Ingredients
Produce
- 3 shallots, thinly sliced (about 3/4 cup)
- 4 ounces shiitake mushrooms, sliced
- Chopped parsley or chives, for garnish
Pantry
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 8 ounces spaghetti or linguine
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Dairy
- 2 ounces black garlic butter
- 1/2 ounce parmesan cheese, plus more to garnish
Instructions
- Heat oil and sauté shallots and mushrooms: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat in a 10-inch nonstick skillet until hot. Add the thinly sliced shallots and shiitake mushrooms, seasoning lightly with salt and pepper. Sauté for 8-10 minutes, stirring frequently, until the shallots and mushrooms are softened and begin to brown, creating a flavorful base for the pasta.
- Cook pasta: While the shallots and mushrooms cook, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of spaghetti or linguine and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve pasta water and drain: Before draining the pasta, reserve 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water to help create the sauce’s consistency. Drain the cooked pasta well.
- Combine pasta with sautéed vegetables: Transfer the drained pasta to the skillet containing the sautéed shallots and mushrooms. Toss to mix the flavors.
- Add black garlic butter and red pepper flakes: Add 2 ounces of black garlic butter and 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes to the pasta and vegetables. Toss thoroughly to melt the butter and evenly distribute the spice, enhancing the umami and depth of the dish.
- Adjust sauce consistency: Slowly add the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, tossing continuously until the pasta is coated in a thin, silky sauce. You may not need all the reserved water—add just enough for proper sauce texture.
- Stir in parmesan cheese: Incorporate 1/2 ounce of parmesan cheese into the pasta mixture, stirring until it melts and further enriches the sauce.
- Serve and garnish: Plate the pasta and garnish with additional parmesan cheese and chopped parsley or chives for a fresh, bright finish.
Notes
- Use freshly grated parmesan for best flavor and melting qualities.
- Black garlic butter can be made by mashing black garlic into softened butter or can be purchased prepared.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to suit your desired level of heat.
- Reserve extra pasta water if you prefer a saucier pasta consistency.
- This dish pairs well with a light green salad and a crisp white wine.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian