Description
Caramelized Onion Pasta a rich, savory-sweet pasta dish made with slow-cooked onions, garlic, and Parmesan tossed with al dente noodles. Simple ingredients, deep flavor, and total comfort in a bowl.
Ingredients
3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
3 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp butter
Salt, to taste
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 cup dry white wine (or vegetable broth)
12 oz (340g) pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or rigatoni)
1/2 cup reserved pasta water
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar (optional, for depth)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally, for 25–30 minutes until deep golden brown and caramelized.
3. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Deglaze the pan with white wine (or broth), scraping up any browned bits. Simmer until mostly reduced.
5. Meanwhile, cook pasta in salted water according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
6. Add cooked pasta to the skillet with caramelized onions.
7. Toss well, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to create a silky sauce.
8. Stir in Parmesan cheese and balsamic vinegar (if using).
9. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
10. Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.
Notes
Add crispy pancetta or bacon for a smoky flavor boost.
Top with goat cheese or ricotta for a creamy finish.
Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta if desired.
Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated with a splash of broth or cream.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 35 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 340mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 62g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: caramelized onion pasta, vegetarian pasta, onion spaghetti, simple pasta recipe, comfort food