Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Caramelized Onion Pasta

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews
  • Author: Mollyyeh
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A rich and flavorful pasta dish featuring sweet caramelized onions, perfectly paired with a savory sauce for a comforting meal.


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 12 oz pasta (such as spaghetti or fettuccine)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 large onions, thinly sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 1/2 cup vegetable broth or white wine
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh thyme or basil, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving some pasta water.
  2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and golden brown, about 20 minutes.
  3. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Pour in the balsamic vinegar and vegetable broth (or white wine) to deglaze the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes until slightly reduced.
  5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce gets too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to reach the desired consistency.
  6. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce, allowing the pasta to absorb the caramelized onion flavor.
  7. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh thyme or basil, if desired, before serving.

Notes

  • For added richness, stir in a tablespoon of butter after the pasta is added to the sauce.
  • Make it a full meal by adding cooked chicken or sautéed mushrooms for extra protein.
  • This dish can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 plate (approx. 1/4 of the recipe)
  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Sugar: 8 g
  • Sodium: 200 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 7 g
  • Cholesterol: 10 mg