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Caramelized Onion Pasta Recipe

Caramelized Onion Pasta Recipe

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4.5 from 78 reviews

This Caramelized Onion Pasta delivers pure comfort with deeply sweet, golden onions, a touch of cream, and a shower of Parmesan. Perfect for a cozy Italian-inspired dinner, it’s surprisingly simple to make and bursts with rich, savory flavor in every bite.

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4 Servings

Ingredients

For the Caramelized Onions

  • 2 large onions, thinly sliced
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Sauce

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup white wine (optional)
  • 1/2 cup vegetable or chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

For the Pasta

  • 12 ounces pasta (such as fettuccine or spaghetti)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

For Serving

  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Additional grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Caramelize the Onions: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onions, sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally, for 25-30 minutes until the onions are golden brown and caramelized. Lower the heat if necessary and be patient to prevent burning.
  3. Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, letting it blend with the sweet onions.
  4. Deglaze the Pan: (Optional) Pour in the white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until most of the wine has evaporated, concentrating the flavors.
  5. Add Broth and Cream: Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir well, and simmer for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and is creamy.
  6. Add Cheese: Mix in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and is fully incorporated into the sauce. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
  7. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss well to coat every strand in the caramelized onion sauce, ensuring even distribution.
  8. Serve: Divide the pasta onto serving plates. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if you like. Enjoy immediately!

Notes

  • For extra flavor, use a mix of yellow and sweet onions.
  • Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter touch.
  • The wine adds depth but can be omitted if preferred.
  • This recipe is vegetarian if prepared with vegetable broth.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated and gently reheated with a splash of broth or cream.
  • Author: ELLA
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Main-course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
  • Calories: 462
  • Sugar: 7g
  • Sodium: 480mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 52g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 14g
  • Cholesterol: 45mg

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