Saffron Spaghetti alla Carbonara

Recipe courtesy Rachael Ray, 2008

Show: 30 Minute MealsEpisode: Deep Flavor

Rated: 4 stars out of 5Rate itRead users' reviews (13)

RECIPE
COMMENTS & REVIEWS(13)

Cook Time:
15 min
Level:
Easy
Yield:
4 servings

Times:

Prep: 20 min
Inactive Prep: 6 min
Cook: 15 min
Total:: 41 min

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Ingredients

1/4 teaspoon saffron, 2 pinches
Salt
1 pound thick spaghetti, such as Barilla brand
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1/3 pound pancetta, cut like thick bacon at deli counter then diced
4 cloves garlic, grated or finely chopped
1/2 cup dry white wine
1 teaspoon turmeric
2 egg yolks
Black pepper
1 cup grated pecorino cheese
A generous handful fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped

Directions

Place the saffron in a small pot with 1 cup cold water. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer and let it steep while pasta water comes to a boil, about 6 to 8 minutes.

Bring a large pot of water to a boil, salt the water and cook pasta to al dente. Heads up: reserve a half cup of starchy cooking water just before you drain spaghetti.

While the water comes to a boil, heat olive oil, 3 turns of the pan, over medium heat. Add pancetta and cook until just about crisp, 4 to 5 minutes. Add in the garlic after 2 to 3 minutes and stir another 2 to 3 minutes until fragrant. Stir in wine and turmeric. Beat eggs with starchy cooking water. Drain pasta and add to the skillet. Pour saffron water over the pasta and toss to combine, season with pepper. Add in half the cheese and all of the parsley, pour in tempered eggs and turn off heat. Toss the spaghetti to coat evenly in golden sauce. Top with additional cheese and serve immediately.

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Comments & Reviews

recipe Saffron Spaghetti alla Carbonara
Amanda Napa, CA 10-30-2009
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Oh my gravy!
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

My sister is a winemaker and around this time of year, she has no time for herself. Being the good sis that I am, I try to... make a few home-cooked meals at her house during these crazy times. (think 14 hour days, 7 day weeks...) Last night, I made this recipe for her, her hubby, and myself, and wow!! This was spectacular. The flavors were wonderful, the recipe was easy, and I came off a rock star :) I did give it an added touch, though - Rachael would totally dig the addition - I put an over-easy egg on top of each plate after dishing up the spaghetti. Hit it with some grated Pecorino Romano, and voila! Masterpiece! Instantly induced food coma in the best way. Read more
recipe Saffron Spaghetti alla Carbonara
Janine Danville, CA 09-12-2009
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Easy go to recipe
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

I tried this recipe because I had all of the ingredients and it seems fast and easy. I usually can't make Rachael's recipes... in 30 minutes (I don't have a staff to prep) but this one came together in a jiffy. It is delicious and used up some of that expensive saffron that you buy for a special occasion and then sits in your pantry. I will come back to this one again and again.Read more
recipe Saffron Spaghetti alla Carbonara
Sheena Clifton Forge, VA 08-11-2009
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Missing something
Rated: 2 stars out of 5

I was very excited about this dish and was in hopes that my non pasta loving husband would like it like the other husbands in... reviews. However, he put a thumbs down on this one and so did I. The color is gorgeous, however the taste is bland. It was missing something and I can not pinpoint what it is. It was edible, but is a dish I will NOT try again. A total tastebud and pocketbook disappointment...espically since it called for saffron. Read more
recipe Saffron Spaghetti alla Carbonara
Lynette Cary, NC 07-25-2009
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Winner!
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

Rachael, once again you have prepared a dish that is a hit with my family. I even forgot to add the white wine and it still... was off the charts!! It was easy, I had most of the items already in my pantry and it was quick. A definte winner as far as I'm concerned. Read more
recipe Saffron Spaghetti alla Carbonara
Dawn Haddonfield, NJ 07-12-2009
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To DIE for!!!
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

My picky husband, who always rates new recipes with his standard, "It was okay", blessed this dish with "This is a Triple A... Meal!". My first thought at tasting it was, "This tastes like something I'd get at a restaurant!". You HAVE to make this!Read more
recipe Saffron Spaghetti alla Carbonara
Jennifer Spring Valley, CA 07-10-2009
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He won't stop saying "That was amazing!"
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

I just made this recipe for the first time and Boyfriend won't stop saying "That was amazing!" The recipe was easy and quick.... He even offered to do the dishes! Read more