Penne with Asparagus and Smoked Salmon Cream
Creamy, indulgent, and packed with vibrant flavors, this Penne with Asparagus and Smoked Salmon Cream is an elegant yet easy-to-make dish perfect for any occasion. Al dente penne is tossed in a luscious sauce made with fresh asparagus, velvety heavy cream, and savory smoked salmon, creating a beautiful balance of textures and tastes. Aromatic garlic, zesty lemon, and fragrant dill elevate the dish, while Parmesan cheese adds a touch of richness. Ready in just 30 minutes and bursting with fresh, spring-inspired ingredients, this recipe is as comforting as it is sophisticated. Serve it hot with a sprinkle of Parmesan and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your home. Perfect for pasta night or as a crowd-pleasing dinner party centerpiece!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 400 grams penne pasta
- 200 grams asparagus spears
- 150 grams smoked salmon
- 250 milliliters heavy cream
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 50 grams Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill
- 1 to taste salt
- 1 to taste black pepper
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
While the pasta cooks, rinse the asparagus under cold water and trim the woody ends. Cut the asparagus into bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch long.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Add the asparagus to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender but still crisp. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Let the cream simmer gently for about 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly.
Cut or tear the smoked salmon into bite-sized pieces and add it to the skillet. Cook for 1-2 minutes, just until the salmon warms through.
Stir in the lemon zest and fresh dill, then remove the skillet from heat.
Add the drained pasta to the sauce in the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated. If the sauce is too thick, use the reserved pasta water to loosen it, adding a little at a time.
Grate the Parmesan cheese over the pasta and toss again to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if needed.
Serve the pasta hot, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh dill and extra Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2939 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 139.4 g | 179% | |
| Saturated Fat | 64.7 g | 324% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.2 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 329 mg | 110% | |
| Sodium | 3776 mg | 164% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 305.7 g | 111% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 20.4 g | 73% | |
| Total Sugars | 2.5 g | ||
| Protein | 98.9 g | 198% | |
| Vitamin D | 25.7 mcg | 128% | |
| Calcium | 541 mg | 42% | |
| Iron | 20.8 mg | 116% | |
| Potassium | 1535 mg | 33% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
