Imagine twirling your fork into a plate of silky tagliatelle, draped in a luxurious saffron-infused mascarpone sauce that whispers of Italian culinary elegance. This isn't just another pasta dish—it's a gourmet experience that brings the warmth of Mediterranean kitchens directly to your dining table. With just 35 minutes between you and a restaurant-quality meal, this recipe promises to elevate your home cooking from ordinary to extraordinary, proving that sophisticated cuisine can be both simple and stunning.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 400g tagliatelle
- 1 pinch saffron threads
- 200g mascarpone cheese
- 50g grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, preparing for the pasta.
- In a small bowl, crush the saffron threads and dissolve them in 2 tablespoons of hot water, allowing the threads to release their rich golden color and distinctive flavor.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mascarpone cheese, grated Parmesan, dissolved saffron, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well-integrated.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté gently for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to brown the garlic.
- Add the prepared mascarpone and saffron mixture to the skillet, stirring continuously to create a creamy, golden sauce. Reduce heat to low and keep warm.
- Cook the tagliatelle in the boiling salted water according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until al dente.
- Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water before draining the tagliatelle.
- Transfer the hot pasta directly into the skillet with the sauce, tossing gently to coat each strand thoroughly. If the sauce seems too thick, add reserved pasta water gradually to achieve desired consistency.
- Plate the tagliatelle, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve immediately while hot.
Tips
- Saffron Success: Always crush saffron threads before dissolving to maximize flavor extraction. Use hot water to help release its full aromatic potential.
- Pasta Perfection: Cook tagliatelle precisely to al dente—it should have a slight bite. Reserve pasta water before draining, as its starchy quality helps create a silkier sauce.
- Garlic Wisdom: Sauté garlic gently to prevent burning. The goal is fragrance, not browning, which can make the garlic bitter.
- Sauce Consistency: If your sauce seems too thick, add reserved pasta water gradually. This technique ensures a creamy, clingy sauce that coats every pasta strand beautifully.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve immediately while hot to enjoy the sauce at its most luxurious and creamy state. A final sprinkle of fresh parsley adds color and a bright, fresh note.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 580kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 35g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Cholesterol: 80mg
