Golden Banker's Pasta
A rich and creamy pasta dish inspired by the golden hues of banknotes, infused with saffron and butter. This italian-inspired grilling ready in about 55 minutes pairs Penne pasta, Unsalted butter, Saffron threads for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 650 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 12 oz Penne pasta
- 4 tbsp Unsalted butter
- 1 tsp Saffron threads
- 1 cup Chicken broth
- 1/2 cup Heavy cream
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz penne pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: In a large skillet, melt 4 tbsp unsalted butter over medium heat. Add 1 tsp saffron threads and stir for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 3: Pour in 1 cup chicken broth and 1/2 cup heavy cream, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
- Step 4: Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet, adding 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese and 1/2 cup reserved pasta water. Stir until the pasta is evenly coated and the sauce is creamy.
- Step 5: Season with salt and black pepper to taste, then serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Golden Banker's Pasta take to make?
Total time is about 55 minutes (25 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Golden Banker's Pasta?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep penne pasta from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Golden Banker's Pasta?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Golden Banker's Pasta for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Golden Banker's Pasta?
Italian grilling like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Really good but took about 10 minutes longer than stated.
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
