For a decadent pasta recipe with amazing flavor, look no further than this Saffron Pasta. Garlic and asparagus are cooked in butter, then tossed through cooked pasta and a silky saffron sauce.  The creamy sauce is made with single or heavy cream and is infused with the flavor of saffron and garlic. ​Prepare this One Pot Lemon Ricotta Pasta or Air Fryer Pasta Bake for a perfect weeknight dinner. 

Creamy Saffron Pasta Ingredients

All ingredients are available in local grocery stores.  Pasta – you can pick any pasta shape but I love long pasta with white cream sauces. I’ve used tagliatelle, you could try pappardelle.  Creamy saffron sauce – made with garlic, cream and high-quality saffron threads. Asparagus – I love British asparagus when in season. I chop it into 2 inch pieces. You can use other vegetables such as trimmed green beans or courgettes (zucchini).  Garlic – you need fresh minced garlic for the best results. Garlic powder is not a good substitute here. Salt and black pepper Olive oil or butter Optional additions: Lemon zest You may wish to add in cherry tomatoes

Vegan Saffron Pasta

You can make this recipe dairy-free by using plant based butter and cream for the sauce. For an option without cream, use coconut milk.

​How to make Saffron Pasta

Prepare the saffron sauce and set aside.  Add the dried pasta to a large pot of salted water and cook to packet instructions or until al dente.  Meanwhile, in a sauté pan, heat oil or butter on medium heat and add the minced garlic. After a few seconds, tip in the asparagus and sauté for 1-2 minutes.  Add the saffron sauce and simmer on a low heat for a minute.  Tip in the cooked pasta, season with salt and pepper and stir well. Serve immediately.  As the pasta cools, it will significantly thicken so reserve a cup of pasta water and stir through as needed. 

​Serving Suggestion

For a complete delicious meal, serve with a side salad such as Zucchini Ribbon Salad. A simple green salad would also go good with saffron pasta.  Pair with a white wine or non alcoholic sparkling wine.  Serve for date night, a dinner party, Valentine’s Day or Mother’s Day. 

Storage

Store leftover pasta that has reached room temperature in an airtight container and keep in the fridge for up to 2 days.  ​Reheat in the microwave or on the stove on low heat.  I do not recommend freezing this recipe.

Other saffron recipes

Saffron Milk As always if you make this recipe, be sure to leave me a comment, rate this recipe and tag me on Instagram @jcookingodyssey or #jcookingodyssey. I love seeing all your photos of my recipe recreations! Don’t forget to follow me on social media using the buttons below – I can’t wait to see you all there!

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Note:- This post was originally posted on May 18th 2017 but I have updated the post since with helpful content.

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