Saffron Spaghetti Alla Carbonara

Elevate your pasta night with Saffron Spaghetti Alla Carbonara, a luxurious twist on the classic Italian favorite. This recipe combines velvety egg yolks, crispy pancetta, and a delicate infusion of saffron threads to create a silky, golden-hued sauce that coats every strand of al dente spaghetti. Infused with the aromatic warmth of garlic and a touch of Parmesan, this dish is both indulgent and elegant. Perfectly balanced with a creamy texture and subtle saffron flavor, it’s an ideal dinner option for entertaining or treating yourself. Ready in just 35 minutes, this rich and vibrant carbonara will have everyone reaching for seconds.

Nutriscore Rating: 50/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 400 grams spaghetti
• 4 large egg yolks
• 60 grams grated Parmesan cheese
• 150 grams pancetta
• 1 clove garlic
• 0.25 teaspoons saffron threads
• 2 tablespoons hot water
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1 to taste salt
• 1 to taste black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente according to the package instructions.

Step 2

While the pasta is cooking, place the saffron threads in a small bowl with 2 tablespoons of hot water. Allow the saffron to steep for 5-10 minutes, releasing its color and flavor.

Step 3

In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, grated Parmesan cheese, and the saffron water. Mix until smooth, and set aside.

Step 4

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the pancetta and cook until it is crispy and golden, about 4-5 minutes.

Step 5

Peel the garlic clove, smash it with the side of a knife, and add it to the skillet with the pancetta. Let the garlic infuse the oil for about 1 minute, then remove it and discard.

Step 6

Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the spaghetti.

Step 7

Quickly transfer the hot spaghetti to the skillet with the pancetta. Toss to coat the spaghetti in the pancetta oil.

Step 8

Remove the skillet from the heat. Slowly pour the saffron-egg mixture over the spaghetti, tossing quickly to coat the pasta thoroughly. Be sure to toss continuously to prevent the eggs from scrambling.

Step 9

Add a splash of the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until the sauce reaches your desired creamy consistency.

Step 10

Season the dish with freshly ground black pepper and adjust the salt if needed.

Step 11

Serve immediately, garnishing with additional grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(704.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1918.4

Total Fat 118.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 45.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.0g
Cholesterol 958.7mg	0%
Sodium 5827.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 128.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 7.8g	0%
Total Sugars 4.2g
Protein 90.5g	0%

Vitamin D 73.2IU	0%
Calcium 810.3mg	0%
Iron 10.8mg	0%
Potassium 832.8mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 54.8%

Protein: 18.7%

Carbs: 26.5%