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Creamy Saffron Pasta Sauce Recipe

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4.1 from 4 reviews

This creamy saffron pasta sauce combines the luxurious flavors of saffron and Parmesan with a touch of red chili flakes for a subtly spicy, rich, and fragrant dish. Perfectly coating al dente short pasta, this sauce is smooth, velvety, and ready in just 20 minutes, making it an elegant yet quick meal for any occasion.

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Saffron Infusion

  • ½ teaspoon saffron
  • ½ cup freshly boiled water

Pasta

  • 8 oz short pasta (such as boccole)

Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • ⅓ cup chicken or vegetable broth
  • ¼ teaspoon red chili flakes
  • 1 cup heavy cream (double cream)
  • ⅓ cup Parmesan, freshly grated
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Steep the Saffron: Place the saffron in a small bowl and pour the freshly boiled water over it. Set aside to steep for at least 5 minutes to release its rich color and aroma.
  2. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the short pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water, then drain and set the pasta aside.
  3. Prepare the Garlic Butter Base: In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Add Broth and Saffron: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and let it simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes to reduce slightly. Add the saffron along with its soaking water and sprinkle in the red chili flakes. Continue to simmer for another minute to blend the flavors.
  5. Incorporate the Cream: Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly and becomes creamy.
  6. Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss well to coat the pasta evenly with the saffron cream sauce. If needed, use a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce for a silky consistency.
  7. Finish with Parmesan and Seasoning: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan until melted and the sauce thickens a bit more. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth to keep this recipe vegetarian-friendly.
  • For a milder heat, reduce the amount of red chili flakes or omit them altogether.
  • Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency as needed; it helps the sauce cling better to the pasta.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for optimal flavor and creaminess.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; reheat gently to avoid curdling the cream.
  • Author: Olivia
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian

Find it online: https://iamstarved.com/creamy-saffron-pasta-sauce-recipe/