Description
This Caramelized Shallot Pasta is a delicious and hearty Italian-inspired dish featuring deeply caramelized shallots, garlic, and a rich tomato paste sauce tossed with perfectly cooked spaghetti. Enhanced with a touch of red wine vinegar, Parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley, this vegetarian recipe offers incredible depth of flavor and a silky, satisfying texture that’s perfect for an easy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
Produce
- 6 large shallots, thinly sliced
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Liquids and Oils
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- Optional: 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for richness)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti until al dente according to the package directions. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta.
- Caramelize Shallots: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil and the thinly sliced shallots. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 15 to 20 minutes until the shallots become deeply golden and caramelized, developing a rich, sweet flavor.
- Add Garlic and Spice: Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
- Incorporate Tomato Paste: Stir in the tomato paste, cooking it for 2 to 3 minutes until it darkens slightly and melds with the shallots and garlic.
- Deglaze Pan: Pour in the red wine vinegar and stir, scraping the bottom of the skillet to deglaze and incorporate all the browned bits for enhanced flavor.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti into the skillet along with 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water. Toss everything together to combine thoroughly.
- Finish Sauce: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and, if using, the unsalted butter to add richness. Add more reserved pasta water as needed to create a silky, cohesive sauce. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve: Serve the pasta immediately, topped with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley for a bright finish.
Notes
- You can substitute shallots with yellow onions if needed, though the flavor will be slightly different and less delicate.
- For extra depth, try adding crispy pancetta or sautéed mushrooms into the skillet along with the shallots.
- For a vegan version, replace Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast and omit the butter.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
