Radicchio & Lemon Pasta with Crispy Shallots

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A simple pasta dish where radicchio's bitterness is balanced by caramelized shallots and bright lemon zest. This Italian-inspired pasta recipe, ready in about 35 minutes, pairs spaghetti, olive oil, shallots for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook 8 oz spaghetti until al dente, then drain, reserving 1/4 cup pasta water.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 medium thinly sliced shallots and cook for 5-7 minutes until golden and crispy, then remove half for garnish and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 head radicchio (thinly sliced) to the skillet with the remaining shallots and cook for 3-4 minutes until wilted and slightly tender. Stir in 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice and season with salt and pepper.
  4. Step 4: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet along with 1/4 cup reserved pasta water and 2 tbsp butter, tossing until the sauce coats the pasta. Stir in 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Radicchio & Lemon Pasta with Crispy Shallots take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (20 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Radicchio & Lemon Pasta with Crispy Shallots?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep spaghetti from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Radicchio & Lemon Pasta with Crispy Shallots?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Radicchio & Lemon Pasta with Crispy Shallots for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Radicchio & Lemon Pasta with Crispy Shallots?

Italian pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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