This luxurious creamy saffron pasta recipe, made with tagliatelle, saffron cream sauce and asparagus, is perfect for a special occasion. It is quick, easy to make and you can customise the veggies in this pasta dish to make it your own!
Table of contents
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, Masala 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
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Creamy Saffron Pasta
Equipment
- 1 pan
Ingredients
- 2 cup pasta dried
- 1 cup asparagus cut into 2 inch pieces
- 2 cup creamy saffron sauce
- 2 tablespoon garlic minced
- salt to taste
- pepper
Instructions
- 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.
- Tip in the cooked pasta, season with salt and pepper and stir well.
- Serve immediately.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
PLEASE NOTE: Nutritional values are estimated by a computer and may vary based on ingredients and portion sizes. For personalised dietary advice, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Share on Facebook Pin This RecipeNote:- This post was originally posted on May 18th 2017 but I have updated the post since with helpful content.
Loreto and Nicoletta says
This is such a elegant luxurious dish. I love the color the saffron gives to the sauce and a perfect pairing the asparagus. You have me craving this pasta now! Well done and super easy! 👌 ❤️
Hayley says
Enjoy making it.
Carrie Robinson says
This recipe is so simple, but sounds so incredible! 🙂 And I have everything on hand right now to make it.
Hayley says
Hope you like it.
Erin says
I just love how easy this was! I made it for a quick lunch and then had some more for dinner. Will definitely make again soon!
Hayley says
That's wonderful.
Jamie says
This pasta tasted as good as it looked! The color was so pretty with the asparagus and my family loved it!
Hayley says
That's amazing. Happy to hear that
Lori | The Kitchen Whisperer says
I rarely use saffron but in this recipe, it's definitely the star of the dish! The color of the sauce is so gorgeous. The texture of it is truly luscious and decadent! Loved the addition of asparagus as well!
Hayley says
Thank you Lori.
Dennis says
The saffron gave such a delicious flavor and color to the pasta and it went perfectly with the asparagus. Another great recipe!
Hayley says
Thank you Dennis.
Amy Liu Dong says
I've never tried using a saffron in my pasta but i thought that i should just give this a shot, it looks awesome.
Hayley says
It's taste so good.
veenaazmanov says
I love the Saffron color too. Pasta is one of my family favorite meal treat any day. Would love to add all the combinations of healthy veggies too.
Hayley says
Thank you!
Shobha says
What a flavourful fusion.. never heard of saffron flavoured pasta before.
Archana says
Wow, this is the first time I have heard of saffron in pasta. Sounds delicious the pictures are beautiful.
Priya Srinivasan - I Camp in My Kitchen says
Wow this is so new saffron and pasta! Love that beautiful color! Looks delicious
cookingwithsapana says
Never tried saffron in pasta, this sounds and looks amazing.
jayashree says
Love this colourful pasta.. delicious dear
Avin says
Absolutely gorgeous looking pasta😚
Mayuri Patel says
Never tried using coconut milk for a pasta dish. Th plateful of pasta looks so inviting.