Messicani alla Milanese

Ingredients

• 250g (8.8 oz) messicani pasta 250g (8.8 oz) messicani pasta
• 50g (1.8 oz) unsalted butter 50g (1.8 oz) unsalted butter
• 1/4 teaspoon saffron threads 1/4 teaspoon saffron threads
• 50g (1.8 oz) grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving 50g (1.8 oz) grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
• Salt, to taste Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 20g, 12g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 55g, 2g
• Protein: 15g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the messicani pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. 2.
   In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the saffron threads and cook for a minute until fragrant.
3. 3.
   Add the cooked messicani pasta to the skillet and toss to coat it evenly with the saffron-infused butter.
4. 4.
   Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and toss again until the cheese melts and forms a creamy sauce.
5. 5.
   Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
6. 6.
   Transfer the Messicani alla Milanese to serving plates. Sprinkle with extra grated Parmesan cheese and drizzle with a little extra virgin olive oil.
7. 7.
   Serve immediately and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Saffron — To enhance the flavor and aroma of saffron, soak the threads in a tablespoon of warm water for 10 minutes before adding them to the butter.

Tips & Tricks

• For a richer flavor, you can substitute half of the butter with heavy cream.
• If you prefer a stronger saffron flavor, you can increase the amount of saffron threads slightly.
• Serve the Messicani alla Milanese with a side of fresh salad to add a refreshing element to the meal.
• Experiment with different types of grated cheese, such as Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano, for a variation in flavor.
• To make the dish more indulgent, you can add cooked pancetta or crispy bacon as a topping.

Serving advice

Serve the Messicani alla Milanese hot, straight from the skillet, to fully enjoy its creamy texture and flavors. Garnish each plate with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for an extra touch of richness.

Presentation advice

Present the Messicani alla Milanese in individual pasta bowls or on a large serving platter. The vibrant yellow color of the saffron-infused pasta will be visually appealing. Garnish with a few saffron threads and a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for an elegant touch.