This caramelized onion pasta is a warm, comforting dish that’s full of flavor. The sweet, tender onions mix perfectly with the pasta, creating a delightful meal!
The best part? It’s super easy to make! I love how a little patience while caramelizing the onions turns them into gold. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you! 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Fettuccine or linguine works perfectly for this dish. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can use gluten-free pasta or even spiralized vegetables like zucchini for a lighter meal.
Onions: Yellow onions are the best choice for caramelizing because they become sweet and flavorful. If you’re out of yellow onions, you could use sweet onions or even red onions for a slightly different taste.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half or even Greek yogurt (just stir it in off the heat to prevent curdling). Coconut cream is an option if you’re dairy-free.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan is ideal for the best flavor. If you want a nutty flavor, Pecorino Romano works well too. Nutritional yeast can be a great dairy-free alternative.
How Do You Get Perfectly Caramelized Onions?
Caramelizing onions takes time but the flavor is worth it! Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with a wide skillet to give the onions room to caramelize evenly.
- Cook on low heat. This allows the natural sugars to break down and become sweet, which takes about 30-40 minutes.
- Stir occasionally, but not too often. Let the onions sit so they can brown well.
- If they start to stick or burn, add a splash of water or a pinch of salt to help deglaze the pan.
Enjoy the beautiful transformation of your onions into a sweet and rich topping for your pasta!
How to Make Delicious Caramelized Onion Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Pasta:
- 12 oz (340 g) fettuccine or linguine pasta
For The Sauce:
- 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For Garnish:
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish takes about 10 minutes of prep time and around 40-50 minutes to cook, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and remember to reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water for later.
2. Caramelize the Onions:
While your pasta is cooking, grab a large skillet and heat the olive oil and butter over medium-low heat. Add the thinly sliced onions to the skillet. Now comes the patience! Cook the onions slowly, stirring occasionally, until they’re deeply golden brown and caramelized. This should take about 30-40 minutes. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning, adjusting the heat if needed.
3. Add Garlic and Cream:
When the onions are beautifully caramelized, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until you can smell that delightful garlic aroma. Next, pour in the heavy cream and stir everything together, letting it simmer for 3-5 minutes until slightly thickened.
4. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Now it’s time to bring it all together! Add your cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce needs to loosen up a bit. You want the pasta to be well coated!
5. Season and Serve:
Sprinkle in some salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Once it’s perfectly seasoned, serve your pasta in bowls and top with extra Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley for a lovely touch of color and freshness.
Enjoy your rich and flavorful caramelized onion pasta! 🍝
Can I Use Other Types of Onions?
Yes! While yellow onions are ideal for caramelizing due to their sweetness, you can also use sweet onions like Vidalia or even red onions for a different flavor profile. Just keep in mind that the sweetness might vary.
Can I Make This Pasta Vegan?
Absolutely! To make this dish vegan, substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based cream. Use vegan butter and nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan cheese for a cheesy flavor!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a little splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.
What Can I Serve This Pasta With?
This pasta pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables. Garlic bread is also a great choice for soaking up any extra sauce!