Easy Weeknight Dinner: Farfalle Pasta with Fresh Asparagus

A Delectable Saffron Pasta with Asparagus Recipe

A saffron pasta dish with tender asparagus is a culinary delight that can be prepared quickly and enjoyed by the whole family. Adding crispy bacon makes this dish even more appealing, turning it into a favorite for all ages.

What is Saffron?

Saffron is a highly prized spice known for its unique aroma and vibrant color. It comes from the stigmas of the Crocus sativus flower, commonly referred to as the saffron crocus. While its origins are often linked to Greece, today, it is primarily cultivated in countries like Iran, Greece, Morocco, and India. Due to its labor-intensive harvesting process, where each delicate thread is hand-picked, saffron is one of the most expensive spices in the world. It only blooms once a year for a short period, which further adds to its exclusivity.

When purchasing saffron, it's best to choose the strands rather than ground saffron. The strands should be deep red and free from any yellow stamens. This ensures you're getting the highest quality product, which is essential given its high cost.

How to Choose the Best Asparagus

Selecting fresh asparagus is crucial for the success of your recipe. Look for stalks that are plump, firm, and have tightly closed tips. The color should be vibrant—green, purple, or white depending on the variety. Avoid asparagus that looks dry, cracked, or has small flowers emerging from the ends. These signs indicate that the asparagus is not fresh.

Thinner asparagus spears tend to be more tender and sweet, while thicker ones offer a heartier texture and stronger flavor. Always check that the asparagus is stored upright in cold, fresh water, which helps maintain its freshness.

Essential Ingredients for Saffron Pasta with Asparagus

To create this flavorful dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 10 asparagus spears
• 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
• 1 shallot, minced
• ½ cup of white wine
• Salt and pepper
• 1 pinch of saffron
• 1 pound of farfalle pasta
• 2 strips of bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter
• Parmesan cheese
• Parsley, minced (optional)

Step-by-Step Preparation

This recipe is simple and straightforward, making it ideal for a quick dinner. Here’s how to prepare it:

1. Prepare the Bacon: Slice the bacon into thin strips and cook until crispy. Set aside to crumble later.
2. Clean the Asparagus: Peel the bottom of the asparagus spears and slice them into rounds.
3. Cook the Sauce: In a saucepan, heat the olive oil and sauté the shallot. Add the asparagus and white wine, then cook over low heat for about five minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Boil the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the saffron and cook the farfalle pasta until al dente.
5. Combine Everything: Drain the pasta and toss it with the asparagus mixture. Add the butter and mix well.
6. Add the Finishing Touches: Sprinkle the crumbled bacon, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped parsley over the pasta.

Additional Recipes to Try

If you enjoy this saffron pasta with asparagus, you might also like these other dishes:

• Saffron Lemon Chicken with Persian Saffron Rice
• Farfalle with Peas, Ham and Cream
• Turmeric Linguine with Shrimps And Saffron Sauce

More from Giangi's Kitchen

For the complete printable recipe and hundreds of easy dinner ideas, visit Giangiskitchen.com. You can also subscribe to the newsletter for weekly menus, recipes, and grocery lists. If you're new to cooking, check out the "Back to Basics - Cooking 101" eBook to get started on your culinary journey.

Follow along with Giangi on YouTube for more cooking inspiration. Giangi is a passionate cook, recipe developer, author, and food photographer with 14 years of experience in food blogging. Drawing from French and Italian heritage, Giangi collaborates with chefs worldwide to bring creative and easy-to-follow recipes to home cooks.