Smoked Salmon and Fettuccine in Red Capsicum Cream

This is one of my entertaining 'standbys' It is quick and easy and it is always seems to go down well with  guests! The asparagus is an optional extra worth adding if it is in season.But the result is still good with out it.My husband and I love asparagus and it is the season right now.So we make the most out of it.

400 Gr fresh or dried pasta -I use either fusilli spirals Or Fettuccine
2 tble spoon olive oil
1 onion
1 large red capsicum
1/2 cup white wine
1/2 cup cream
1 table spoon basil pesto
1/2 tea spoon salt
Freshly ground black pepper to taste
1 bunch (about 250 gr) asparagus
100-200 gr smoked salmon pieces
Chopped fresh herbs (dill basil or parsley are good)
Freshly grated parmesan for serving
extra oil or butter

If you are using dried pasta put the pasta on to cook before starting to prepare the sauce.Or if you are using fresh pasta make the sauce first.I usually use the dried pasta and have used the fettuccine which is like narrow ribbons.Cook the pasta in hot boiling water with a pinch of salt and and a few drops of oil for 8 minutes or according to the instruction given on the packet.

Chop the onions and the red capsicumand set a side.

Skin the asparagus,slice it diagonally in to 4-5 cm length and boil it for about 10 minutes.

Heat the oil in a large pan and throw in  finely chopped  onions.Shallow fry the onions with out browning until the onion is soft.Then add the diced red capsicum ,and cook for another minute stirring frequently.
Now add the wine,cream  salt and pepper to taste.Drain the boiled asparagus and  add to the sauce along  with the  pesto.I used the ready made pesto.If you want to make your own pesto you can refer in this Instructable  Mix it gently and allow the sauce to simmer  over  a medium heat for 3 -5 minutes longer until the sauce has reduced a little and thickened slightly.
Reduce the heat to very low and gently stir in the salmon pieces. Keep the sauce warm until the pasta is cooked.

Drain the cooked pasta and toss it in a little extra oil or butter.
Stir the sauce through the cooked pasta

Top with a generous grind of black pepper,chopped fresh parsley and some freshly grated parmesan.I use alot of parmesan as it is really tasty with more of it.

Thank you very much for taking time to view my delicious recipe.