Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Caramelized Onion Pasta is a savory and comforting dish that combines the sweet, rich flavors of caramelized onions with a creamy, savory sauce. The deep sweetness of the onions balances perfectly with the pasta, creating a simple yet indulgent meal. It’s a great option for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion when you want something flavorful but not too complicated.

ingredients

Pasta of choice
Olive oil
Yellow onions, thinly sliced
Butter
Garlic, minced
Heavy cream
Parmesan cheese, grated
Salt and pepper
Fresh herbs (optional, such as thyme or parsley)

directions

Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 25-30 minutes, or until the onions are golden brown and caramelized.
Add the butter and minced garlic to the onions, cooking for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to thin it out.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta in the caramelized onion sauce.
Garnish with fresh herbs, if desired, and serve immediately.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 30-35 minutes
Total time: 40-45 minutes

Variations

Add bacon or pancetta for extra richness.
Use a mix of onions (yellow, red, and white) for a more complex flavor.
Swap the heavy cream for a dairy-free alternative, like coconut cream, to make it vegan.
For a tangy twist, add a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving.

Storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.

FAQs

Can I use other types of onions?
Yes, you can use red or sweet onions, but yellow onions offer the best balance of sweetness and flavor for caramelizing.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, the recipe is already vegetarian. Just skip the optional bacon or pancetta.

What kind of pasta is best for this dish?
Any pasta works, but wide noodles like fettuccine or pappardelle help catch the sauce better.

Can I make this ahead of time?
You can caramelize the onions ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, simply reheat and combine with the cooked pasta and cream.

Conclusion

Caramelized Onion Pasta is a delicious and easy dish that brings the sweetness of caramelized onions and creamy sauce together in a comforting meal. Perfect for any occasion, this pasta will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection.