This caramelized shallot pasta is a deeply savory and comforting weeknight meal made with golden, jammy shallots, tomato paste, and anchovies. It’s rich, tangy, and full of umami flavor, clinging beautifully to your favorite pasta shape.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
6 large shallots, peeled and thinly sliced
½ cup olive oil
1 small can (4.5 oz) tomato paste
4–6 anchovy fillets
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 pound pasta (spaghetti, bucatini, or rigatoni)
1 cup reserved pasta cooking water
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Grated Parmesan or Pecorino (optional)
Instructions
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add sliced shallots and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until caramelized and golden, about 15–20 minutes.
Stir in tomato paste, anchovy fillets, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 5 minutes until the mixture darkens and becomes thick and glossy.
Meanwhile, cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
Add drained pasta to the skillet with the shallot mixture. Toss, adding reserved pasta water as needed to coat noodles evenly and achieve a silky sauce.
Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley and grated cheese if desired.
Notes
Add crispy breadcrumbs or chopped olives for extra texture and saltiness.
Stir in spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking for added greens.
For a vegan version, omit anchovies and add soy sauce or miso paste for umami.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 70g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Find it online: https://juliameals.com/caramelized-shallot-pasta/
