Caramelized Onion Pasta
A cozy and delicious pasta dish made with caramelized onions, simple ingredients, and a silky sauce for a comforting dinner.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2-3 large Onions Yellow onions are preferred; sweet onions work too.
- 12 ounces Pasta Spaghetti, linguine, or penne; use what you have.
- 2 tablespoons Butter or olive oil Both can be used for richer flavor.
- 2-4 cloves Garlic Fresh is preferred but jarred garlic is acceptable.
- 1 cup Broth or pasta water Helps make the sauce silky.
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese Grated; adds nutty flavor.
- to taste Black pepper Add generously to balance sweetness.
- optional Extras (cream, chili flakes, spinach, mushrooms, lemon) Adjust based on preference.
Instructions
Preparation
- Slice 2 to 3 large onions and add them to a skillet with 2 tablespoons of butter or olive oil and a pinch of salt.
- Cook on medium low heat, stirring every few minutes for about 25 to 35 minutes until the onions are deep golden brown and sweet.
Cooking Pasta
- While the onions are caramelizing, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook your chosen pasta until al dente.
- Before draining, scoop out about 1 cup of pasta water and set it aside.
Making the Sauce
- Once the onions are caramelized, add 2 to 4 cloves of minced garlic to the skillet and stir for 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add a splash of broth or a few tablespoons of reserved pasta water to the onions, stirring and scraping the pan to loosen all the flavor.
Combining
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet, sprinkle with grated Parmesan and lots of black pepper.
- Toss everything together, adding more pasta water as desired until the pasta is glossy and evenly coated.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if necessary.
Notes
For extra comfort, add a splash of cream at the end and stir until it melts into the sauce. Leftovers can be stored in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days.