This caramelized shallot pasta dish is full of delicious flavor. It has everything that you could want from a delicious pasta dinner and is ready in only 20 minutes. If you are not a fan of tomatoes but want a delectable spaghetti dinner then this is something you will love.
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This caramelized shallot pasta is based on the NYT newspaper recipe from Alison Roman’s Caramelized Shallot Pasta. It is for people who love the rich, flavorful of the caramelized onions and the sweetness of the shallots.
If you’re looking for more pasta recipes, try these Chicken Gorgonzola Pasta, Italian Sausage Pasta and Philly Cheese Steak Pasta.
Why We Love This Thinly Sliced Onion Dish with Anchovy Paste and Parsley
This recipe is so delicious. It is a wonderful side dish to use with so many excellent dishes. It is so good with my braciole recipe, Breaded Baked Pork Chops, or Chicken Milanesa.
- 30-Minute Meal: It is quick, easy, and delicious.
- Easy Ingredients: All found in the pantry or the refrigerator.
- Family Friendly: This dish is the perfect side dish for every member of the family.
- Adaptable: Can make it low-carb, meat-free, dairy-free, etc… The leftover pasta can be great for meal prep. Divide pasta and freeze.
Ingredient Notes
- Pasta Spaghetti is what we use but you can use any type of pasta you like. Save some of the water.
- Anchovy Paste: Do not be afraid to use this ingredient. It is fabulous in this dish.
- Shallots: This milder onion should be thinly sliced. The sweetness of the shallot makes this dish so unique.
- All Purpose Blend: This is a blend of onion powder, garlic powder, and other ingredients.
- Cheese: Parmesan cheese, grate your own.
- Cream: A light cream is perfect for this recipe.
See my recipe card below for a complete list of the ingredients with measurements.
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Variations and Substitutions for the Pasta Dish
- Ingredient variation: Add some fresh, finely chopped garlic a clove or two.
- Heat: Red Pepper Flakes will add a little heat to the dish.
- Seasoning: Season with salt and pepper or whatever flavors you enjoy.
How to Make Caramelized Shallot Pasta
These are the basic steps for making pasta with anchovies. Refer to the full, printable recipe card below for detailed instructions.
Step 1: Pasta
First, in a large pot or Dutch oven, bring water with salt to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions for al dente. Stirring occasionally. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water.
Step 2: In a Skillet
Then in a large skillet, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Next, stir in the anchovy paste and let it melt into the oil – about 1 minute. Then add the shallots and season with All Purpose Seasoning Blend.
Step 3: Caramelize the Onions
Next, you will caramelize the onions for about 10 minutes or until soft and caramelized. Add flour and stir for 30 seconds. Add cream and pasta water and cook until slightly thickened and heated through.
Step 4: Toss Caramelized Pasta in a Large Serving Bowl
Finally, add the pasta and cheese until a sauce forms and toss to coat each piece of pasta. Lastly, sprinkle with parsley.
Recipe FAQs about this Caramelized Shallot Pasta Recipe
Expert Tips to Make Alison Roman Caramelized Shallot Pasta Recipe
- Salt: Be careful of adding too much salt as the paste anchovies for saltiness.
- Add A kick of Flavor: Add red pepper flakes and anchovies for a more intense taste.
- Variation tip: Feel free to add some crumbled bacon.
What to Serve with Caramelized Shallot Pasta
Caramelized Shallot Pasta
Ingredients
- ½ pound pasta, I like spaghetti
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon anchovy paste
- 3 shallots, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon All Purpose Seasoning Blend
- 1 Tablespoon flour
- ½ cup light cream
- ¼ cup pasta water
- ½ cup parmesan cheese, grated
- ¼ cup Italian parsley, finely chopped
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to directions to al dente and drain.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Stir in the anchovy paste and let it melt into the oil – about 1 minute. Add the shallots and season with All Purpose Seasoning Blend.
- Cook the onions for about 10 minutes or until soft and caramelized. Add flour and stir for 30 seconds.
- Add cream and pasta water and cook until slightly thickened and heated through. Add the pasta and cheese and toss to coat.
- Sprinkle with parsley and serve.
Expert Tips
- Salt: Be careful of adding too much salt as the the paste anchovies for saltiness.
- Add A kick of Flavor: Add red-pepper flakes and anchovies for more intense taste.
- Variation tip: Feel free to add some crumbled bacon.
Estimated Nutritional Information
The nutritional information provided are estimates. To learn more about how I calculate this information go to www.itisakeeper.com/about-its-a-keeper/privacy-disclosure-policies/
This recipe is my personal adaption of an ethnic-inspired recipe. It is not intended to be an authentic recipe. I’ve recreated this recipe because I enjoy the flavors and I want to encourage my readers to expand their tastes and try new flavor combinations. The recipe, ingredients, and processes may have been adapted to make the recipe accessible to the average American. I have provided links to authentic versions of the recipe in the post above. I encourage you to visit these pages and learn more about the traditional version(s) of this recipe.