Dinner Recipes

Merlot Spaghetti

This bold flavor of this dish belies its weeknight-easy recipe — just 20 minutes and a handful of steps. The noodles are cooked in a concoction of aromatics, merlot, and fresh herbs, giving them a purple color and an unexpected depth. On the plate, they look like a simple, albeit colorful, nest of noodles with Parm and parsley, but they have a lively flavor: garlicky, rich, and herbaceous with a pleasing kind of heat. Merlot Spaghetti is the perfect last-minute date fare. You can make it with leftover wine and a few fridge and pantry staples, and its purple noodles and wonderful flavor will surprise and delight.

Merlot Spaghetti
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Dinner

Merlot Spaghetti

Serves: 2

Ingredients

1 Tbsp Gelson’s 100% California extra virgin olive oil, plus more for topping
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp Gelson’s crushed red pepper flakes
5 Tbsp unsalted butter, cut into 1" pieces, divided
1 ½ cups merlot
4 fresh thyme sprigs
2 fresh rosemary sprigs
2 fresh sage sprigs
Kosher salt, to taste
8 oz Gelson's spaghetti
Gelson’s finely grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Directions

  1. Heat a medium heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the olive oil, garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, and 1 tablespoon of the butter. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the garlic is very fragrant but not browned, about 3 minutes.

  2. Add the merlot, thyme, rosemary, and sage. Bring to a simmer and cook uncovered until reduced by ⅔ , 13 to 15 minutes. Season with salt to taste. Reduce the heat to low and cover to keep warm.

  3. Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat and season generously with salt. Add the spaghetti and cook for 2 minutes less than the package instructions. Drain the pasta.

  4. Remove and discard the herbs from the sauce. Add the spaghetti and remaining 4 tablespoons of butter to the sauce. Increase the heat to medium and bring the sauce to a simmer. Cook, tossing often, until the pasta is well coated and sauce is thickened, about 3 minutes. Taste and season with more salt if needed.

  5. Divide pasta among 2 bowls. Drizzle with olive oil and garnish with the Parmesan cheese and parsley.

Recipe source: Bon Appetit

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