Creamy Light Pasta with Salmon, Asparagus and Dill

Bring 2 quarts water and 1 tablespoon salt to a boil in a large soup kettle. Add pasta and, using the time given on the package as a guide, cook, partially covered and stirring frequently at first to prevent sticking, until just tender. Add asparagus during last 5 minutes of cooking.

Meanwhile, microwave broth, evaporated milk, and garlic in a 1-quart Pyrex measuring cup or small microwave-safe bowl until steamy hot, 3 to 4 minutes; let stand for a couple of minutes.

Place butter in a Dutch oven or large saucepan over low heat. When butter melts, whisk in flour, then hot milk mixture all at once, whisking constantly until sauce thickens, 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in 1/4 cup Parmesan, salmon, lemon zest and dill. Add salt and pepper to taste and simmer to blend flavors, about 5 minutes. (Salmon will flake into bite-sized pieces as it cooks.)

Drain pasta, reserving 1 cup pasta cooking liquid. Return pasta to pot. Pour cream sauce over pasta, adding enough reserve cooking liquid to moisten. Toss and serve immediately with a light sprinkling of Parmesan.