Description
This Spicy Shallot Pasta is a flavorful and comforting Italian-inspired dish featuring caramelized shallots, garlic, and a touch of heat from red pepper flakes. Tossed with al dente spaghetti, smoked paprika, and creamy Parmesan cheese, it’s perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner with a vegetarian twist.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Sauce and Flavorings
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 6 large shallots, thinly sliced
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Cheese and Garnish
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
- Extra Parmesan, for serving
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Caramelize Shallots: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced shallots and cook, stirring frequently, for 10–15 minutes until they become caramelized and golden brown.
- Add Garlic and Spices: Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet with the shallots and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the tomato paste and smoked paprika, cooking for an additional 1–2 minutes to develop the flavors.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet along with the reserved pasta water. Toss everything together thoroughly so the pasta is evenly coated and the sauce becomes silky.
- Finish with Cheese and Seasoning: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Mix well to incorporate the cheese into the sauce.
- Serve: Plate the pasta and garnish with chopped fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese for serving. Enjoy immediately while hot.
Notes
- For extra richness, add a tablespoon of butter or a splash of cream before tossing the pasta.
- You can substitute linguine or fettuccine for the spaghetti if desired.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or crispy pancetta for a delicious variation.
