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 Recipe

Caramelized Onion Pasta Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 23 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Savory caramelized onion pasta brings Italian comfort straight to your kitchen with its rich, golden-brown depths of flavor. Silky noodles draped in sweet, deeply caramelized onions create a simple yet luxurious meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables and Aromatics:

  • 2 large onions (thinly sliced)
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Dairy and Cheese:

  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese

Liquids and Pasta:

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) white wine (optional)
  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) vegetable or chicken broth
  • 12 ounces (340 grams) pasta (such as fettuccine or spaghetti)
  • Salt and pepper (to taste)
  • Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Fill a generously sized pot with salted water and bring to a rolling boil. Prepare pasta according to package guidance until perfectly tender. Drain and reserve.
  2. Heat olive oil and butter in a spacious skillet over medium temperature. Introduce sliced onions, sugar, and salt. Slowly transform onions to a deep golden hue through careful 25-30 minute caramelization, stirring periodically. Reduce heat if onions threaten to burn.
  3. Introduce minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until aromatic and softened.
  4. Deglaze the skillet with white wine, expertly scraping accumulated browned essence from pan surfaces. Allow liquid to reduce for several minutes.
  5. Stream vegetable or chicken broth and heavy cream into the skillet. Gently simmer for approximately 5 minutes until sauce develops a luxurious, slightly thickened consistency.
  6. Incorporate grated Parmesan, stirring until completely melted and seamlessly integrated. Calibrate seasoning with salt and pepper according to preference.
  7. Transfer cooked pasta directly into the skillet, thoroughly coating each strand with the silky caramelized onion sauce.
  8. Plate the pasta, finishing with a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley and optional additional Parmesan cheese for enhanced flavor complexity.

Notes

  • Caramelize onions slowly over low to medium heat to develop deep, rich flavor without burning.
  • Use a heavy-bottomed skillet to ensure even heat distribution and prevent scorching during the long cooking process.
  • For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half-and-half to reduce calories while maintaining creamy texture.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 675
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 400 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 86 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 18 g
  • Cholesterol: 65 mg