Pasta with smoked salmon & asparagus

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Blanch the asparagus until still slightly fibrous but mostly cooked, about 3 minutes for thin asparagus. Remove with tongs or a spider (large mesh scoop) and place in a colander to cool. Immediately add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup of the cooking water, then drain.
2. Meanwhile, heat the oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and fennel and cook until tender, stirring occasionally, 10 minutes. Add the half-and-half and simmer for 3 minutes, reducing slightly. Add the wine and return to a gentle simmer.
3. Chop the asparagus into 1/2-inch-long pieces. If you like, reserve a few of the tips to use as a garnish.
4. At the last minute, add the salmon and asparagus to the sauce. Heat for barely a minute, because the salmon doesn't taste as good when it overcooks, then season to taste with salt and pepper.
5. Add the pasta to the sauce, stirring in some of the pasta water if necessary. Serve immediately in shallow bowls, garnished with the chives and extra asparagus tips.