Description
Spicy Shallot Pasta is a vibrant, flavor-packed dish featuring tender pasta tossed with caramelized shallots, garlic, and a kick of red pepper flakes. This simple yet irresistible recipe combines fresh herbs and a savory broth to create an unforgettable taste experience, perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a cozy dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 ounces spaghetti or your favorite pasta
Sauce and Flavorings
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 medium shallots, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-2 teaspoons red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or ½ teaspoon dried)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ½ cup vegetable broth or reserved pasta water
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving a bit of pasta water, and set aside.
- Heat olive oil: In a large skillet, warm the olive oil over medium heat to prepare for sautéing the aromatics.
- Sauté shallots: Add the thinly sliced shallots to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften and turn translucent.
- Add garlic and red pepper flakes: Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for an additional minute while making sure the garlic doesn’t burn to preserve its flavor.
- Season and deglaze: Sprinkle salt, black pepper, and thyme into the skillet. Pour in the vegetable broth or reserved pasta water and gently scrape the bottom to release any flavorful browned bits.
- Toss pasta with sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss well to combine. If the pasta appears dry, add more pasta water gradually until the desired texture is reached.
- Finish and garnish: Remove the skillet from heat, stir in chopped fresh parsley, and serve the pasta hot. Top with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning by adding more red pepper flakes if a spicier flavor is preferred.
Notes
- To enhance the depth of flavor, use homemade or high-quality vegetable broth.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level.
- Reserve pasta water to help bind the sauce and add silkiness.
- Parmesan cheese is optional but adds a nice savory finish.
- Fresh thyme can be substituted with dried thyme — use half the amount.
- Make sure not to burn the garlic, as it will taste bitter.
