Name: Creamy Saffron Butter Pasta
Total time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: ¾ tsp. crushed saffron threads; 1½ tsp. Diamond Crystal or ¾ tsp. Morton kosher salt, divided, plus more; 4 Tbsp. unsalted butter, divided; 1 medium shallot, finely chopped; 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped; ½ cup dry white wine; ½ tsp. crushed red pepper flakes; Freshly ground pepper; 1 cup heavy cream; 10 oz. pappardelle; ¼ cup finely grated Parmesan, plus more for serving; Basil leaves (for serving)

Saffron Butter Pasta in a white bowl on a marble surface

Photograph by Isa Zapata, Prop styling by Suzie Meyers, Food Styling by Taneka Morris

This pantry pasta requires just one specialty ingredient to bump it from basic to restaurant-quality: saffron. While the earthy-sweet strands are certainly more expensive than your other spice cabinet regulars, a little goes a long way. Here less than a single teaspoon of crushed saffron threads gets steeped in hot water before imbuing the rich, creamy sauce with honey-like flavor and a vibrant, sunshiny hue. Warm black pepper, salty Parmesan, and a sprinkling of fresh basil at the end provide all the balance you need for a weeknight-friendly but company-worthy dish that will land on your table in just 25 minutes.