Pasta with a Saffron Mascarpone Sauce Recipe

Pasta with a Saffron Mascarpone Sauce Recipe

  • 1 pound rigatoncini pasta
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 4 tablespoons salted butter
  • 1 zucchini, very thinly sliced
  • Salt and fresh ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 pinch saffron
  • ½ cup mascarpone cheese
  • ½ cup grated fresh mozzarella
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmigiano cheese
  1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the zucchini and season with salt and pepper. Add the saffron. Cook, stirring frequently, for 3 to 4 minutes. Lower the heat and stir in the mascarpone, fresh mozzarella, and grated cheese.
  2. Using a large pot, cook the pasta according to package instructions until it is al dente. Drain the pasta, but reserve about ¼ cup of the pasta water. Add the mascarpone mixture, along with the remaining butter, and toss to combine. Add the reserved pasta water slowly, as needed, to make the sauce a bit creamier.
  3. Serve immediately.