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Caramelized Onion Pasta Recipe

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4 from 8 reviews

This Caramelized Onion Pasta recipe features slowly cooked onions that develop a rich, sweet flavor, combined with perfectly cooked pasta and a creamy parmesan finish. It’s a comforting, flavorful dish perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, made with simple pantry ingredients and fresh parsley for a touch of brightness.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 medium yellow onions, halved and sliced
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar (optional)
  • 12 ounces pasta of choice
  • 1/2 to 1 cup shredded parmesan (non-dairy recommended, e.g. Violife shaved parmesan)
  • 2-3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • Fresh ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat the Oil and Prepare Onions: Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a large sauté pan. Add the halved and sliced onions, stirring to coat them evenly with the oil. Spread the onions out in the pan for even cooking.
  2. Begin Caramelizing: Cook the onions, stirring every few minutes to prevent sticking, for about 10 minutes. Sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and optionally add 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar to assist in caramelization.
  3. Slow Cook the Onions: Continue to cook the onions over lower heat for 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring every few minutes to ensure they brown evenly. Adjust heat to maintain a gentle simmer and add small amounts of water if onions begin to dry out or stick to the pan. Once the onions are deeply brown and caramelized, remove from heat and set aside.
  4. Cook the Pasta: While onions near completion, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add about 2 teaspoons of salt to the boiling water, then add your pasta. Cook for 8-10 minutes or according to package directions until al dente.
  5. Drain and Reserve Pasta Water: Drain the pasta, reserving 2 cups of the cooking liquid to use in the sauce.
  6. Combine Pasta and Onions: Add the cooked pasta to the pan with caramelized onions. Pour in 1 cup of the reserved pasta water and stir to combine.
  7. Add Parmesan and Adjust Sauce: Stir in the shredded parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt into the sauce. If the pasta feels too thick or dry, incorporate more reserved pasta water gradually until the desired consistency is reached.
  8. Finish with Parsley and Pepper: Stir in freshly chopped parsley and season with fresh ground black pepper to taste.
  9. Serve Immediately: Plate the pasta and serve while hot. Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator, where they will keep well for up to 3 days.

Notes

  • Caramelizing onions is a slow process that develops deep flavor; patience is key to avoid burning.
  • The optional sugar speeds up caramelization but can be omitted for a more natural onion sweetness.
  • Non-dairy parmesan alternatives work well to keep the dish vegan or dairy-free.
  • Reserved pasta water is starchy and helps to create a silky sauce consistency when combined with cheese and onions.
  • Leftover pasta can be reheated gently on the stovetop with a splash of water to restore moisture.
  • Author: Olivia
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Vegan

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