Italian Sea Urchin Pasta with Garlic and Saffron Cream

Name: Italian Sea Urchin Pasta with Garlic and Saffron Cream
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Main Course
Ingredients: 300g spaghetti or linguine; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Salt to taste; 200g fresh sea urchin roe; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/4 teaspoon saffron threads; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 cup dry white wine; Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Zest of 1 lemon; Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Luxurious Seafood Pasta with a Creamy Twist

Dive into this delectable Italian dish where delicate sea urchin pairs exquisitely with a rich garlic and saffron cream sauce.

45 min
4
Intermediate

Ingredients

For the Pasta

300g spaghetti or linguine

2 tablespoons olive oil

Salt to taste

For the Sea Urchin & Cream Sauce

200g fresh sea urchin roe

1 cup heavy cream

1/4 teaspoon saffron threads

4 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 cup dry white wine

Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste

For the Finishing Touch

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Zest of 1 lemon

Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Preparation

Marinating the Sea Urchin

Clean the sea urchin roe

Gently clean the sea urchin roe in cold water, ensuring any debris is removed.

Pat dry

Pat the roe dry and set aside in a small bowl.

Sprinkle lemon zest

Lightly sprinkle with lemon zest for extra freshness.

Preparing the Saffron & Garlic Cream

Soak saffron threads

In a small bowl, soak saffron threads in 2 tablespoons of warm water for 10 minutes.

Sauté garlic

In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.

Combine wine, saffron, and cream

Stir in white wine and let simmer until slightly reduced, then add saffron water and heavy cream.

Do not allow the cream to boil as it can curdle. For deeper saffron flavor, allow it to soak longer in warm water before use.

Cooking Process

Boil the Pasta

Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and reserve some pasta water.

Create the Sauce

Once the cream is warmed and infused with saffron, add in sea urchin, and gently stir until combined and creamy. Salt to taste.

Combine Everything

Toss the pasta with the sauce, adding reserved pasta water if necessary for a smooth consistency. Enhance with Parmesan cheese and lemon zest.

Plating & Serving