Description
Caramelized Onion Pasta combines rich, sweet caramelized onions with a creamy, savory sauce tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. Easy to make and deeply flavorful, this dish is perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
- Grated Parmesan or vegan cheese, for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Boil salted water and cook pasta al dente according to package instructions. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Caramelize Onions: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and soft. Add garlic and cook 1–2 minutes more.
- Make Sauce: Add broth and optional balsamic vinegar to onions. Scrape browned bits from the skillet. Reduce heat and stir in heavy cream. Simmer 5–7 minutes to thicken slightly. Season with salt and pepper.
- Combine: Toss cooked pasta in the sauce until well coated. Add a splash of pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Serve: Plate pasta, garnish with parsley and Parmesan or vegan cheese, and serve hot.
Notes
- Use low heat to caramelize onions for the best flavor—don’t rush it.
- Balsamic vinegar enhances sweetness but is optional.
- Cook pasta al dente as it will cook slightly more in the sauce.
- Substitute coconut cream and vegan cheese for a dairy-free version.
- Make ahead: Caramelized onions can be prepared up to 3 days in advance.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: Caramelized Onion Pasta, Creamy Onion Pasta, Caramelized Onion Sauce, Yummy Pasta Recipe, Vegetarian Pasta Dish