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Caramelized Onion Pasta

Caramelized Onion Pasta
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Caramelized Onion Pasta is a warm, comforting dish featuring slow-cooked sweet onions that melt into perfectly cooked pasta. This recipe balances sweet and savory flavors with fresh garlic, Parmesan cheese, and herbs, creating an elegant yet effortless meal ideal for weeknight dinners or impressing guests.

Ingredients

Scale

Onions and Aromatics

  • 4 large sweet onions (yellow or Vidalia), peeled and thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
  • 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Pasta and Cheese

  • 12 oz spaghetti or fettuccine pasta
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Herbs and Optional Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons fresh thyme or parsley, chopped
  • Optional: 1/4 cup white wine or 2 tablespoons cream
  • Optional: red pepper flakes, mushrooms, grilled chicken, crispy bacon, sautéed shrimp, or nutritional yeast (for vegan version)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Onions: Peel and thinly slice the onions. Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the onions, sprinkle with a pinch of salt, and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until they become deep golden brown and sweetly fragrant, about 30 to 40 minutes.
  2. Cook the Pasta: While the onions caramelize, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about one cup of pasta water before draining the pasta.
  3. Flavor the Base: Once onions are caramelized, add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another minute until fragrant. If using, add white wine or cream, stirring well and allowing it to reduce slightly to add richness to the sauce.
  4. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta directly into the skillet with the caramelized onions. Toss everything over low heat, adding reserved pasta water little by little as needed to create a silky sauce that clings to the noodles.
  5. Finish with Cheese and Herbs: Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan and chopped fresh herbs over the pasta. Toss gently to combine, then taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve immediately for best flavor and warmth.

Notes

  • Take your time caramelizing the onions to ensure rich, complex sweetness.
  • Use yellow or Vidalia onions for the best caramelization and natural sweetness.
  • Stir the onions occasionally during caramelization to prevent burning and ensure even browning.
  • Reserve pasta water to help achieve a silky sauce consistency.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for better melting and flavor.
  • Cook over medium-low heat to avoid burning the onions and creating bitterness.
  • For a vegan version, replace butter with olive oil and Parmesan with nutritional yeast or vegan cheese alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: Caramelized Onion Pasta, comfort food, caramelized onions, easy pasta recipe, weeknight dinner, vegetarian pasta, vegan option, gluten-free pasta

Find it online: https://marybaking.com/caramelized-onion-pasta/