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Creamy Saffron Pasta with Lemon, Parmesan, and Pistachios Recipe

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3.8 from 13 reviews

  • Author: Sara
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Creamy Saffron Pasta combines the delicate, aromatic flavor of saffron with a rich, velvety sauce made from butter, cream, and Parmesan cheese. Enhanced with garlic, lemon zest, and juice, and optionally topped with crunchy pistachios, this dish offers a luxurious and vibrant twist on classic pasta. It’s a quick and elegant recipe perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a comforting meal in just 15 minutes.

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 14 oz long pasta (pappardelle, tagliatelle, or linguine)

Saffron Infusion

  • 1.5 tsp saffron threads
  • 2 tbsp hot water

Sauce

  • 2 tbsp butter or olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, crushed
  • 2/3 cup stock (vegetable or chicken)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/3 cup Parmesan, finely shredded
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice (from about 1 lemon)
  • 1/2 lemon zest

Optional Topping

  • 1/4 cup pistachios, finely chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare Saffron Infusion: Crush the saffron threads using a pestle and mortar, then add 2 tablespoons of hot water. Set this mixture aside to allow the saffron to bloom and release its flavor.
  2. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Before draining, reserve a small cup of pasta water to adjust the sauce later if needed.
  3. Sauté Garlic: In a large pan over medium heat, melt the butter or heat the olive oil. Add the crushed garlic cloves and gently fry for about a minute until soft and aromatic, taking care not to brown them.
  4. Reduce Stock: Pour the stock into the pan with the garlic. Allow it to bubble gently until it has reduced by half, intensifying the flavor.
  5. Add Saffron: Stir in the saffron water along with the threads to the pan. Let the mixture simmer gently for about a minute to blend the flavors.
  6. Create Creamy Sauce: Lower the heat to medium-low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir in the finely shredded Parmesan cheese. Let the sauce simmer gently for a few minutes until it thickens slightly and becomes smooth.
  7. Finish with Lemon: Remove the pan from heat and stir in the lemon zest and juice. This adds brightness and balances the richness of the sauce.
  8. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta directly to the sauce. Toss everything together thoroughly to ensure the pasta is evenly coated. If the sauce is too thick, loosen it with a splash of the reserved pasta water to achieve a glossy consistency.
  9. Serve: Divide the creamy saffron pasta among plates. Sprinkle with finely chopped pistachios if desired for added texture and flavor. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Note 1: Crushing saffron threads releases their flavor and color more effectively.
  • Note 2: Any long pasta such as pappardelle, tagliatelle, or linguine works well with this sauce.
  • Optionally, pistachios add a wonderful crunch and nutty flavor, but they can be omitted for a smooth texture.
  • Be careful not to overcook the garlic to keep it fragrant without bitterness.
  • Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if necessary.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian

Find it online: https://sarabaking.com/creamy-saffron-pasta-with-lemon-parmesan-and-pistachios-recipe/