Sunny Saffron Butter Pasta

Saffron butter pasta is a delightful and flavorful dish that combines the richness of saffron and the creaminess of butter to create a truly indulgent pasta experience. 

Here's a simple recipe for making sunny saffron butter pasta:

Ingredients:

» 8 ounces (about 225g) of your favorite pasta (such as fettuccine, linguine, or tagliatelle)

» 1/4 teaspoon saffron threads

» 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter

» 1 cup heavy cream

» 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

» Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

» Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it's al dente. Drain the cooked pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water.

2. Infuse the saffron: In a small bowl, place the saffron threads and add a few tablespoons of hot water. Allow the saffron to steep for about 5 minutes. This will release its vibrant color and aromatic flavor.

3. Make the saffron butter sauce: In a large skillet or saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, stir in the steeped saffron mixture along with the threads. Mix well to distribute the saffron evenly.

4. Add the cream and cheese: Lower the heat to medium-low, and then slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously to combine it with the saffron butter. Simmer the sauce gently for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.

5. Combine the sauce and pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the saffron butter sauce, tossing it to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce seems too thick, you can add some of the reserved pasta cooking water a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.

6. Season and serve: Taste the pasta and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking. Serve the sunny saffron butter pasta in individual bowls, garnishing with chopped fresh parsley or basil for an extra burst of freshness.

This sunny saffron butter pasta is a luxurious and indulgent dish that's perfect for special occasions or when you want to treat yourself to a rich and delicious meal. Enjoy!