What Sauce Goes with Saffron Pasta? (14 Best Sauces)

If you’ve been wondering what sauce goes with saffron pasta – well, you’re going to love this list!

I’ve rounded up 14 of the best sauces to pair with saffron pasta.

Whether you are looking for a creamy sauce, a light and fresh sauce, or something in between, there is sure to be a sauce on this list that you’ll love.

So go ahead and give one (or all!) of these sauces a try the next time you make saffron pasta!

What Sauce Goes with Saffron Pasta? 14 Best Sauces

When it comes to saffron pasta, the sauce you choose can make or break the dish.

A good sauce can enhance the flavor of the pasta and help to bring out the natural sweetness of the saffron.

On the other hand, a bad sauce can easily overwhelm the delicate flavor of the saffron and leave you with a bland and unappetizing dish.

Fortunately, there are a number of great sauces that pair well with saffron pasta.

Here are 14 of the best sauces for saffron pasta:

1. Alfredo Sauce

When you want a thick and creamy pasta sauce, look no further than alfredo.

This classic sauce is made with butter, heavy cream, garlic, and Parmesan cheese.

It’s delicious on its own, but you can also mix things up by adding in some cooked chicken or shrimp, or even some sautéed veggies.

Pro Tip: If your sauce is too thick, thin it out with a little bit of milk.

If it’s too thin, add in more Parmesan cheese until you reach the desired consistency.

2. Quick Parmesan Cream Sauce

Thick, rich, and creamy, this parmesan cream sauce is a total winner in my books.

I like to mix it up by adding in different herbs (basil, oregano, thyme) or swapping out the parmesan for another cheese (like goat cheese or gorgonzola).

You can also add in some cooked bacon or pancetta for an extra bit of flavor.

Pro Tip: If you want a thinner sauce, simply add in more milk until you reach your desired consistency.

3. Basil Pesto Sauce

Basil pesto adds a bright, herby flavor to any pasta dish.

I like to keep things simple by stirring it into cooked pasta with a little bit of reserved cooking water.

This creates a light and creamy sauce that clings to the noodles.

You can also use pesto as a sandwich spread or pizza topping.

For a fun twist, mix in some sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers.

Pro Tip: Pesto can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to a week.

4. Marinara Sauce

Marinara sauce needs no introduction – it’s a classic for a reason.

It’s the perfect balance of acidity, sweetness, and savoriness.

I like to mix things up by adding different herbs or spice blends to my marinara sauce.

Some of my favorites are oregano, basil, and crushed red pepper flakes.

If you want a heartier sauce, add some ground beef or sausage.

Pro Tip: If you’re using jarred sauce, give it a boost by simmering with garlic, onion, and olive oil.

5. Italian Arrabbiata Sauce (sugo all’arrabbiata)

If you want to go Italian but don’t want a heavy cream-based sauce, this arrabbiata sauce is for you.

It’s light but still has a good amount of flavor, and it goes well with any pasta dish.

I like to mix things up by adding different veggies (like zucchini or eggplant), or using a different type of pasta (like rigatoni or penne).

Pro Tip: This sauce also works well as a pizza sauce!

Just add your favorite toppings and bake.

6. Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Made with heavy cream, white wine, and chicken broth, this sauce is the perfect balance of richness and acidity.

I like to use it as a base for other sauces, like a carbonara or Alfredo.

Or, if I’m feeling lazy, I’ll just mix it with some pasta and call it a day.

Pro Tip: This sauce can also be used as a gravy for roast chicken (See Also: What Herbs Go with Roast Chicken? 12 Herbs for Roast Chicken) or turkey.

Just add some flour to thicken, and you’re good to go!

7. Dijon Mustard Sauce

This sauce is great with meat, pasta, or as a dipping sauce.

I like to add it to my pasta dishes for an extra zing, or use it as a dipping sauce for chicken or pork.

Sometimes I even add a little bit of honey to sweeten it up.

Pro Tip: If you want a creamier sauce, add some mayonnaise or Greek yogurt to the mix.

8. Lemon Butter Sauce

This sauce is a deliciously smooth and zesty way to take your pasta up a notch.

It’s made with just a few simple ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen, and it comes together in under 10 minutes.

I like to add a bit of garlic for extra flavor, but you can definitely leave it out if you’re not a fan.

This sauce is also great on fish, or as a dipping sauce for bread.

Pro Tip: If the sauce is too thick, add a little bit of water or chicken broth until it reaches the desired consistency.

9. Chimichurri Sauce

You will NEVER want another chimichurri sauce again after trying this recipe.

I’m not exaggerating when I say that it is the best chimichurri sauce I have ever had.

It’s so good, in fact, that I could drink it straight from the jar (and maybe I have…).

But on a more serious note, this sauce is great on any pasta dish.

It’s also amazing as a marinade for chicken or fish.

Pro Tip: This sauce can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to a week.

10. Gorgonzola Sauce

This sauce comes together easily on the stovetop, and can be used on any type of pasta.

I like to use it as a base for other dishes, like adding in some spinach and chicken for a light dinner, or throwing in some bacon and tomatoes for a heartier meal.

Pro Tip: If you want a little extra flavor, try grating in some Parmesan cheese at the end.

11. Sun Dried Tomato Pesto Sauce

If regular basil pesto sounds a little too boring to you, then sun-dried tomato pesto is the perfect alternative.

This sauce is still nice and creamy, but the addition of sun-dried tomatoes gives it a little bit of sweetness and a lovely deep red color.

I like to pair this sauce with grilled chicken or shrimp, but it would also be great with a simple pasta dish.

Pro Tip: If you want to make this sauce a little bit creamier, add in some goat cheese or Parmesan cheese.

12. Horseradish Sauce

This incredibly creamy horseradish sauce recipe is my go-to for any pasta dish.

It’s so easy to make and can be used in a variety of ways.

I like to mix it up by adding different herbs or spices, depending on what I’m in the mood for.

Sometimes I’ll add a little bit of smoked paprika for a smoky flavor, or some fresh dill for a bright pop of flavor.

Pro Tip: If you want to make this sauce even creamier, add a dollop of sour cream when you’re mixing everything together.

13. Olive Tapenade

This simple recipe is made with kalamata olives and is packed with flavor.

I like to use it as a pasta sauce, or as a spread for sandwiches and wraps.

It’s also great as a dip for crudités or crackers.

Pro Tip: If you want a creamier consistency, add some olive oil or chopped fresh parsley.

14. Saffron Cream Sauce

This saffron cream sauce is rich, robust, and yet delicately complex.

It’s the perfect finishing touch to any pasta dish, but my favorite way to enjoy it is with a simple plate of spaghetti.

I also love to use it as a dipping sauce for breadsticks, or as a base for a creamier pasta dish.

Pro Tip: To really bring out the flavor of the saffron, toast the threads in a dry pan before adding them to the sauce.

Related:

15 Best Sauces for Shrimp Pasta