Golden Banker's Pasta

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

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.

Prep: 25 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 650 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. Step 5: Season with salt and black pepper to taste, then serve immediately.

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.

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