Description
This Caramelized Onion Pasta recipe transforms simple pantry ingredients into a rich, savory, and comforting dish perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. The slow-cooked onions develop deep, sweet flavors that blend beautifully with tender pasta and creamy parmesan, creating a satisfying and elegant meal that is easy to prepare.
Ingredients
For the Caramelized Onions
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 medium yellow onions, halved and sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar (optional, helps caramelize faster)
For the Pasta
- 12 ounces pasta of choice
- 1/2 to 1 cup shredded parmesan (non-dairy if preferred, e.g., Violife shaved parmesan)
- 2-3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Fresh ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Caramelize the onions: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat in a large sauté pan. Add the sliced onions and stir to coat evenly with the oil. Spread them out and cook, stirring every few minutes to prevent sticking. After 10 minutes, sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon sugar if using. Continue cooking the onions over lower heat for 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring frequently and adding a splash of water if they start to dry out. The onions should become a rich, deep brown color without burning. Remove from heat and set aside once caramelized.
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add about 2 teaspoons of salt. Add 12 ounces of pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes or until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 2 cups of pasta cooking water before draining the pasta.
- Combine pasta and onions: Return the pan with the caramelized onions to low heat. Add the drained pasta and 1 cup of reserved pasta cooking water. Stir in 1/2 to 1 cup shredded parmesan cheese and allow it to melt fully, creating a creamy sauce.
- Adjust consistency and finish: If the mixture is too thick, add more reserved pasta water a little at a time until the desired consistency is reached. Stir in 2-3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley and season with fresh ground black pepper to taste.
- Serve: Serve the pasta immediately as a comforting main dish. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Notes
- Using granulated sugar helps speed up the caramelization but is optional.
- Be patient with the slow cooking of onions; this develops the best flavor.
- You can substitute dairy parmesan with non-dairy versions for a vegan option.
- Adding reserved pasta water helps create a silky sauce that clings to the pasta.
- Leftover pasta keeps well refrigerated for about 3 days; reheat gently with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
