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Saffron Cream Pasta Sauce Recipe

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4.3 from 43 reviews

A rich and luxurious saffron cream sauce perfect for elevating your favorite pasta. This easy-to-make sauce features fragrant saffron, garlic, white wine, cream, and Parmesan cheese, creating a smooth and flavorful coating for any pasta. Ready in just 20 minutes, it's a gourmet addition to weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

Saffron Liquid

  • 1 teaspoon saffron
  • ¼ cup boiling water

Sauce

  • ½ tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • ½ cup white wine
  • 40g butter, cubed
  • ⅔ cup cream
  • 35g Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice

Other

  • Pasta of your choice (enough for 4 servings)

Instructions

  1. Steep Saffron: Place the saffron in a small cup or ramekin and pour over the boiling water. Let it steep while you prepare the pasta and begin the sauce.
  2. Cook Pasta: Cook your pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Before draining, reserve one cup of the pasta cooking water and set it aside for later use.
  3. Prepare Sauce Base: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and gently sauté for 1 to 2 minutes, careful not to let the garlic brown. Reduce heat slightly, pour in the white wine, and simmer until it reduces by half, about 1 to 2 minutes.
  4. Add Butter: Gradually add the cubed butter in three separate additions, whisking continuously to emulsify and create a smooth sauce. Then pour in the saffron along with its steeping water. Allow to simmer gently for about 2 minutes to infuse the sauce.
  5. Incorporate Cream and Cheese: Stir the cream into the sauce and bring it to a gentle simmer. Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese in two or three batches, allowing each addition to melt fully before adding more. Stir in the lemon juice and let the sauce simmer until slightly thickened.
  6. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet with the sauce. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly. Cook together for another 1 to 2 minutes, allowing the sauce to cling to the pasta. If the sauce thickens too much, loosen it with a splash of the reserved pasta water.
  7. Serve: Serve immediately topped with extra grated Parmesan and optional lemon zest for a fresh finish.

Notes

  • Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if it becomes too thick.
  • Do not brown the garlic to keep the sauce's delicate flavors.
  • Use good quality saffron for the best flavor and color.
  • Parmesan cheese adds depth; substitute with Pecorino Romano if desired.
  • Pair with any pasta shape, though fettuccine or tagliatelle work particularly well.

Find it online: https://recipethrive.com/saffron-cream-pasta-sauce-recipe/