• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
CucinaByElena
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Quick & Easy
  • Classics
  • About
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • Quick & Easy
    • Classics
    • About
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×
    • Cover Photo
      Chocolate Olive Oil Cake Recipe (Easy and Moist!)
    • How Long to Cook Whole Chicken Recipe Perfect & Juicy- cooked roast chicken in a large roasting pan with lemons and garlic on the side.
      How Long to Cook Whole Chicken Recipe Perfect & Juicy
    • cover photo.
      Butternut Squash Casserole Recipe Vegetarian
    • cover photo.
      Spaghetti Aglio e Olio Recipe (Garlic with Oil Pasta)
    • cover photo
      Easy Steak Pizzaiola Recipe (Carne Alla Pizzaiola)
    • cover photo.
      How to Make Olive Oil Cake Recipe (Easy One Bowl)
    • cover.
      Best Gnocchi Alla Sorrentina Recipe (Baked Gnocchi)
    • cover photo.
      Tuscan White Bean Soup Recipe (Hearty Italian)
    • Alla Gricia vs Classic Carbonara
      Roman Pasta Alla Gricia vs Classic Carbonara + Recipe
    • cover photo.
      Authentic Italian Pasta Alla Gricia Recipe
    • cover photo.
      Baked Stuffed Flounder Recipe with Crab and Shrimp
    • caponata in a pan with fresh basil as garnish. wood spoon in the pan.
      Sicilian Eggplant Caponata Recipe (Easy)
    Cucina by Elena » Recipes » Italian Main Dishes

    Easy Creamy Saffron Sauce with Pasta

    Published: Jan 4, 2022 · Modified: May 17, 2022 by Elena · 5 Comments

    Jump to Recipe

    Easy 20 minute Creamy Saffron Sauce with pasta is a perfect and quick meal for any weeknight.

    The deep, unique, and sweet flavor of saffron fits well in this creamy sauce that coats pasta like a warm and cozy blanket. The natural yellow/orange color makes this dish bright and light as well as comforting and filling.

    If you love saffron try these St. Lucia Sweet Saffron Rolls (almond filling).

    This creamy pasta recipe meal will have you scooping spoonfuls and wondering how it can taste this good?! With only a few ingredients and 20 minutes you will have a delicious go-to meal for any lunch or dinner.

    Simple Ingredients

    • Heavy cream
    • Nutmeg
    • Parmigiano cheese
    • Pasta of choice
    • Saffron
    • Salt
    creamy pasta sauce in bowl

    What is SAFFRON?

    Saffron is a spice derived from the flower of Crocus sativus, commonly known as the "saffron crocus". The vivid crimson stigma and styles, called threads, are collected and dried for use mainly as a seasoning and coloring agent in food. 

    What Does Saffron Taste Like?

    Saffron has a sweet, floral taste to it. It's earthy and has a complex nuanced flavor. On the other hand, saffron that tastes bitter, metallic, or plastic like are often cheap imitators of this unique spice and should be avoided. So, make sure that the saffron you buy is REAL- there are lots of pesky imitators.

    Where can I buy Saffron?

    You can buy them at most grocery stores and some speciality stores. Amazon has a good price for the quality with this link:

    BUY SAFFRON HERE

    creamy pasta sauce

    Simple and Easy Saffron Pasta Sauce

    This sauce is simple to make and its creamy smooth perfection is perfect for any pasta shape or variety. After a few quick stirs of a wooden spoon (or any other kitchen utensil) your pasta will absorb the sauce and drown in the yummy remains.

    creamy pasta sauce in bowl

    Why Using REAL Parmigiano Cheese is Better for Sauces

    The only safeguard to perfectly melt parmigiano cheese is to use authentic and real or fresh parmigiano cheese. Don't buy the bags of shredded parmesan for melting purposes. Visit the deli and get fresh Parmigiano-Reggiano, if at all possible. The other varieties typically have added stabilizers that create a gloppy mess when it get hot.

    Pre-grated cheese contains preservatives like potato starch and natamycin, meant to keep the shreds from clumping together in the bag. That also means they don’t melt together as well when cooking. Freshly grated cheese lacks those additives so your recipes will turn out less clumpy and much smoother.

    How can you Tell if You are Buying Real Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

    When Parmigiano Reggiano is in its traditional whole form, or cut into slices with its crust, the original product is easily recognisable. The crust, or any part of it, must clearly show the dots that spell out Parmigiano Reggiano. This is in fact a mark of origin that is marked on the form when it is made.

    Read this Why you Should Grate your Own Cheese for more details on pre grated cheeses.

    I love topping the dish with thick fresh shavings of Parmigiano Cheese. This adds a hearty bite to the creamy dish.

    pasta in a bowl

    Pasta Shape for Cream Sauce

    Wide, flat pastas like Fresh Homemade Pappardelle Pasta Recipe are ideal for sopping up creamy sauces. I also like thin short pasta, such as penne and fusilli. Generally, the wider the noodle, the heavier the sauce.

    Long, round pastas like spaghetti are best with olive oil- and tomato-based sauces, which coat each strand evenly. Go thinner for delicate preparations.

    Here is another creamy sauce you will love Pappardelle in Creamy Mascarpone Mushroom Sauce. If you prefer a meaty rich red sauce try Beef Short Rib Ragu with Pappardelle Pasta

    For a detailed overview of what shapes pair best with different pasta sauces read this- Pasta Quality Matters: Cheap vs. Expensive Pasta

    creamy pasta sauce in bowl

    Variations

    This saffron sauce is amazing over perfectly cooked pasta. Here are other ways you can use and serve this tasty sauce:

    • Serve it as a sauce over grilled meats or fish
    • Pour it over steamed vegetables

    If you want more of a meal try adding:

    • Grilled shrimp
    • Steamed baby peas
    • Oven baked Salmon

    However you choose to enjoy this delicious and flavorful sauce is up to you!

    From my Cucina to Your Table. Mangia! Mangia! (Eat!)

    Made with Amore, Elena

    More Delicious Recipes for YOU


    Authentic Italian Pesto Genovese (Basil pesto)

    Rigatoni Pasta Eggplant Tomatoes Mozzarella

    Red Wine Braised Chicken and Plums Recipe

    Tomato Herb Focaccia (Best, Easiest Recipe)


    Kefir Honey Panna Cotta Italian Recipe (Easy

    Easy “Crack” Lemon Bars (Winning Recipe)

    Italian Crostata Recipe (Jam filled Tart)

    Serve this creamy saffron pasta dish as a side, or it is a decadent meal!

    Print
    clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
    creamy pasta sauce in bowl

    Creamy Saffron Sauce with Pasta

    ★★★★

    4 from 2 reviews

    Print Recipe
    Pin Recipe

    The deep, unique, and sweet flavor of saffron fits well in this creamy sauce that coats pasta like a warm and cozy blanket. The natural yellow/orange color makes this dish bright and light as well as comforting and filling. 

    • Total Time: 20 minutes
    • Yield: 4-6 servings 1x

    Ingredients

    Units Scale
    • 2 cups heavy cream
    • 1 cup freshly grated parmigiano reggiano
    • dash of nutmeg (optional)
    • 1 teaspoon Saffron
    • ¾ lbs of your favorite pasta variety
    • Salt to taste
    • Extra thick shavings of fresh parmigiano for serving

    Instructions

    1. Bring a large pot of water to boil. Add plenty of salt to season and start to cook your favorite pasta variety
    2. In a medium sauce pan over low heat pour in: cream, cheese, saffron, and nutmeg (if using). Add salt to taste. Stir constantly and simmer about 5-6 minutes until a creamy slightly bubbly mixture forms. Drain pasta and place in a large serving bowl. Pour cream sauce on top and mix until combined. Enjoy and serve HOT!!
    • Author: Elena
    • Prep Time: 5 min
    • Cook Time: 10-15 min
    • Category: Savory
    • Method: Italian
    • Cuisine: Italian

    Keywords: pasta, saffron, cheesy, sauce, creamy sauce, Italian recipe, dinner, easy pasta, cheese and cream sauce,

    Did you make this recipe?

    Tag @cucinabyelena on Instagram when you make the recipe! I would love to see it. Don't forget to leave a STAR RATING and REVIEW on this post. Thank you!

    Related

    More Classic Italian Recipes

    • cover photo.
      Crispy Baked Polenta Fries Recipe (Parmesan Herb)
    • cover image 50 best Italian dinner ideas.
      Classic Italian Dinner Ideas (50 Best Italian Recipes)
    • Baked flounder on a plate with an arugula salad and crusty bread
      What to Serve with Flounder (45 Best Side Dishes)
    • cover photo
      Homemade Marinara Sauce Recipe with Fresh Tomatoes
    FacebookTweetPinYummlyEmail

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Katie says

      March 02, 2023 at 9:24 am

      This curdled for us, not sure why!

      ★★★

      Reply
      • Elena says

        March 02, 2023 at 9:45 am

        Did you use fresh;y grated cheese? I find that makes a big difference. Maybe the cream boiled too long or too hard? I'm so sorry it didn't turn out for you. I'm happy to help troubleshoot. It is a wonderful recipe.

        Reply
    2. Bree says

      January 06, 2022 at 1:13 am

      I made this tonight and my husband and I loved it. So easy and so yummy!

      Reply
      • Elena says

        January 07, 2022 at 4:13 pm

        So happy you enjoyed it!

        ★★★★★

        Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe rating ★ 5 Stars ☆ ★ 4 Stars ☆ ★ 3 Stars ☆ ★ 2 Stars ☆ ★ 1 Star ☆

    Primary Sidebar

    WELCOME to CucinaByElena

    Profile photo of Elena Davis in her kitchen leaning on the kitchen counter. She is wearing a blue button up shirt and her Cucina By Elena apron counter

    Ciao! I'm Elena. Welcome to my cucina (kitchen). I was born in Italy and grew up spending my summers on the beaches of Sardegna cooking, eating, and sharing tasty Italian meals. Here you will find trusted, achievable, and delicious Italian (and more) recipes that highlight fresh ingredients with a simple process.

    More about me →

    Popular

    • cover photo.
      How to Make the Perfect Fresh Peach Pie Recipe
    • cover photo
      How Long to Bake Chicken Breast at 425 (Easy Recipe)
    • cover photo.
      Fregola Sarda Pasta Recipe with Zucchini and Cheese
    • cover
      Best Sardinian Pardulas Recipe (Ricotta Cakes)

    Featured In...

    Multiple brand images.

    Footer

    About

    • About
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms & Conditions
    • Work with me

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up for FREE & NEW RECIPES

    Contact & Social

    • Contact
    • Pinterest
    • Instagram
    • Facebook
    • Tiktok

    Copyright © 2022 CucinaByElena

    Made with Amore

    37 shares
    • Facebook
    • Pinterest
    • Save
    Share this ArticleLike this article? Email it to a friend!

    Email sent!