dinner and fancy enough for company. Serve it with a green salad (arugula would be good), some crusty bread and a glass of rosé.
I love the colors in this pasta and it’s nice to serve extra lemon slices to brighten the flavor. I think it makes a beautiful presentation and I love pretty food!
Creamy Lemon Smoked Salmon Pasta with Asparagus
Ingredients
- 1/2 pound dried fettuccini cooked according to package directions
- 1/2 cup good quality olive oil
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 small red chilis, seeded and finely chopped
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 shallot, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups hot smoked peppercorn salmon
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water according to package directions. Drain and reserve a half a cup of cooking water.
- Heat 1/4 cup olive oil in a medium skillet over medium high heat. Add chopped chilis and then breadcrumbs. Cook, stirring constantly until the breadcrumb s are golden and crunchy. Season with salt and pepper and transfer to a bowl.
- Heat the remaining oil (add more if necessary) in a large skillet. Add the diced shallot and cook, stirring until softened. Add the garlic, asparagus and snow peas. Cook, stirring occasionally for about 3 minutes or until almost tender. Add the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Add the cooked pasta, the salon and as much of the pasta water as necessary, the lemon zest and juice. Toss until pasta is coated with the sauce. Season with more salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve the pasta topped with the crispy bread crumbs and enjoy!
I have three new cookbooks and I’m excited to try a few recipes from all of them! The most recent is probably my favorite…In My Kitchen by Deborah Madison. When my daughters were little, I cooked so many recipes from Deborah’s The Greens Cookbook because the recipes are healthy and for the most part easy to make! She always focuses on fresh, seasonal and local ingredients.
Every time I post these cute wine glasses from Haand Pottery I get lots of comments! These glasses are perfect for summer sipping or even for ice cream. My gorgeous serving bowl is also from Haand. Use my code CRAZYBLONDELIFE to receive 15% off your order!
I’m in town for a few days and then leaving for Richmond on Friday to visit my daughter Rebecca and my little granddaughter Stella! I’m going to be babysitting and can’t wait! She’s growing up so fast and it feels like she’s so far away!
I don’t remember life ever being busier and that’s something I didn’t expect, but I wouldn’t have it any other way! Hope you’re having a nice Monday…thank’s so much for reading!