This creamy smoked salmon pasta with asparagus is a light and easy dinner recipe that's ready in under 30 minutes. Made with creme fraiche, lots of lemon juice and a dash of wholegrain mustard, the sauce is velvety and healthier at the same time.

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If you've been on this site before, you've probably noticed my slight obsession with smoked salmon. I use smoked salmon to make a delicious creamy risotto with rocket, I put it on pizza, and I make a mean creamy whisky pasta with it. It's safe to say I can get really creative around a pack of smoked salmon.
This smoked salmon and asparagus pasta is a super easy recipe that's also a crowd-pleaser. It's also perfect for late spring and early summer when asparagus is at its best. This is a super easy recipe that you can have on the table in under 30 minutes.
But what I like best about this salmon and asparagus pasta is that there's no double cream involved. Yes, I do love to add double cream to lots of pasta recipes, but this one is a lighter, healthier one because I make it with creme fraiche instead.
What's in this smoked salmon asparagus pasta?
This creamy salmon and asparagus pasta is a great way to incorporate more smoked salmon in your diet and also use some of that delicious in-season asparagus.
To make it, you'll need:
Pasta — I used linguine to make this salmon pasta, but you can use any other type you want, long or short.
Asparagus spears — Fresh asparagus is a spring delight, but it's important to use it within two or three days of purchase because it deteriorates quickly. Some asparagus spears may be thicker than others, so you'll have to cut the woody ends first.
Red onion — You can substitute red onion with shallot for a milder flavour, or skip it altogether.
Smoked salmon — Use any kind of smoked salmon you enjoy for this pasta. Some like it with a heavy smoke, others like a more subtler flavour. It goes without saying that the fresher the salmon, the better the taste.
Creme fraiche — I use full-fat creme fraiche for this recipe. You can use the low-fat kind if you want to cut down on calories, but the pasta won't be as creamy.
Wholegrain mustard — This is optional, and you can substitute it with Dijon mustard if you want.
Lemon — The juice of half a lemon is enough. I add it to the pan and allow it to evaporate a bit before adding the creme fraiche to reduce the risk of curdling. This is especially important if you use low fat or fat-free creme fraiche.
How to make smoked salmon pasta
Cook the pasta according to the instructions on the package. Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining.
Meanwhile, fry the asparagus for 4-5 minutes in a bit of olive oil. Add the red onion and garlic and fry for another 1-2 minutes.
Next, add the smoked salmon to the pan and continue to cook for 1-2 minutes, breaking it up with your spoon as needed.
Add the wholegrain mustard, lemon juice, then stir in the creme fraiche. Lower the heat, add a dash of pasta water and cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens a bit.
Transfer the pasta to the pan, toss it until it's well-covered in sauce, and season to taste. Serve immediately, sprinkled with some fresh parsley, if you like.
What else can I add to this pasta?
You can add some other veggies to this pasta if you want. A handful of baby spinach leaves or some frozen peas would work great.
Recipe tips for making smoked salmon and creme fraiche pasta
- Low-fat and fat-free creme fraiche work in this pasta if you want to cut down on calories, but the result will be far less creamy.
- If you don't want to fry the asparagus, you can use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked pasta to a colander, then cook the asparagus in the pasta water for a couple of minutes until bright green.
- This smoked salmon pasta is best served immediately, and I don't recommend reheating it because most of the sauce will be gone.
If you liked this creamy smoked salmon pasta with asparagus, try some of my other quick and easy pasta recipes:
Pasta alla Papalina (Creamy Ham and Peas Pasta)
Creamy Mushroom Zucchini Pasta
Easiest Ever Creamy Chicken Fajita Pasta
Looking for more delicious inspiration? Follow Skinny Spatula on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest!
Creamy Smoked Salmon Pasta with Asparagus
This creamy smoked salmon pasta with asparagus is a light and easy dinner recipe that's ready in under 30 minutes. Made with creme fraiche, lots of lemon juice and a dash of wholegrain mustard, the sauce is velvety and healthier at the same time.
Ingredients
- 250 g (9 oz) pasta
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 200 g (7 oz) asparagus spears, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 small red onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 200 g (7 oz) smoked salmon, shredded
- 1 teaspoon wholegrain mustard
- ½ lemon, juice of
- 200 ml (1 cup) creme fraiche
- Fresh parsley
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil, salt it generously, and boil the pasta according to the instructions on the package. Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining.
- Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large pan and fry the asparagus for 4-5 minutes. Add the red onion and garlic and fry for another 1-2 minutes.
- Next, add the smoked salmon to the pan and continue to cook for 1-2 minutes, breaking it up with your spoon as needed. Add the wholegrain mustard, lemon juice, then stir in the creme fraiche. Lower the heat, add a dash of pasta water, and cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens a bit.
- Transfer the pasta to the pan, toss it until it's well-covered in sauce, and season to taste. Serve immediately, sprinkled with some fresh parsley, if you like.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
4Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 433Total Fat: 31gSaturated Fat: 15gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 14gCholesterol: 73mgSodium: 1101mgCarbohydrates: 25gFiber: 2gSugar: 3gProtein: 16g
Nutritional information is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator.
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