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Caramelized Onion Pasta

Caramelized Onion Pasta

  • Author: Lina
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Caramelized Onion Pasta is a warm, comforting, and flavorful vegetarian pasta dish featuring slow-cooked yellow onions that develop a deep natural sweetness. Coated in a silky, golden onion sauce with garlic, fresh herbs, and optionally parmesan cheese, this easy recipe uses simple pantry staples to create a gourmet-tasting meal in under 30 minutes. Perfect for cozy weeknights, it’s versatile and can be customized with proteins, spices, or veggies for added heartiness and flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 3 large yellow onions, peeled and thinly sliced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • Fresh herbs (thyme or parsley), chopped, for garnish

Pantry Staples

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 8 oz pasta (spaghetti or fettuccine)

Optional Ingredients

  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Prep the onions: Peel and thinly slice the yellow onions evenly to ensure uniform caramelization and a rich golden color.
  2. Slow-cook the onions: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the sliced onions along with a pinch of salt. Stir every few minutes, cooking slowly for 30 to 40 minutes until onions are soft, sweet, and deeply golden brown.
  3. Cook the pasta: While onions cook, bring a pot of salted water to boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
  4. Add garlic and season: Once onions are caramelized, stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant. Season with freshly ground black pepper and adjust salt to taste.
  5. Combine pasta and onions: Add the drained pasta directly into the skillet with caramelized onions. Toss gently to coat. Gradually add reserved pasta water to create a silky sauce that clings to the noodles.
  6. Finish with cheese and herbs: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs over the pasta. Toss once more to combine, then serve immediately while hot.

Notes

  • Patience is key: Slowly caramelize onions to unlock full flavor; rushing may cause bitterness.
  • Use a wide pan: A large skillet allows even cooking and browning.
  • Stir often: Prevent burning and promote uniform caramelization.
  • Reserve pasta water: Starchy water helps loosen the sauce for a creamy texture.
  • Adjust seasoning last: Taste and tweak salt and pepper after mixing all ingredients.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container with a drizzle of olive oil to retain freshness for up to 3 days in the fridge.
  • Freeze leftovers in a sealed container for up to 1 month; thaw overnight before reheating gently in a skillet.
  • Reheat in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth, stirring frequently to maintain sauce texture. Avoid microwaving.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 10g
  • Sodium: 300mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 50g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 8g
  • Cholesterol: 5mg

Keywords: Caramelized Onion Pasta, vegetarian pasta, caramelized onions, easy pasta recipe, comfort food pasta, simple dinner, homemade pasta sauce

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