Caramelized Onion Pasta Recipe
Introduction
This caramelized onion pasta is a simple yet flavorful dish that highlights sweet, slowly cooked onions paired with your favorite pasta. It’s an easy recipe that transforms basic ingredients into a comforting meal perfect for any night of the week.
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
- 1/2-1 cup shredded parmesan (non-dairy) (such as Violife shaved parmesan)
- 2-3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Fresh ground black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a large sauté pan. Add the sliced onions and stir to coat them evenly with the oil. Spread the onions out in the pan.
- Step 2: Cook the onions, stirring every few minutes. After 10 minutes, sprinkle with salt and granulated sugar if using. Continue cooking for 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring regularly and lowering the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Add a splash of water if onions start to stick or dry out. Remove from heat once they are a rich, brown color.
- Step 3: While the onions near completion, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions, usually 8-10 minutes.
- Step 4: Drain the pasta, reserving 2 cups of the cooking liquid.
- Step 5: Add the drained pasta back into the pan with the caramelized onions. Pour in 1 cup of the reserved pasta water and stir in the shredded parmesan until melted.
- Step 6: If the mixture feels too thick, gradually add more reserved pasta water to loosen it. Stir in chopped fresh parsley and season with fresh ground black pepper to taste.
- Step 7: Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Tips & Variations
- Adding sugar accelerates caramelization but can be omitted for a more savory flavor.
- Use a combination of sweet and yellow onions for extra depth.
- For a creamy version, stir in a splash of non-dairy cream or vegan butter at the end.
- Top with toasted pine nuts or walnuts for added crunch and flavor contrast.
Storage
Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce if needed.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other types of onions?
Yes, yellow onions work best for their balance of sweetness and flavor, but you can also use white or red onions. Keep in mind that red onions will give a different color and slightly different taste.
Is this recipe vegan?
This version uses non-dairy parmesan to keep it vegan. Ensure your pasta contains no eggs if you want to keep the dish fully vegan.
PrintCaramelized Onion Pasta Recipe
A rich and savory Caramelized Onion Pasta recipe featuring slowly cooked onions that develop deep, sweet flavors, combined with perfectly cooked pasta and melty parmesan. Finished with fresh parsley and black pepper for a comforting, flavorful meal that’s simple yet elegant.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Onions
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 medium yellow onions, halved and sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar (optional, helps caramelize onions faster)
Pasta
- 12 ounces pasta of choice
- 2 teaspoons salt (for pasta water)
Finishing
- 1/2–1 cup shredded parmesan (non-dairy, such as Violife shaved parmesan)
- 2–3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Fresh ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Caramelize the onions: Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a large sauté pan. Add the sliced onions and stir to coat in the oil, spreading them evenly across the pan. Cook, stirring every few minutes.
- Season the onions: After 10 minutes, sprinkle the onions with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon granulated sugar if desired to speed caramelization. Continue cooking the onions for 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring frequently and lowering the heat as needed to maintain a gentle simmer. Add small amounts of water if the onions start to dry out. Cook until the onions turn a rich, deep brown color, then remove from heat and set aside.
- Cook the pasta: As the onions near completion, bring a large pot of water to a boil, adding about 2 teaspoons of salt. Cook the pasta according to package directions, typically 8-10 minutes, until al dente.
- Drain pasta and reserve liquid: Drain the pasta, reserving 2 cups of the pasta cooking water for later use.
- Combine pasta and onions: Add the drained pasta to the pan with the caramelized onions along with 1 cup of the reserved pasta water. Stir in the shredded parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt into the sauce.
- Adjust consistency and season: If the pasta seems too thick, add more reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach desired consistency. Stir in chopped fresh parsley and season generously with fresh ground black pepper.
- Serve immediately: Plate the pasta and enjoy while warm. Leftover pasta can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Notes
- Using a low and slow cooking method for onions ensures proper caramelization without burning.
- Adding sugar is optional but helps speed up caramelization and enhances sweetness.
- Reserving pasta water is key for creating a silky sauce that coats the pasta well.
- Non-dairy parmesan alternatives like Violife work great for a vegan-friendly option.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and gently reheat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.
Keywords: Caramelized Onion Pasta, Italian Pasta, Vegetarian Pasta, Easy Dinner, Comfort Food
